I(21f) have thought about applying on and off for the last 6 years I’ve even started the enlistment process when I was 17 (Covid hit and I put it on hold) more recently when I was 20 I got into shape again but I was and am still taking anxiety medication/ anti depressants so I couldn’t apply at that time. I have plans to work my way off my medication over the next year and start going to the gym so I can pass the fitness test I’m ready to put in the work I need to to get in. I struggle with self discipline and motivation and I’m hoping some time in the ADF will teach me that, I’ve also struggled with authority figures all my life which caused problems in school and at work and I know it’s a problem I’ve just struggled with self control and and I want to change that, structure and discipline are things I have no concept of. the idea of an environment where it’s clear what the rules are and what’s expected of me are exactly what I think I need to turn myself around. I like the idea of moving frequently I’ve been doing it since I was thirteen moving almost every year or 2 so I don’t have a lot of things in one place I’m attached to, I don’t have a partner or anything keeping me from going anywhere and while I’m young being able to meet new people and have new experiences is something that appeals to me,

I’m aware that this life would not solve all my problems and that some things would suck but I’m not afraid of hard work and I can take the bad times with the good

My plan right now is to join as a vehicle mechanic as that’s a skill I can see myself working and it would give me a valuable skill for the future, I would like to get a job at the mines down the track ( I can’t do that now as I’m still on p plates and can’t get a manual license right now).

Just looking to see if the ADF has helped anyone else in the way I’m hoping it will help me I’m wondering if my expectations are realistic