big decision

[porridge]

Hi guys...

My DH has been in the reserves for a couple of years and has also wanted to join the regs. If we hadn't had DS then we'd probably be in Canberra now.

His job will probably finish in 2008 (at most) and he's talking seriously about joining.

I'm a bit scared about moving... we have all our family around us here (no more than 10 mins by car)

I'm a bit of a chicken... but I know that he really wants to do it and has a passion for it.

what is it really like?

[cjb/jbvd]

they don't call us "mushrooms" for nothing....kept in the dark and fed on sh*t. depending on what line of work DH is in, it can be very uncertain alot of the time. deployments and field time come up at the last moment. and you don't always know when or if you're going, or when you're coming home, and sometimes you're not quite sure where you're going. and they don't tell spouses anything. then there's duties and mess functions and g - res weekends. late hours during stocktakes.............. the list goes on. it can be hard for spouses to understand the lifestyle. you adopt all their mates, even the ones you don't know very well. they come round for BBQ's and drinks, crash on your couch, all at little notice. but then, you are always welcome to do the same at anyone elses house too. every three/four years you move. usually to another state. but they don't tell you where until five months before you need to move.

but in return, you get an extended family. all the other army wives will look after you, introduce you and help you settle in. you can rely on them (even the ones you don't know very well) for anything from looking after your kids in emergencies to babysitting your pets if you go on a holiday. the army will provide you a cheap house anywhere you live. most of the time, Dh will start work at 7am and finish at 4pm every day, and get knocked off early on friday. he gets about four weeks paid leave per year that he can take at any time it suits you. he can tak a day off at short notice to take care of any personal stuff that comes up. the army will pack and move your stuff for free whenever you move, and they will pay to fly you to your nearest relative if you need support while DH is away. they will even organise someone to mow your lawn. you get free acess to the gym and pool on base. and you never need to worry about childcare as there is always one on base and defence personel get first place. the pay is pretty good, and the opportunity for bonuses for field time, tax free money on deployments is great.

it's definately a big commitment. especially for the spouses. but the rewards are worth it.