Joining the Australian Defence Force

[chola]

Hi, I am an Engineering graduate and I have decided to appear for the selection process to join the Australian Defence Force. I need some preparation tips as information is very scarce in the net, or atleast for me. I have ordered the free dvds and scanning the websites but still have some doubts.

The jobs I am interested are

Army - Electrical/Mechatronic Officer
Air Force - Armament/Electronics/Aeronautical Officer


My confusions

1. The first process is to take an aptitude test. Is there a similar aptitude test on the net? Would be great to get an idea about it and do some sample tests.

2. The details I need to be thorough for the interview are
- Job Description
- Army/Air Force Structure
- Bases/Facilities/History

What other details I should know well enough? I read somewhere in the internet "Go and behave like a potential officer". Does that mean that me having an army hair cut and a stiff body language will help?

3. I have a slight hearing loss in my left ear. Will this be a problem for the jobs I am enlisting?


If there is anything that will be useful for my preparation please let me know. Thanks.

 

[robbo_c]

here is the link to the sample aptitude test http://content.defencejobs.gov.au/p...GuideToAptitudeandAbilityTesting_20080811.pdf some other things you will need to know is what equipment you will be using like weapons etc,just dress nicely,and yeah get a haircut it shows your more interested and you really are prepared to do things like that.Just show confidence in the interview and answer all the questions well and you should be fine.

 

[chola]

Thanks robbo. One of the main reasons for joining ADF is for me to get my life back on track.

Life has been showing its dark shades lately to me and I lost a few dear things that I held closely. Some due to my mistakes but many were because of things which are beyond my control. I believe the training, challenge and mingling with people who are living at their edge will help me regain the good thoughts about myself again. I don't have any grudges on other people and the society and in fact I want to give them something more than I currently am through ADF.

Is this a good thing to tell in the interview as my main motivation? It is the truth.

 

[StingrayOZ]

You should always tell the truth, lying gets you burnt.

But you express the truth in a positive way. The ADF is looking for positive can do, go get them people who really want to contribute to the professionalism of the force.

As a former recruiter (not for the ADF but in industry) you are speaking about what your new potential employer has to do for you and have come across with low self esteem. That may not be you at all, but thats how I read it.

Say what you can do for the ADF. If you can't be positive about yourself in an interview can you ever be positive about yourself? Talk about your strengths not of your weaknesses. What are you good at, what can you offer? What experience?

If you want to be an officer they are looking for strong minded people who show leadership qualities and inspire others when the crap hits the fan. The sort of person people turn to when there is a major crisis. Can you be that kind of person. Are you good in crisis situtations? Do you step up to the challenge? You have had set backs, does it rattle you? Are you able to learn from mistakes and remain positive, to lead your team effectively? Do you ever give up hope?

For an officer level position they are going to be quite agressive about finding out answers to these types of questions, more so than regular entry. If you think you will struggle maybe have some time to think about it, and concider other careers or non-officer entry or at least how you will answer theese types of questions. If you think you are ready then go for it.

As for advice, its a bit like bum holes, everyones got one. But I would say that I think you should reassess your motivation. When asked "what is your motivation?" try replying with these first few works "I have a burning desire to..." and then go on to explain your motivation with words compatable with "burning desire". You don't have to use "burning desire" in your interview, but when applying for a job it helps to bring your own strong motivation. With the right motivation people can overcome almost anything!

 

[chola]

Thanks StinGrayOZ. You are right, my above statements do read parasitic. I went down with pessimism initially, complaining and whining, but later I fought them all with my best efforts.

My first thought is, Yes, I do have stuff in me that I can give back to the Officer Job. I need to think and get the right mindset, which you described. I have a good career, but after a few life changing events, my heart wants me to go and become an Army Officer.

Thanks again.

 

[StingrayOZ]

If you stay positive you will be fine.

 

[stealthmodeon]

Hello All,

I'm off to my YOU day in a few months, I intend to apply to go ARES as a Infantry Officer. The interview process for this causes no real fear. My fitness is excellent (for a 31 year old...).

The questions I have mostly revolve around what to do at Kapooka. Most of the advice I have seen is "be a grey man, do not stand out at anything, disappear into the faceless mass... etc..".

Does this apply to those wishing to be officers? Should not an officer entry try to excel at everything they do and try to help where they can? Or is Kapooka more about everybody does everything the same?

Regards.

 

[barra]

Hello All,

I'm off to my YOU day in a few months, I intend to apply to go ARES as a Infantry Officer. The interview process for this causes no real fear. My fitness is excellent (for a 31 year old...).

The questions I have mostly revolve around what to do at Kapooka. Most of the advice I have seen is "be a grey man, do not stand out at anything, disappear into the faceless mass... etc..".

Does this apply to those wishing to be officers? Should not an officer entry try to excel at everything they do and try to help where they can? Or is Kapooka more about everybody does everything the same?

Regards.

Being the grey man is fine in theory but sooner or later you will be the center of the instructors and rest of the trainees attention, either through your own or someone else's efforts. You are not going to fly under the radar and breeze through if you keep your head down. The instructors aren't stupid, remember they are professionals trained to observe and interpret peoples reactions to the situations that arise during training and the training itself. Everything you do and say will be observed and noted (as well as don't do and say). Don't sweat it, you will most likely do fine and learn plenty about yourself in the process, thats the object.

 

[Dogtag]

Hi Stealthmodeon,

Have you been for your YOU Session yet?

I have mine tomro in Parramatta, Sydney.

Thought you may have some advice.

Cheers mate.

 

[robbo_c]

Hi mate I went to my YOU session about a month ago and it was pretty easy.You just have a quick info session,then you do the aptitude test which is fairly easy,then a quick medical you just have to read some numbers to make sure your not colour blind then a quick interview with someone in the defence force.Nothing much to really worry about.My advice would be to dress nice like wearing a suit and be confident, first impressions count.

 

[Dogtag]

Hey Robbo, Thanks for replying. Just what i wanted to hear. Got the suit and the confident first impression i hope. I'm applying for RAAF Ground Defence. Can i ask what position you applied for and how's the recriuting process going so far? Any success? Cheesr mate.

 

[robbo_c]

I applied for General Entry Rifleman,so far they are still looking over my medical forms,and i got one of my forms sent back today because I forgot to sign something ,sent that off today so hopefully i should be getting my assesment day soon.From what I've heard it will take any where from 1 month to 2 months before you have your assesment day.

 

[wogboy]

worried

hi all
im planning of joining the army but i am worried that my hearing loss will let me down, i was just wondering if anyone knew the hearing limits to join the army. i have a hearing loss in both ears and i am frantic for answers but no-one is providing them

please let me know if you know the regulations
thanks:

 

[Equinox]

hi all
im planning of joining the army but i am worried that my hearing loss will let me down, i was just wondering if anyone knew the hearing limits to join the army. i have a hearing loss in both ears and i am frantic for answers but no-one is providing them

please let me know if you know the regulations
thanks:

I'm sure someone may be able to give you a rough answer, or you may be able to find one searching around. But honestly? Your best bet is ringing or dropping by your local recruiting center, they should be able to tell you or provide some information.

 

[lopez]

They do a hearing test When they Assess you. I believe the hearing test had different decibel cut offs for different frequencies. From memory the cut offs were in between 25-40 decibels for the different frequencies. But I am not entirely sure. All I can say is go through with the application and you will know for sure. It isn't hard or time consuming even if you don't make it you wont be any worse off than you are now. So go for it and see what comes of it