Aust. Army Avn Training Life and beyond...

[Texdoc]

Hi All,

Would like to contact and correspond with anyone who is present (recent or full of good info about same) AAAVn training.

Basically, for those who may wish to answer publicly here are a few specifics of what/why I am chasing information:

During training at BFTS Tamworth and then training at Oakey has anyone gone the route of taking family with them (Have wife and one youngster).

Recommended?
NO! At all costs, too hard!?!

Are you required to keep LIA if you have rented/DPA?
Ideas if it happens that way, to manage things. (Not looking for life skills coaching just researching/canvassing all information for things I may not have considered)

Also what is the posting regime like in terms of preferences:
Who gets them? (Most, none, all, cream of the crop)
Where are the most sort after locations (Darwin, T'ville and now Holsworthy).
What Sqd, Regt flies the most? (Generally)

Wish to make the best informed decisions I can for everyone’s benefit, because I know there will be more pressure and time critical studies to focus once it all begins...

Searched and read previous posts ad nauseum so no need to link those here.

THANKS :ok:

[Chinook]

Texdoc,

been a while since I did Tamworth, but if you want I can provide some perspective.

The system will not pay for your removal or subsidise your rental in Tamworth (unless things have changed recently) so be aware of the financial implications.

Family with you while training depends on the kind of guy you are, and the way you and your wife run things. A good mate of mine on training had his family with him (wife + 2) and he did really well. He had recently completed 12 months full time schooling, was an experienced soldier and his wife 'knew the drill' - he got on with the job and she played 'solo mum' 75-80% of the time.

I have found that although I miss my family terribly on a course such as BFTS, I need to be away from them to avoid becoming distracted.

That's a decision you and wife need to take together. Be under no doubt though, Tamworth, Oakey and then Regiment training will take all your spare time if you wish to pass. I list my five rules for passing pilot training below, given me by a wise old pilot - they have served me well:

1. Hook in 110% every day, every task

2. Never visualise or contemplate anything but success - 'If I fail I will do ..' is the last thing a man says on course before he gets scrubbed

3. Never, ever, give in

4. Take one day at a time - learn from debriefs or mistakes and apply lessons to future sorties / tests

5. Leave the booze, cars and women for when your wings are on your chest!

As for postings in a Regt, the deal is really you can't tell. 1 Avn Regt used to fly lots more than 5 Avn Regt, but I think Tiger and her simulator will stop 1 Avn Regt doing that. My advice is make a preference for the role you want to fly (there is some 'filtering' based upon skill and aptitude for each role done at the schools) and that will point you to the location. Holsworthy is probably a second tour posting, given their specialised role, so you are looking at Townsville or Darwin. Both excellent spots ..... you get out of a location, what you put into it really.

Good luck at Tamworth, and with your decision ref family.

[Texdoc]

Great thanks Chinook, excellent advice and just the information I was after :ok:

Found some differing info online regarding Rental allowance in Tamworth, will have to investigate further...

Thought that may be the case with Holsworthy but speculated that the Tigers would be flown quite a bit and a preference for many experienced Pliots.

Thanks again.

[wishtobflying]

Heya Texdoc - got any further in the application process yet?

Re: removals - I think you'll find they'll only be a little hesitant about the removals simply because it's such a short "posting". Whether you take your family with you or not, Defence subsidises your family's rent from the minute you swear in. If you are paying off a house, tough luck, they don't subsidise house payments.

If you don't take your family, you'll qualify as "Member with Dependents (Separated)", and therefore you don't make extra contributions for living-in, you get extra trips home (paid for) while away, plus your rent back home being subsidised, so financially it can make it easier to leave them at home. The significant drop in pay during training for people like you and I who are established in our careers can be offset by this. If you're paying off a house and your wife doesn't work, definitely take them with you, as you can rent your home out plus have your rent in Tamworth subsidised.

Also give consideration to the fact that it's only six months, and having them re-locate for that short time might be more disruptive for them than you not being around for a while.

On the other hand, from what I've heard, off-base student houses in Tamworth are a bit of a hub on the weekend for other students looking for somewhere else to be that doesn't involve being in a pub or shopping. If your wife's up for it, your house could end up being quite popular of a weekend.

But I haven't done it yet, so take all this with a grain of salt. :)

[Texdoc]

Thanks WTBF,

Progressing well :D

Yes my recruiting Officer said that I could not get rental assistance at Tamworth. Online is says you can, Chinook was not sure... Will try DFH to get a ruling.

Not to concerned about the removals aspect would not move much gear for six months if the family came, even try for furnished accomodation.

Do those at Oakey live locally or commute from Toowoomba?

[wishtobflying]

Sorry - make that "Married with Dependents (Separated)"

From the few I've spoken with, the consensus about Oakey was that almost all commute from Toowoomba, I think partly because none would send their kids to the school at Oakey, but also because wives find Oakey a little ... restrictive ... from a lifestyle point of view. Any other serving members please feel free to chip in on this, I'm only passing on what I've heard.

Defence Housing Authority (DHA) will tell you most of what you need to know, they're on 1800 249 711, check with Defence Community Organisation (DCO) as well though - 3855 2822.

Thanks for your post Chinook, it's appreciated.

[Chinook]

When do you guys think you will show up at Tamworth?

[Texdoc]

I still have FSP to do, so... not until about June next year I would expect at the earliest. First Appointment Courses start in April and September I am told, BFTS after that.

[wishtobflying]

If I'm lucky I'll start March/April at RMC-D, so anywhere from June to December 2006 to start BFTS depending on course availability. I've already considered the very real possibility of spending a long time at Oakey doing inventory of socks or other exciting officer cadet-type tasks between finishing at Duntroon and starting at Tamworth! :ok:

As long as I get to wear green every day I'll be a happy boy. If I get to sweep out the simulator every now and then it would be icing. :ok:

[Chinook]

Might see you gentlemen there then, I'm posted to Tamworth in January.

A word to the wise, there is no such thing as an unassessed exercise, and while you are counting socks people will form an opinion of you that will last. Remember those five rules, even when you are sweeping out the simulator.

Good luck!

[wishtobflying]

Chinook, check PM's please

[spag]

wishtobflying is spot on about housing and removals.

If you live off base, don't live in Oakey.

Chinook's five rules are good advice, however number 5 could possibly be amended to "Leave the booze, cars and women for Friday nights and concentrate on the important stuff for the rest of the week." Not that booze, cars and women are unimportant ;) You need to have some pressure release.

Things would have to change for 171sqn to be made second tour, but Chinook would probably know better than I.

You will be given the type you desire if your instructors believe you suitable and there are enough slots open at the time.

There seems to be a good mixture of people coming through between those wanting Lift and those wanting ARH. Speak to a few pilots from each side when you are waiting in Oakey - it may help you decide or change your mind.

Good Luck

[Texdoc]

Thanks Spag :ok: Will do!

Chinook, I am hoping for FSP in January so might see you then, thanks again for the time and advice :D