I am sure that we all have our own unique reasons for joining the Defence Forces.
What was your reason?
I joined the Australian Army because I was trying to get away from my Mum. I lived in a small country town and my Mum was emotionally abusive. She was also stopping me from being out at night even though it was perfectly safe and I was 17. I also joined because I felt patriotic and wanted to serve my country. I remember that the recruiter's wanted me to finish year 12 as I was halfway through and come back and enlist as an officer. I probably should have listened, but I was in a hurry to leave home. The Army was good for me as it gave me a home, friends and plenty of structure.
I applied for the defence force years ago, but I was refused because of my mental health.
Then only this morning, on talk back radio ABC, I heard that this is the challenge a lot of young people today are facing. They want to join, but if they are open and honest about the question, "Have you ever sought support for your mental health?" then they are more likely to be refused (along with other information).
So yeah, sorry to digress, but I never got the chance to be in the defence force even though I wanted to.
But I wanted to because I felt it was in line with my values of supporting people and the country.
I guess it would be a big problem these days, just about everyone has a mental health issue these days in their history. Even anxiety or depression during school years.
Maybe people just lie if they haven't been hospitalised?
Yeah, well that was what the debate was. If you are honest, then you get refused...
Oh well, I'm sure they are improving their processes because they are wanting recruits.
I wonder if there can be a space here for potential vets?
Also, something that drew me to the defence force was the wide range of opportunties to suit one's interest. I don't think many people know what a huge range of options there are @Oaktree
I initially joined reserves. I was at uni and looking for a part time job and there was an ad on the notice board. It was a long time ago so it was actually a notice board! My younger brother had already joined and we had both been through cadets so it seemed like a good idea.
turned out to be a great idea - did some stints of full time and over 30 years all up.
Looking back, my decision to join wasn't driven by a single clear motivation - it was more complex than that. Growing up in a military household with two Army mothers meant the Defence Forces were always present in my life, but that familiarity didn't automatically translate to calling or passion.
At 19, I found myself caught between competing desires: a pull toward creative expression and the arts, and a practical recognition that I needed structure, adventure, and financial stability.
The military offered something I craved - the promise of travel, genuine camaraderie, and ironically, an escape from the very military rigidity I'd grown up with. There was also an unspoken expectation, a path of least resistance that felt safer than pursuing the uncertain world of creative arts.
What I didn't fully understand then was that I was also seeking validation and belonging. I was emotionally immature and looking for external approval to fill gaps I hadn't yet learned to address from within. The Defence Forces seemed like a place where I could prove myself worthy.
The irony is that while I didn't join with a burning sense of patriotic duty or clear mission, the military became the crucible where I discovered who I actually was. It stripped away the stories I'd been telling myself and made me to confront my authentic self - particularly during deployment when I had time for real solitude and reflection.
So my reason? A complex mix of practical necessity, family influence, seeking adventure, and an unconscious need for personal transformation. Not the most inspiring origin story, but ultimately it led to profound growth and a deeper understanding of service - both to others and to myself.
What about everyone else??? I find most of our stories are more nuanced than we initially admit...
I wanted to join because I loved the roles they offered. It was something I always wanted to experience, but never got the chance because I didn't pass the medicals due to my mental health. So to hear your story is incredibly powerful. Thanks for sharing.
