Thanks Rowan, i did exceptionally well in the aptitude test and pretty well in my interview so i was just curious as to why they would move me, even though i was originally suppose to go in as an engineer.

Capt Frogman, mate i would absolutely not even think about joining the SASR right now. I have had the honor of meeting some blokes in the regiment and they are in a completely different league. I simply wanted to know if being moved over to ARTY would hinder my chances (if they ever arose or if i was ever to meet the high standards that the military have of the roles of commandos and SASR) of having the opportunity to have a go, even after a few years of training and getting my skills up. Thats an IF and only an IF.

Originally Posted by pato_88

Capt Frogman, mate i would absolutely not even think about joining the SASR right now. I have had the honor of meeting some blokes in the regiment and they are in a completely different league. I simply wanted to know if being moved over to ARTY would hinder my chances (if they ever arose or if i was ever to meet the high standards that the military have of the roles of commandos and SASR) of having the opportunity to have a go, even after a few years of training and getting my skills up. Thats an IF and only an IF.

SASR selection is open to all serving in the ADF, regardless of their speciality.

The selection process tests mental and physical strength, endurance, overall fitness, the ability to remain calm in combat and the ability to work effectively in small teams. Coming from an artillery background would be of little disadvantage.

Originally Posted by Capt Frogman

SASR selection is open to all serving in the ADF, regardless of their speciality.

The selection process tests mental and physical strength, endurance, overall fitness, the ability to remain calm in combat and the ability to work effectively in small teams. Coming from an artillery background would be of little disadvantage.

Thanks, that's what i was wondering. I was just interested to know whether pushing my case manager to try and find me a Rifleman spot would be of any advantage, but knowing that the opportunities are still provided for selection into the CDO and SASR courses to other than Infantry units is re-assuring. It gives me something to potentially work towards in my military career.

Originally Posted by pato_88

Thanks, that's what i was wondering. I was just interested to know whether pushing my case manager to try and find me a Rifleman spot would be of any advantage, but knowing that the opportunities are still provided for selection into the CDO and SASR courses to other than Infantry units is re-assuring. It gives me something to potentially work towards in my military career.

It depends whether artillery interests you? Little point specialising in a unit that you have no interest in. You'll not enjoy it otherwise and will quickly lose interest.

Artillery is something that interests me, i have a great deal of respect and interest in the role of a gunner, i was just wondering about the ability to learn new skill sets and to take on new roles in the future (in artillery). I understand a rifleman has a few more roles that he may have the opportunity to specialize in thus having more opportunity to learn in which would increase their skill sets and allow them to have greater opportunities to expand into new roles in the future, being that of SF etc.

Originally Posted by pato_88

Artillery is something that interests me, i have a great deal of respect and interest in the role of a gunner, i was just wondering about the ability to learn new skill sets and to take on new roles in the future (in artillery). I understand a rifleman has a few more roles that he may have the opportunity to specialize in thus having more opportunity to learn in which would increase their skill sets and allow them to have greater opportunities to expand into new roles in the future, being that of SF etc.

Obviously a rifleman has more opportunities open to them. You could be the best rifleman in your unit, but that doesn't mean you have a better chance of passing SF selection.

As I posted already, SF selection concentrates on your mental and physical strength, endurance, overall fitness and the ability to work as a team etc etc. It's not all about your previous role and weapons abilities, that can be taught.

Hi I am wanting to enlist am approaching my assessment day this coming December I am at a cross road as my preference is navy but am wanting to change it to army as my original plan was to join navy as a boatswains mate so my ships divers course then then wen I picked up my able rate transfer over to clearance diver. Then ultimately apply for the Special air service regiment. However the waiting list is huge for boatswain Mate so after long talks with my case officer I am thinking of changing to army and opting for rifleman and once ready going for SFT and aiming for 2nd Commando reg. I have had prior service in the navy as a sonar man so naturally my pref was navy but a hunger for combat is undeniable. I live in Brisbane and I'm 29 turning 30 in January I have been training since my first yous session way back in 2009 have done two more since then to keep my results current just waiting for a spot to open up. Any help guidance would be greatly appreciated as this is a life long goal of mine thanks in advance.

Originally Posted by Anthonyruka

...but a hunger for combat is undeniable...

It shouldn't be.
It can become part of your job, but to hunger for it - NEVER!

Originally Posted by Kesse81

It shouldn't be.
It can become part of your job, but to hunger for it - NEVER!

They always think they do....it isn't anything new...I have stopped trying to convince people it isn't what they think. I just train my guys and hope I've prepared them to move past that initial shock and do their jobs.


"Everyone wants to have been in combat, noone wants to be in combat"

Originally Posted by brinktk

They always think they do....it isn't anything new...I have stopped trying to convince people it isn't what they think. I just train my guys and hope I've prepared them to move past that initial shock and do their jobs.


"Everyone wants to have been in combat, noone wants to be in combat"

Well, I guess you're right. But I understand the fascination of combat.
I felt the same way before, but now that I've been there and done it the enthusiasm is not quite as great. But there is no doubt that it was the biggest adrenaline trip I've ever been on.