Squeek

I got a Microsoft Arc mouse as a gift and it is preettty awesome. Basically the mouse is a thin arc that can fold up for storage. Details athttp://www.microsoft.com/hardware/mouseandkeyboard/ProductDetails.aspx?pid=112.

Today i finally got my assessment date for my gap year application (9th of Dec at 0740). However my first choice which was the Air Force didn’t go so well due to all available places being already filled up no worries though i’m now going for the Navy. Which isn’t all that bad since the Navy gap year program has the most women signing up (56% ).

This was the email i recieved

Please find attached some information to assist you with your preparation for your Assessment session.

To ensure you are prepared for your session, you need to complete a Pre Assessment Checklist, prior to the day.

The checklist is mock interview conducted over the phone, to check your preparation for your Assessment Session.

You should review the below information.

http://www.defencejobs.gov.au/content/pdf/triservice/DFR-RECREF050.ImportantInformationForGeneralEntryandOfficerEntryCandidates.pdf

As well as ALL the information on the job description attached.

You should visit www.navy.gov.au

Job Training

Where and how long is your initial military training?
What does your initial military training comprise and do you have an understanding of the military training environment
e.g. work hours, parade drill, and physical training?
Where and how long is your initial employment training?
Where can you expect to be posted on completion of your initial employment training?

General Service Knowledge

What is your initial minimum period of service and what does this mean?
What type of equipment will you work on or with in your job role with the Army/Navy/RAAF?
What is your understanding of the main day-to-day activities in the job role you are applying for?
Can you state some of the positive and negative aspects of the employment conditions of your job role?
Have you reviewed Defence Conditions of Service and Policies and do you have a basic understanding of each of the subjects?
If not, do you wish to speak to a Defence Careers Counsellor about this?
What is motivating you to apply for this job/service and are you ready to discuss this with your Defence Interviewer?
Have you thought about your personal qualities and attributes and how they make you suitable for your preferred job/service?
What is your requirement to pass the pre-enlistment fitness assessment?
If you are applying for a full-time position, have you considered the possibility of overseas deployments and combat related duties?
What is your understanding of the Combat Role and are you aware that all ADF members receive weapons training?
Have you considered what affect the ADF service lifestyle might have on you and your family?

Here some extra questions you might want to look at:

What makes a good officer?
What is motivating you to apply for this role?
Give leadership examples
What current operations is the ADF involved within Australia and overseas? (review www.defence.gov.au)

Don’t hesistate to call or email me, if you have any questions about your assessment or your preparation.

Thank you for your time.

Yep, quite a lot eh? On top of all that i need to prepare for a citizenship interview because i’m a permanent resident and in order to join the ADF Gap Year program i need to be an Australian Citizen (to make sure i’m not a Chinese agent here to spy on Australia’s steel industry). The entire process has been fairly smooth. I first applied online then was asked the next day to undergo a basic online GA test, afterwards i got shortlisted and was invited to undertake another set of computer based tests (math/english/GA) which was created by the Defence Psychology Department. After the test you get a quick health check as well as a colour blindness test (guilty). Then an interviewer sits you down one-on-one and discusses your reasons for wanting to do ADF Gap Year and gives your service options based on your test results (I made it into everything but my colour blindness limited me to admin work or being a steward in the Army, the Navy and Air Force on the other hand are more accepting giving me all the options available). After the YOU session you fill out some paperwork then wait patiently for them to confirm everything and book you in for an Assessment. At the Assessment apparently i get to have a chat with a Defence Department psychologist so they can confirm my mentality (to make sure i won’t go crazy and kill people like that guy in the US) also happening on that day I’ll receive a full physical exam which for males includes blood tests and an “examination of external genitals” >< Not Fun. After all that i assume you’ll be informed on the day whether you are successful or not. So wish me luck and i’ll give you the full update of my (physical) Assessment Day.