06 Jan 2016

How is it already 2016? How is it some of you were born in 2000? My head is spinning from how fast time is zooming by. I keep glancing down at my New Year’s Resolution list and cringing. How can ‘Go to Gym’ and ‘Stop eating Maccas’ still be on there? Why do I just keep recycling the list each year and crossing off nothing every time? In all fairness, probably because I’m still holding out for Maccas all-day brekkie to be a reality near me.

What makes our resolutions worth doing? We’re willing to write out all these things we want for ourselves but won’t do them, or the effects wear off after a few months and we’re back to  lying on the couch and Netflix-binging. Netflix even has a category called “Seasons Worth Binge-Watching” because it knows us that well.

It’s a new year, shouldn’t that mean a new you? I’m still on the fence that we need to change everything about ourselves each year because I think happiness starts from the inside. Research aside, statistics aside, outside opinions aside, it’s time to pick yourself up by your bootstraps and be happy. We are travelers, nomads, hermits, and instigators. We are lovers and fighters and we are the foundation of our generation.

We need to be remembered for more than our tweets and filters and hashtags. You need to be remembered for the people you’ve helped and lives you’ve touched. Instead of choosing to believe in a social media craze, the Australian Defence Force (ADF) is asking you to choose to become a Reservist. Be a better version of yourself, but still be you.

What are we going on about? The Army Reserve is made up of everyday Aussies who are ready and willing to step up to any challenge–if and when the country needs. This New Year, don’t quit your day job. Instead, enlist in the cause that works alongside your 9-5 job to bring you the opportunity to grasp the change, and happiness, you’ve been searching for each year but haven’t crossed off your list yet.

As a civilian, you’ll continue your career or education while you train as a Reservist in the Australian Army. Everyone in the Army Reserve is just like you and me. They’re civilians just like you. They have jobs, family commitments, sporting activities, and social lives. The difference is they’ve chosen to take up the challenge (which is only a part-time commitment) and serve their country if and when needed.

All Army Reservists receive tax-free pay, have a commitment of 20 days work per year, and the opportunity to deploy on humanitarian missions or remain within Australia and your local area.  The ADF will train you and work with your employer while you’re on duty. They set you up for success and help you balance your part-time military career with your civilian life, including work and studies. The Defence Force is handing you the keys to your own success and the chance to finally cross something meaningful off that resolutions list. So if you’re interested in pursuing something other than that all day brekkie or Netflix binge, apply today.

For more information on the Army Reserves, visit https://www.defencejobs.gov.au/army/reserve/ or call 13 19 01.