Defence force members!

[raafy]

Retired from the RAAF 17 years ago after doing 20 years. Still miss the noise of the aircraft & the smell of jet fuel.

[rkinsey]

I served for 6 years in the 1980's as a cook in Albury\Wodonga in the Army. I wasnt deployed to any opperations overseas but I did pass up an oportunity to work with the UN in Germany for 12 months. Im kicking myself for letting that one go, would have been there to see the beginning of the end of the Berlin Wall.

Although I didnt see any conflict, I am very respectful of those who have and will always be greatful for their sacriffice.

Cheers,

Rob

[Tank]

I'll be the first Kiwi then spent time in the New Zealand Army 2/1 bat and then afterwards spent time working with Cadet Forces untill the bull shit got too deep. Can still shoot straight, track ect. Get to use some of these skills from time to time with SAR over here when we get an evadour (apart from the shooting them bit)

[chester]

To all that have served or a still serving my hat come's off to you and my glass is raised.

I have never served,never wanted to,but i have the upmost respect for those who have.

Every year i go to the anzac service,and go down to the Vietnam rememberance day at the local VVMC clubhouse,on days when some of them feel like talking about it,sitting there having a beer with them and listening to them just blows my mind.

To the fallen heros who never made it back YOU ARE NEVER FORGOTTEN.

[Monty_e]

Gday fellas.

RLI - I might have to PM you some advocacy questions.

I transferred to the Reserve in Jun 12 after 20! Enlisted as a Double-Chock in 92 (139 Sig Sqn - the old 6 Bde), transferred to ARA and Commissioned in 96 back with the Chooks. Had my fare share of Op tours, but enjoyed my jobs with Norforce and Aviation (5Avn & 16 Bde) the most. 11 years in Brisbane has to be a record!

[PMC]

I was 22 years in the Royal Navy - Does that help?

G'day Bulbous,

Great Navy those Brits! Good onya mate for your service to your country!

Regards,

RLI

[twisty]

Twisty where were those squadrons located???

5Sqn (Iroquois) at RAAF Fairbairn, Canberra. 35Sqn (Iroquois and Caribou) RAAF Base Townsville.

[Monty_e]

Lest we forget!

[the evil twin]

Jeez reading this a blokes getting all warm and fuzzy... I was lucky enough to get around a fair bit.

2 Aircraft Depot (Yuuuk, enough said)
478 Sqn (Malaysia)
481 Sqn (Newcastle)
486 Sqn (Sydney, two tours)
3 Sqn (Fighters also Malaysia)
36 Sqn (C130's)
TAAMS (Darwin)
Had a few overseas detachments to New Zealand and P.N.G. and a heap of short term stuff around Oz with the C130's to places like Townsville, Brissy, Adelaide, Tassy and some out of the way spots in W.A. and the East States outback when we used the Military a lot more than we do today to do 'National Assistance' tasking for flood and drought relief etc. Fodder drops were a bitch on the aircraft but the locals made sure you couldn't buy a beer at the local pub unless they bought you ten first.

2AD aside I loved almost every minute (sober or otherwise) and would do it all over again in a heartbeat... 'cept I'd drop something on those rrsehole pollies in Canberra who totally screw over the Defence Pensioners. Sorry, didn't mena to wax political but jeez they give me the shytes

[twisty]

Jeez reading this a blokes getting all warm and fuzzy...

2AD aside I loved almost every minute (sober or otherwise) and would do it all over again in a heartbeat...

I hear ya ET. aahhh ... 2AD, where every good fitter goes to die.

I spent most of my time on helipcopters so I also spent a lot of time in the bush and on disaster relief. Best trip, Solomon Islands after a cyclone. BEAUTIFUL place, and nothing more fun than kicking out 44's of fuel in to the harbour from the back of a Caribou (and we stayed in a HOTEL!). Worst trip, the one to 2AD. Best flight was on exercise near Wiepa, Iroquois flat out, doors open, below tree top level along the Normanton (?) river and watching the crocs run for cover. I remember being greatful for the SLR in the roof lining, and then thinking "the only reason to stop here is if we crash".

Now ... where did I put those pics?