Is the Royal Australian Navy trying to get a Aircraft Carrier?

[diver]

Originally Posted by TarJak

Overall the ADF is having serious problems in maintaining a standing defence force due to the lcurative job market in the resources sector. A lot of young people who would normally be in the recruitment demographics, are off to the mines to earn a lot better for a lot less hassle than in the forces.

So much so that the government is advocating the spending of your gap year after high school in the forces and has established a program to cycle people through in 12 months temporary roles. (Honestly I don't think that's enough time but they are desparate).

Enough time to be an MT or a qualified CSO? No.

But it is enough time to learn enough basics so that a kid can spend about 9 solid months in the fleet to do jobs like for example: lookout or lifebouy sentry underway, QMA when alongside, and ships husbandry. Thereby decreasing the load for trained and experienced sailors to do mundane tasks and increasing R&R and job satisfaction among the troops. It will also allow exposure for the gap yearies to all the departments, so that if they decide to sign up past the initial year then they will know which jobs they will like and therefore are less likely to get out after thier fixed period of service is over.

It has many benefits.

Originally Posted by TarJak

I'd be interested in knowing the numbers that do re-up. My guess is not many who do try before buying will be buying so I'm sceptical as to how successful the programme is likely to be.

But that is the big negative IMHO.

The Navy (and ADF as a whole) is a great choice, but they may not think so if all they do for a year is $h!tkicker jobs.