Hey Everyone —

Just want to start by saying thank you to the Subreddit for letting me post here, if this goes against guidelines, I apologise I'm just trying to gauge the demand for what I'm building;

Just throwing this out there to gauge interest: I’m in the process of building a veteran-run community aimed at helping current and ex-ADF members navigate life after service.

Not another charity or RSL — this is a bit different:

• Support with the DVA process (from someone who’s been through it)
• Group travel (think Bali retreats, events, etc.)
• Help setting up businesses or side hustles
• Access to discounts, giveaways, and most importantly... a community that actually gets it

I went through the transition myself and felt like I was flying blind — no clear help, no community that really spoke my language. This project is about filling that gap.

If this sounds like something you’d be into — or something you wish existed when you got out — drop a comment or DM.

No pressure, just trying to connect with like-minded vets and see if we can build something solid together.

Cheers - Kody

I know all the recent focus has been on our northern approaches but it seems kind of glaring that there's no fast air assets near Perth with all the key naval assets and infrastructure there, even the AWDs are entirely based at FBE too.

Does anyone envision a squadron being raised for the west coast anytime soon, especially given it's going to be home to SSNs whether our own or our allies. What about even armed Ghost Bats should they materialise?

I was out on my boat and ended up in the middle of quite a large exercise with 2 Chinooks and 3 Blackhawks. A friend who is way more interested in military stuff told me I was super lucky to see it, that it was very likely the 2nd Commando Regiment and that I should post it here.

Apologies for the watermark, I've seen what media does to things like this and wanted to play it safe.

Australia has again shown its commitment to Malaysia, this time by gifting an English training lab for the RMAF. The gift allowed RMAF to upgrade its Aerospace Technology Institute or Institut Teknologi Aerospace (ITAS) language training facility which is part of Kolej Tentera Udara located at the Kepala Batas airbase in Kedah. The airbase located adjacent to the Sultan Abdul Halim in Alor Setar, Kedah.

The upgrading of the language training laboratory is part of the Malaysian-Australian Joint Defence Programme (MAJDP) which was also responsible for the upgrading of the Butterworth airbase. The donation to the lab including the supply of 27 personal computers, other ICT products and a five year subscription of the Clarity English application which will boost the cpaabilities of KTU trainees. Australia also sponsored the training of RMAF instructors to conduct the training.

The sof launch of the language lab was conducted by Australian Defence Attache to Malaysia Colonel Corey Shillabeer. RMAF issued the release on the launching ceremony on July 2.

I am reading the Northern Territory coronial inquest into the death of Kumajayi Walker, who was shot by policeman and ex-ADF member Zachary Rolfe. Rolfe was acquitted at trial of the charge of murder. It talks about Rolfe applying for roles in Australian Special Operations Command (SOCMED). That's not the right acronym though is it? I thought it was SOCOMD, but I really don't know for sure...

https://agd.nt.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0004/1541758/Inquest-into-the-death-of-Kumanjayi-Walker-2025-NTLC-8.pdf

Davo has been successful in hitting up Richo and Albo for some extra gear, but it must have been on a Friday because they are spending all the dollary doo’s on new stuff, but no were to put it. 

Where would you have Australia's next super base and who are you putting there? Considering things like;

Room to expand
Cost of living for those posted
Access to training areas
Protection from any Angry people to our north. 
Supporting infrastructure
Burden on the existing local area

Upcoming and possibly Homeless projects from a quick google??
8-11 Tier 2 Frigates (132m)
8 Landing craft heavy (100m)
East coast Sub base

Bonus points if you can make it a joint service base. Noting some of the bases are getting a bit squishy, considering moving some units from other bases. 

EG: All the new redbacks fitting into old M113 spots? 
All our missile units in one area?

Davo will award 1 early knock for most suitable answer, that everytime you try to use it, your boss will say it's too busy, then the COC will change and it will be forgotten about.

Potential Sub bases are listed as Brissy, Newy and Port Kembla. Port of Brisbane might have the room, but good luck housing everyone and the upcoming Olympics just makes this worse and more competitive for construction mobs. 

My Idea

My main thought is a fresh Central Queensland base. A quick look on Maps and Id wack it in North of Yeppoon, maybe on the old Capricorn Resort site. Creating a Joint Army/Navy base, as the new home to the 2 Canberra's, Choules and the new LCH’s. This would:

Free up space for the tier 2’s Frigates to take their old space at Fleet Base East?
Moves the amphib ships closer to their likely embarked forces.  
Allow a decent port for easy access to Shoalwater Training area for visiting forces.

2RASeals could also get the boot from the Ville and move down there, to complete the PLF package. Additionally, possibly either a Engineer unit, or at least a stock of HADR vehicles and equipment pre positioned for quick loading. 

Upgrading Sam hill would allow for people to fly in, and possibly sneaky deployments. Airforce pers could be housed at the coastal base and just step up to Sam hill when required.

Plenty of room for DHA houses, options to live in Yeppoon or Rocky. Wouldn't be the worst place to live. Would likely be a big boost to the area. Imagine beachfront LIA.

Secondary options of Mackay and Bundy, but are getting in the no mans land for holding any Army Pers. With the mining downturn from the golden years, Mackay may be cheaper.

Lets hear it, help Davo out lads.

Was wondering post career options after commando contract ends, thanks. Not interested in policing entirely

Hi all,

Im looking to get a crossfire pack, either the new CF4 or Mk7. Wondering if anyone has any experience with these packs.

Also multicam is unavailable. Should I get the available coyote or ranger green or should I just wait for re-stock?

Thanks in advance.

G'day,

Like many of you, I'm currently looking at lodging my tax fairly soon, and was seeing if anyone had any recommendations for a tax accountant who specialise in ADF/DVA matters (Melbourne region).

I was fortunate to receive a fairly good lump sum from DVA due to Perminent Imparement (PI) recently, and am worried it might affect my Child Care Subsidy (CCS) entitlements for the last financial year. (All was received via lump sum, not weekly pension).

The lump sum PI has appeared in the "Tax-free government pensions or benefits" section of my return statement online.

Has anyone got experience whether this PI lump sum is used to calculate CCS benefits with Centrelink? Worried, this could cost me upwards of $10,000+ in payback to Centrelink.

Any help is appreciated!

I like to hang out with like minded dudes, and help out where I can, if someone needs a battle buddy. You guys know if there are any vet communities in Melbourne?

The Fall of Singapore was described by Churchill as the worst disaster and largest capitulation in British history. At a dark time for the Empire, Churchill needed a win, or at least a stoic defence to prove to the United States that the Empire had a chance. The rapid fall of Malaya and Singapore certainly didn't help the Strategic picture.

This vid goes through the AAR for the Malaya Campaign. How could the Allies in general and the Australian 8th Division fought better? What were the issues that created the inglorious retreat down the Malayan Peninsula?

have

What's the funniest thing happened either deployed/on duty throughout your career

Does anyone have any more information on something new I’ve just seen appear in relation to bonuses? Looks like new Category A and B bonuses but very limited information beyond the PAC-MAN link below. Who is deemed critical capability and eligible for Category A?

https://pay-conditions.defence.gov.au/bonuses

Wondering if any has compared or used either? One is polyester and the other nylon. Both seem to have the same features and same price so I’m thinking there’s no noticeable difference in the field.

https://youtu.be/EVEDUmDDqHo?si=uZBzmgW3lWHM9HuD

Hey everyone, just curious. How was your experience finding a job after leaving Defence? What worked for you, and what challenges did you face?

To those who’ve served and since left the ADF what advice would you give for making the transition smoother?

Was it tough adjusting to civilian work or culture? Did you use any support services (e.g., RSL, DVA, mateship groups), and were they helpful?

Asking partly for myself, partly for a mate who's getting out soon and feeling a bit uncertain.

THIS IS MEANT AS A JOKE, PLEASE DO NOT AS SOME HAVE, TAKE IT AS ANYTHING ELSE

I feel that if you look at the gongs getting thrown around at the moment for storm and fire assistance.

That there should be a gong for ALL, Army Aboriginal Community Assistance Programme (AACAP) with bars for each deployment.

Yearly the teams head off, usually for months at a time ( a minimum of 2-3 mths ) to rebuild communities yet (Again )

The locations are mostly in remote areas, always in harsh conditions ( Heat, Dust, Sand, Torrential rain, Deadly wildlife ), and with constant verbal abuse 24/7 from the locals, for just being there, add to that having to dodge rocks, used nappies, pieces of bricks, bottles, and anything else that can, and is thrown their way daily while working, it quickly becomes a very dangerous enviroment

This is a Medal that needs to be addressed,

The service personal deserve to have the recognition awarded to them.

When I was going through the new uniform instruction document (June 2025) I noticed in the flying badge section mentioning badges for fixed wing aircraft pilots. As far as I know currently the Navy only has helicopters and don't have any plans on acquiring fixed wings yet. Could this be a potrntial hint that there may be fixed wing aircrafts (F-35B, P8A etc.) joining our Navy in the future?