I am not sure you can join commandos straight off the street, why not join, go to infantry and see if it suits you first,Secret wars? what secret wars? even if their were any, they would be the first preserve of the SAS.You asked about the role of an artillery observer try and get hold of the Australian Infantry Training Vol 4 The Platoon 1964 it shows exactly what the F.O.O. does.Both commandos and SAS are being used as Infantry at the present time in Afghanistan to boost the Infantry ranks.So if you are looking for glamour its not the time.Joining the Infantry will still make you fit.Then look for the other disciplines to further your fitnes and skills..

Consider revising what ever you just said... Cos I dont have a clue...

Does your answer also apply to CDO1 ? are there any other hardcore units available for part time ? was just curious, thanks in advance.

Hardcore????

Originally Posted by SigJohnson

Hardcore????

There are dicks in all units

I have always loved that mentality of being 'hardcore'"I admit when I was about 13 I had the same mentality. In answer to the question, 1 CDO regt is a reserve unit, and you must still go through selection etc, same as the ARA to get a green beret. So I suppose yes, it is 'hardcore'.......

Originally Posted by whatsisup

Does your answer also apply to CDO1 ? are there any other hardcore units available for part time ? was just curious, thanks in advance.

Let me get this straight... you want to be "hardcore", but you only want to commit some of the time? Or are you simply after part time service in a good unit that you can be truly proud of?

At the SF level mate, you're either all-in, or you'll be found out and packed off within the first day of your course. 1CDO may technically be a "Reserve" unit, but the guys there don't consider themselves part-timers, and neither does Army in terms of what it expects from them in terms of Readiness.

If you're interested in a part-time military career, there is nothing wrong with that. I was ARES for 10 years, and loved it. But do not confuse the ARES with some real life equivalent of Call of Duty. Don't get me wrong it's more than possible to put in a ton of effort with a bunch of likewise guys putting in an equal ton of effort as Reservists to be a part of something pretty damned good - there are plenty of ARES units across the country which are very very good, especially compared to overseas counterparts. Likewise, as with any Army, there are ARES units which are truly shithouse.

10th Light Horse, for example, did not pick up multiple Bronzes over the last few years at one of the world's foremost military skills competitions (EX Cambrian Patrol in Wales' Brecon Beacons) by having a lack of dedicated members who took their craft seriously. Likewise the fact that it provided the lion's effort of ARES manning for certain Perth-based DFACA Operations last year and continues to punch the hardest of any other unit in it's Brigade in supporting manning for overseas ARES deployments tells you something.

For a "bunch of stinking chocs", they have good solid relationships with a range of ARA units precisely because despite being a unit of soldiers who work as soldiers typically 120 man days a year or less, the guys know you get out what you put in.... so they put in, and get the gratification, pride and recognition that goes along with that effort.

I guess what I'm saying is you can be a serious, professional soldier in any posting.... it's what you make of it.

Hi guys,

Sorry if i have stuffed up, but this is my first ever comment on a thread an di have never been a part of a forum before. In regards to this thread though, i too am about to join as an Artilleryman. I was interviewed for Rifleman as i wanted to start out as infantry in my ADF career as i believe it would be a good foundation role for the rest of my career in the ADF but when i was given my enlistment date (today) my case manager said there was nothing available for Rifleman and i would be waiting for a while, but my second preference as Artillery would have me heading to Kapooka in July. '

So my question is, also, do you think this role would implicate my chances to ever make a move to commandos or into an infantry role? I am almost 25 so i have a littl emore life experience than some, so i would like to try my hand at selection sooner rather than later, although i am very aware that i have a lot to learn etc. I am not saying in any way that i will ever make a commando position or even try, i would like to have the option though and was concerned that moving into an Artillery role would hinder that chance?

Everyone does basic INF training. Corps posting to ARTY probably indicates that they think you're BRIGHT! (I was a Gunner Officer in the RAA). Transferring to SAS can happen from any corps, so I wouldn't worry too much if you have the aptitude.

Any thoughts about the SAS this early in your career is foolish.

Get a few years under your belt before even thinking about it.