“Dulce bellum inexpertis”
(war is delightful for those who don’t know it)
- Desiderius Erasmus
http://www.military-quotes.com/database/e.htm

Fair opinions my reasoning is this wen I served before I got board and wanted to be in a different role so therefore maybe my wording was incorrect. I want a role in the defence force that isn't mundane something challenging and diverse changing every day. If you don't enjoy what you do you will struggle to do your job with passion. If you enjoy what you so you will excel and succeed in your chosen career path.

So that is why I chose a diff path this time and have waited for my chosen job instead of just taking what I can to get in. That's why I was asking for advice and opinions. Thanks for the feed back.

Most jobs in the ADF have a high percentage of boredom mate......

My only advice is that you just have to be positive and always open to change. I know nothing of Australian Commando or SAS training.

Becoming a Danish special force operator is very demanding. The process takes a total of about 1 ½ years, with the training and selection carried out regularly throughout the process. There´s great focus on your mental strength. The vast majority of the soldiers in Denmark trying to pass the selection drop out due to lack of mental strength.

In terms of infantry training, then prepare yourself for a lot of marching and running both with and without backpack. You may be untrained or on the triathlon national team but whatever your training background is, it will cost you a lot of sweat, blisters and maybe a single tear . There´s no doubt that the better shape you're in, the better you will succeed.
Your willingness and ability to cooperate will also be measured - no matter how physically strong you are, then cooperation is absolutely alpha omega
What counts is what you accomplish and nothing else.

Good luck mate

Originally Posted by SigJohnson

Most jobs in the ADF have a high percentage of boredom mate......

10% action - 90% boredom
Such is life in most armies

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"

Brinktk years ago I talked to a few guys that served lengthy amounts of time in Nam. That were very restless and didn't know what to do with them selves in a peace time military and not fighting. They described it like a drug. I wasn't there (Nam) just hearing the post Nam stories from guys that were there while I was in.

Originally Posted by JOC

Brinktk years ago I talked to a few guys that served lengthy amounts of time in Nam. That were very restless and didn't know what to do with them selves in a peace time military and not fighting. They described it like a drug. I wasn't there (Nam) just hearing the post Nam stories from guys that were there while I was in.

Absolutely and I don't disagree. It does "change you". Every second, of every minute, of every day mattered. Seconds are so precious when you think you only have a few more left. There is clarity and focus, everything you do is measured and thought through. The brotherhood and love is indescribable.

At the same time the misery can be palpable. The frustrations, exertion, and absolute fatigue are oft forgotten about and seldom covered or understood by the uninitiated. One can easily lose their "frame of mind" by falling into the very primal thought process that can come from the reality that one is immersed in on a daily basis. It is very difficult to pull yourself out of the primal when you think you're already dead. When you come home, life is dull, greyish, and unfamiliar. Talking to people who don't know can be exasperating as well as infuriating. Sharing moments with friends from times before can be different after going through months or even years of combat because you find yourself no longer having much in common with them anymore...sometimes family too. Knowing there will never be a time where you will feel as alive as you felt after a close call, or a brisk firefight, which can lead some to fall into nostalgia.

I too, feel that way at times and I find myself truly missing some of the greatest moments of my life during my time spent down range. I try very hard to accept what I am and where I am now. Whenever I think too unfondly of my current circumstances I think of the brothers that I've lost over the years and remember why I am here. Their sacrifice, taken too soon from this world from us, their family, their friends...was made so guys like me can have the moments they won't get to have with the ones they love the most. I think about that and remember that I have a duty to live for them and ensure their sacrifice isn't wasted or forgotten.

When I remember that duty I remember that this is the cost. Combat is seductive. It is the stuff of books, movies, glory, fun, adventure, legends etc...But I know what it really is. It's a parasite, playing off the vanity and naivety of those who would partake in it in order to lay waste to all it touches. After that realization is made by those now intimate with this black widow of destruction, it is a vicious circle of longing to return for completely different reasons...just so she can have another shot at clamping her venomous fangs into you, and now those who you lead once again. Waste...such waste.

I could try to answer the why of it...why do we want to go back so much...and it wouldn't matter. Only we who have been know why and no amount of explanation will adequately cover the why. Just be careful what you wish for...you just might get it...

Goddamn Brinktk
You almost made me cry - was back in the sandbox for a few seconds.

I came to remember an old buddy who basically was drunk every day, after he had left the Army. He didn't drink to forget - he drank to remember the "happy days"

Originally Posted by SigJohnson

Most jobs in the ADF have a high percentage of boredom mate......

It's more enjoying the job and having the drive to do it with excellence. When I last served I found my job boring as I didn't enjoy it unless we were at battle stations.