If I were to suggest any organization for a potential Australian Defence Force candidate to volunteer with, it would undoubtedly be Disaster Relief Australia. Disaster Relief Australia (DRA) is a volunteer-led organization that brings hope to communities devastated by disaster by uniting military veterans, emergency responders, and motivated civilians to deploy relief teams domestically and internationally. I first joined DRA in 2023, and by age 18, I had deployed across four different operations ranging from storm damage, flood and bush fire relief. As a young person this experience was life changing, as it forced me to overcome my social anxiety and taught me how to introduce myself to new people, build rapport with them, and eventually garner their respect. ‎‎ ‎ ‎‎‎‎ ‎ On a typical DRA deployment, you will live away from home for up to a week at a time living in barracks style accommodation, sleeping in community halls on stretchers. You will be allocated a four person crew or "strike team" (Alpha, Bravo, Charlie, etc.), and you will work with this crew for the duration of your deployment. Your day starts bright and early at 0600 and wraps up at 2200, just like the military timings at Kapooka. Throughout the day, your team leader will allocate tasks assigned to your crew. Depending on the operation, this might involve crosscutting or felling trees, mucking out buildings, or sifting through ash for valuables. The work can often be highly physically demanding, and you will often come back from a hard day’s work feeling physically exhausted. However there's nothing quite like the feeling of looking back on what you achieved that day, swapping stories with your mates. And each night, after reciting the ode, you get to sink beers with the crew around the campfire. How good is that? ‎‎ ‎‎ ‎ The biggest value for me was the wealth of information and the people I met. DRA is comprised of 60% ex-veterans. I have had the opportunity to meet and learn from clearance divers, maritime warfare officers, parachutists, commandos, infantry RSMs, tactical police officers, USAR firefighters, Vietnam veterans and many more. This was absolutely priceless to me, changing my entire perspective about the military and ultimately led to me wanting to enlist as an infantryman.

I started my volunteer journey at the age of 16 with a nervous knock on the door of my local fire station. I remember riding my mountain bike down there, because I wasn't old enough to have a car license yet. As I stood at the front door, my heart was pounding I was so nervous that I almost turned back. Knock knock... no response. I began to question if this was even the right choice for me. I didn't know anyone in the fire service, all had just read online that you could apply once you were 16. Knock knock... finally, the door opens, an older man with a warm smile greeted me and proceeded to give me a tour of the fire station. Immediately I was in awe, the bright yellow bunker jackets contrasting against the shining red trucks, the lingering smell of ash, sweat, petrol polluting the engine bay. I could already picture myself roaring down the road one day, lights flashing. Fast forward two years, and I now get paid for my work, serving as an auxiliary firefighter. I receive a fortnightly retainer and an hourly wage for the callouts I attend. Looking back, I'm now grateful that the video game addicted and socially anxious boy I once was had the balls to knock twice on that door. Because if I hadn't, I wouldn't be the person I am today. Applying for the Australian Army, or any branch of the Australian Defence Force, requires more than just meeting the basic requirements. It demands maturity, a well-rounded character, the ability to work cooperatively in a team environment, and most importantly, a good sense of humor. With this in mind, I believe that engaging in volunteer work is one of the best ways to distinguish yourself as an ADF candidate. ‎ ‎ As a 16-year-old walking into what was essentially a professional organization made up of men and women aged 30-40, I was forced to adapt quickly. Surrounded by these people, I learned how to contribute to mature conversations. I picked up the art of making witty and humorous remarks, and more importantly, I learned when it was appropriate to make these remarks and when to shut the fuck up. This skill is crucial in the military.

G'day Lads, Welcome to Kapooka Kickstart, a community gearing up young candidates to become soldiers in the Australia's forces. This community is very much in the early stages and over the next few months I will be working to improve the courses available to you all. Feel free to share this community with like minded candidates, share your own personal insights, ask questions or suggest improvements that would be helpful to other candidates. Cheers, Jacko