Question for Defence Partners

[Ponyboy]

I don't know anyone that works in the defence force so this question is just for my own curiousity (sp.). Please don't take any offence to it and only answer it if you wish to.

To those that have partners over in Iraq - do those that are over there actually want to be there or feel that the Aussie troops should be involved??

You often hear about how many Australians feel that we shouldn't be involved but I was wondering what those closest to it feel.

I don't want this to become a debate about right or wrong or anything I'm just curious.

[here_we_go]

JMO from what I see being that I am in such a green family with many members in the ADF and particularly the army and many friends who are also in.

I don't know of any soldier that has openly discussed with me or my DP the righ/wrong debate on the war in Iraq.

I know everyone who has been there has been quite excited to be going, nervous but most I know think of it in terms of the money, how much 6 months of overseas duty will earn them and set them up well if they make the right choices.

I think most would have personal feelings and thoughts on the issues, but they would keep them kept that way.

I would hate to see the soldiers given the cold shoulder for going there, when the day is over they are just doing their job, and I suppose in the Army you do as your told and question it little.

Cheers. :)

[Ponyboy]

I wouldn't ever give soldiers the "cold shoulder" for being there as I know it is not their choice as to where they get posted and they have families etc to consider and support. I was just curious as you do sometimes hear of former Aussie soldiers saying they should never have been involved in particular wars (e.g. vietnam - although I'm not drawing any comparison here and most of them didn't have a choice).

Anyway, I suppose I'm just curious and I do support our soldiers as they are our first line of defence and probably don't get paid enough to do what they do, although they have a choice to work there. But as I said I'm not debating the right and wrong of anything I am merely curious.

[Shanaynay]

The ones that I know just see it as their job.
The biggest issue to them is being away from their family.

[reAllytee]

The ones that I know just see it as their job.
The biggest issue to them is being away from their family.

Yep this is what i usually get from it all.

My nephews Dad is a medic in the Navy & whilst its scary etc he is thrilled to go to be able to help in some way.
It means he can treat wounded etc & this makes him proud of his job.

[V8]

I think that the majority of guys i know that have been there just saw it as part of their duty and never really questioned it. Most people i know joined the army for that reason. My DH went to Timor (even though it's nothing like Iraq) he saw it as his duty and was disappointed he didn't get to go to Iraq.

The thing i really hate about people being upset about our troops being over there 'yada yada yada' i always think about the fact that joining the military in our country is voluntary and they wouldn't have signed up to the service if they didn't know what they would potentially signing themselves up for.

[Wish_Bear]

My DH is Navy and he has been to the Gulf twice. He hasn't been on the ground like the army but has to deal with other things like smugglers and mines in the water etc.

He loved it over there and it was a chance to see another part of the world, also the money is great and tax free.
The only downer really is the vast amount of time spent away from us.

I know a lot of Navy people who volunteer to go over because of the money, experience and places they will visit.

[Ponyboy]

I think you are all really brave mumma's having DH's or DP's that are away for such long periods of time and not usually in the safest job around (although they do have weapons and are trained really really well). I always feel for the people left at home and even feel the same way with families of miners.

I suppose you all knew when you got married or partnered that this was what life would be like but it must be very hard at times and also having to explain to the kiddies that they may not see DH/DP for a while.

Your bravery (for lack of a better word) astounds me!! :yelclap: for you all!!

[tootiredtosleep]

Its what they are trained to do, and the money is good.
I personally think that the nature of the army isn't to question orders, just to follow them.

I often tell DH that he is brainwashed.
They all do a great job though.

[MilkOnTap]

To those that have partners over in Iraq - do those that are over there actually want to be there or feel that the Aussie troops should be involved??

Personally I dont feel that Australia needs troops in Iraq anymore. Especially now that Bush wants to put more Americans in. I think our military resources could be put to much better use elsewhere in Australian waters.


My DH is Navy and he has been to the Gulf twice. He hasn't been on the ground like the army but has to deal with other things like smugglers and mines in the water etc..

My husband is in the navy too and was in the gulf for 6 months last year. It was tough being separated for so long - but we did it and survived. His ship was looking after two oil-rigs which are primary sources of income; but are also enormous terrorist targets. So his ship patrolled the oil-rigs, often boarding illegal fishing vessels (which had never been used for 'fishing' mind you) and keeping close alliances with the British and American vessels out that way too.

[turtleburger]

Hi

My boyfriend just left today for 1RTU Wagga and he rang me tonight saying he wants to come home and he hates it, what do i do?
I want him to stay but at the same time i miss him and want him home. I know this is what he wants and he'll regret it if he comes home, it's just so hard for him to be away at the moment. What do i say to him to help him stay? Does it get easier being away?

Someone help :(

[Cherry18Bloss]

Hey my hubby went to kapooka this time last yr! It's tough! They cop a lot of ****! But it does get easier! For both of u! Over time he will get more "freedom" just try and b his biggest support! Try not to bog him down with ur dramas becoz it will just make it harder on him being away from u! That's easier said then done I was pregnant while my hubby was training and it was hard but tell him to try and stick it out! He has come so far and the first nyt is the worst after a few weeks he will get used to the routine! Feel free to pm me!
Hope that helps