Jul 9 (edited) in Becoming a Better Candidate
How Volunteering Made me an Exceptional Candidate
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.
Special Forces candidates who successfully completed the entire selection process have been known to be turned back because they couldn't take a joke. You must be able to bond with your crew. Having the ability to be socially calibrated and build rapport with others is an underrated yet vital skill for any pathway in life. Engaging with mature, experienced individuals through volunteer work taught me this invaluable lesson.
Working alongside mature adults in high-pressure situations vastly improved my ability to perform and function effectively as part of a team. I remember the sheer fucking nerves I felt going to my first vehicle rollover. The limited information provided made that eight-minute trip from the station to the accident feel like a lifetime. Stepping out of the cab, I switched on my radio, buckled my helmet, and took the deepest breath I could. I felt a wave of anxiousness. With no idea what to expect. However, I looked to my crew leaders for guidance on how I could contribute and I got on with it. Each time it got easier, and each time I became more autonomous, understanding my role on the fire ground.
Exposure to potentially traumatic events, such as motor vehicle accidents, structural fires, and general rescues, forces you to think clearly and adapt to your current situation. It allowed me to look to my crew leaders for guidance, developing my own resilience and maturity. This exposure is invaluable as it mirrors aspects of military service, where quick thinking and adaptability are essential.
Volunteering fosters a deep sense of camaraderie and mateship, which are crucial qualities in the Defence force. When you work together towards common goals and look out for one another, you're not just part of a team you're part of a brotherhood that relies on mutual respect and support.
Volunteer work teaches you the importance of humility and selflessness. You're there on your time, dedicating yourself to serving your community. As a rookie, you will quickly learn to earn the respect of your superiors by contributing to the team effort. Whether it's filling the fridge full of beers for the social club, taking on unwanted tasks like equipment checks or cleaning up dishes after training nights, or simply offering to wash up the trucks on the weekend, your dedication doesn't go unnoticed. People see your effort and willingness to go the extra mile, and they respect you for it.
This kind of initiative and teamwork doesn't just build respect, it builds relationships. Experienced firefighters and leaders will take notice and take you under their wing, mentoring you on how to improve your firefighting skills and fieldcraft. In the Defence Force, these same values of respect, teamwork, dedication and not being a Jack cunt are fundamental. By demonstrating taking part in volunteer work, you not only prepare yourself for the demands of military life but develop your own character by contributing to something bigger than yourself. This experience can be a major talking point during your Assessment day interview, showcasing your readiness for the challenges ahead.
Now that's enough of blowing smoke up my own ass... Firefighting is not the only avenue you can take in terms of volunteer work. Below I have several volunteer organizations you might find interesting as a candidate:
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How Volunteering Made me an Exceptional Candidate
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Kapooka Kickstart is a community that helps young Australian Army candidates navigate the recruiting process and prepare for basic training.
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