The Women.: 2011

Straight off, I'm sorry. It has been months since I've written! However, year 12 is more busy than one would think....thus this is a holiday write up.

Things as I said have been....busy. However, some light and excitement came into my otherwise dim and book laiden life when I went to Canberrazzzz for my Navy officer selection board. It's basically 4 days of dressing up in suits and pretending to believe in all these things that you really don't. Just kidding. Not about the suit part - thats for sure!

So day one I fly to Sydney, then back down to Canberra. Tell me why a direct flight wasn't available? Anyway. So I arrive, the first one there and wait for 3 hours and a bit for the rest to come in. Joy! But was good talking with Bonnie, the only other girl there up till that point (except our chauffeur, Racheal). The melbourne flight came in, with 6 boys. Once they all sat down, silence dictated the conversation. But, by the end of the week Bon and I had realised our laughter and bouncy talk made them talk too.

Sometimes.

So we go to where we are staying, HMAS Harmon, a Navy base for the Junior Sailors. It was ok. The heating didn't work. I had to lift my door up to get the hinges up in order to open the door. Quite a strange experience as we were on the second level, and right across from my room was the loo. It was unisex. A new sort of thing, and because none of us are actually in the military yet me and Bon just went in and used the mirrors etc. What we didn't know was that the group that had arrived in the day before us and done their OSB that day had been highly segregated in their bathrooms, boys on our level and girls downstairs. Apparently it was quite a shock to a few of the boys as they got out of the shower to see me and Bon in there talking! So we all get dressed up to go to ADFA (Australian Defence force academy) and, as Bonnie and I had started to realise there was a distinct lack of female presence there in comparison to males. It will obviously be like this, because of the nature of the military. However, we hadn't expected it to be that much!! According to the Defence Jobs website there are 10 000 women serving in the military in some form (reserves etc included).

Totally me when I get in the Navy...lol jks.

I now quote the website
"The ratio of women to men depends on the role of a particular unit. In some units, given the frontline nature of its mission, there won't be any women.

The current percentages of women in the ADF by service are:

Navy – Approximately 18%;
Army – Approximately 12%; and
Air Force – Approximately 17%"

So because I'm going into the Navy, I have the highest ratio of females to males. This is positive. However, at the same breath, we have all seen the news during the past couple of weeks. 'Kate' (the officer's sudo name) was in a consensual sexual relationship with another cadet, when, without her knowing, he skyped their sexual encounter to some other male cadets in the next room.

After talking to some of the other cadets in the mess, its hardly anything like the media is portraying it to be. Now, it is highly unfortunate that this girl was filmed without her knowledge. But when Head of ADFA, Bruce Kafer, after this situation becoming public, pulled out the female cadets past tarnishes - of which there are several: fraternisation at inappropriate times, taking leave without having leave etc - he was doing this in order to sum up the whole situation, I believe.

In an interview with lateline, this is what came out

"STEPHEN SMITH, DEFENCE MINISTER: Commander Kafer allowed matters which had occurred in March relating to the young woman concerned being absent without leave or using alcohol allowed these matters to be dealt with at the same time. Indeed, in the aftermath of the Skype incident becoming public."

Yes, it was possibly not handled well, but while Kafer has indefinite leave, the deputy head - a Colonel in the Army, whom I met myself - told us at the OSB when we were having chats with some Cadets about ADFA and their jobs etc, told us that there was nothing to worry about, and that he had our personal promise that this situation was being handled in the best way possible. There are some that disagree with this:

"PAUL BARRATT, FORMER DEFENCE SECRETARY: I'm surprised at the way this was handled. How anyone could come to the conclusion that the behaviour of the seven male cadets would be dealt with as a misdemeanour is, ah, very surprising to me. It seemed to me to be egregiously serious. And I would be - I would have been expecting the commandant of ADFA immediately to ask all seven of those young men to show cause why they shouldn't have been marched out the gate of ADFA. "

Post our little talk with the Colonel and the cadets, I stayed behind and chatted to one of the Cadets, funnily enough, a girl who was going for the same job as me in the Navy. I asked her about her experiences with it all, and we agreed that it was something about your air, the way you put yourself out and the way you hold yourself. She mentioned that she had been romantically involved with one of her male friends in the Air Force, but that in order to allow it to work you must seperate work - or military training - and free time, as well as class time. Sometimes it is just not appropriate to be with each other. One thing I kept hearing was that you really just shouldn't let people know you are seeing someone else in the academy.

Ok. So this isn't the only scandal we have seen come out of ADFA, or the military. It could have something to do with how close you get to the rest of the people you are working and studying with, but it could also be the alcohol culture of the military, and the way people act under the influence.

It's something that comes down to the age old saying - don't believe everything you read in the papers or see on TV.

Now, going back to the rest of the trip. We had our Officer Selection boards, I saw Pebbles etc etc. I was recommended for entry as Maritime Warfare Officer. This means that thus far I have not been made an offer of appointment (so an actual job/uni offer), but I may be offered one at any time up to and including the date of appointment. Apparently Navy ones take 3 weeks or so, so everyone - fingers crossed until then!! :)

The day we had our boards, I was second, thus finished at about 12 noon. We had already had a spelling test and also a situation called the heart/lung machine. Pretty cool. Then the board where my knowledge of the Navy, my job and the world was tested. It was pretty scary, as the President of the board was a Captain. They usually don't get Captains in for OSBs. And then there was a female psychologist and a female Navy officer. They were both really nice, but the Captain was pretty cold faced until he told me that I was recommended. It was weird - he was so nice and almost excited then! Strange. Also: note, his name was Captain Hooke. ahahahahahahaha. At least I didn't laugh when I found that out ;)

But me Bonnie, and two of the Guys were finished, so we got driven back to the accom - after a Coles stop. Lennie (the other Chauffeur) judged us as we bought heaps of lollies, but we needed to prepare for a cold afternoon of watching movies. Oh yes, that was the other thing - HARMAN WAS FREEZING. The windows didn't shut in our common room (they were broken) and the heaters weren't going to be turned on until ANZAC Day. WTF!? So we got our blankets etc and watched the Hangover. I think. Can't really remember. Then some of the other kids from the other group got back and we all chilled, played pool on the MASSIVE pool table and eventually everyone got back about 4 hours after us. haha.

Back to ADFA for dinner where, at this point, Bonnie and I could not stop laughing. COULD NOT STOP is definitely an understatement. A really nice Navy engineer sat next to us - without any other cadets - and chilled and talked. He advised us to get desert with main course or we would miss out on the caramel slice. I took his advice as I was bitterly dissapointed at missing out the night previous. I got some! He was really nice! And we continually embarrassed ourselves as we couldn't stop laughing. Note: the ADFA food is actually pretty good, and the mess hall is really scary to walk into as an OSB candidate. All the cadets stare at you as you come in. But there is awesome icecream - they have a machine! We eventually met up with the army guys from the OSB. it really sucked for them as they had to go out to Duntroon for theirs and do a physical and team work stuff. Apparently their psych was yelling at them! ahaha. But only 2/7 got recommended. The board was pretty harsh.

And then the highlight of the trip. I was laughing, trying to get air into my lungs, leaning back on my chair right as a group of cadets walked behind me. I hit him in the crotch with my hair which was in a bun, and then as I apologised with tears in my eyes from laughing at Bonnie, I put my hand out and hit him on the arse. What a win :) So hilarious!! The laughter could have had something to do with the pack of jelly beans I devoured....

So then a late nighter as we sat up talking with the other group, playing cards, and I gave Joel a massage. Sorry, I mean Frankie. Funny kid. They turned the heating on! Bonnie and I were the champions of our group as we stayed up to 2 or something, then hit the sack in my room - cause Victoria was way asleep in Bonnie's room and we didn't want to wake her. The next OSB group also arrived. Pretty cool kids also. Seriously cannot wait to get in so I can chill with them all all the time. If I get in. If I don't take a GAP year. Oh, decisions. But the Navy's camos are so cool! Man I want to wear them....

Up the next morning, off to the War Memorial and Museum. Just a quick note, there are some pretty painful speed bumps at HARMAN. We all complained etc, but Racheal started to get some enjoyment out of it. Such was this that she would be going the speed limit, then SPEED UP HEAPS to go over the bumps. Much pain to our bums.

Back to the museum. It was amazing. Our tour guide was so full of knowledge and we learnt heaps about some battles, relative to the majority of the different forces people in our group, and also so great people that paid the ultimate sacrifice. So sad, and inspiring. Bonnie and I found some cool pictures, and upon trying to find our way out to the fountain/tomb of the unknown soldier found some other people from our group. And some gift shop time. Prior to the museum we had been to the top of mount Ainslee - FREEZING - and Bon and I felt sick we were so tired. The boys were quiet as usual and then, upon arrival back at the bus I grabbed us the seats at the back so we could sleep. It didn't work. And they were just as quiet down the back of the bus! Bonnie and I continued to not be able to stop laughing.

After the memorial we had lunch at ADFA, then a tour of the uni and the rooms of the Cadets etc. It is super sweet. We even got to see some experiments etc. That was sweet - we had a crazy scientist guy taking us around. The weather continued to be freezing and we continued to seek out warm rooms. Back to the Base for a few movies and then back to ADFA for one last dinner. No crotch or arse hitting, but still we couldn't stop laughing. Back to chill with the other group, watch some DVDs - like hard or steel case jacket (NOTE: Creepy, creepy movie with creepy actor. But good viewing. American military and Vietnam stuff) and remember the titans - Brilliant movie! Awe inspiring. It was nice to bond with the other group as we had spent a lot of time with the rest of the people in our group and then the group previous to us. Massages were all around - Bonnie going into la la land as James gave her a head massages and Toby doing a brilliant job on my back. This is after I had given Billy with the Brogues and the blanket like a 2hr one and Bonnie etc etc.... and again Bonnie and I championed our group - me more than her as I stayed up till 3.15 or something. After the first night nerves and not sleeping till after midnight till 5, then the next night with 4 hours sleep and the last night with 3 hours sleep, we were doing well! Got up early for our flights - 6.30 to have breakfast with Bonnie, James, Vic and Bryce as they all left earlier than me. I felt and looked like hell 10 mins after waking up and getting down to breakfast - but I had to say goodbye! At least they weren't flying off at like 6am like Trent. Poor guy.

We said some sad goodbyes, promised to see each other again and I returned to trying to shut my broken case. It wasn't that I had too much stuff - it was that the edges has been bent and I couldn't get the clasp in the right spot. Then I used masking tape to make sure it stayed. All in all we said goodbye to the other group, went off to the airport at 7.45 and then Brandon and I chilled, cause we didn't think we could be able to get into the Virgin room, and weren't allowed in the Qantas lounge....so then, as we got to the flight gate, I realised I still had my room key in my pocket. Ooops! But its in the mail now back to the awesome Racheal :)

We got on the plane, and I stuffed up which seat I was meant to be in then Brandon just moved 2 back from me so we both had it wrong. Then I had to move next to a bloke who had a very feminine man bag. I nearly asked him if his wife would be sitting next to us until I realised it was his bag. AWKWARD. Brandon and I got to Sydney, went through customs and shiz and got some food. Silly boy shouldn't have got a foot long! I got a boost which was awesome. We said our goodbyes and I flew home.

Now, I seriously cannot wait to get into this institution. ADFA seems amazing and I miss all the crazy kids in my OSB group, and the other groups already :( we are road tripping though!! ;) Everyone fingers crossed for me and my OSB mates to get in and party together at Mooseheads where the shots are 50c and then skooners are like $1.50! :D Of course, we will be drinking responsibly. Now I'm reconsidering my GAP in Scotland and thinking I should go straight in. I'd be doing a year of training before ADFA anyway, out at Jervis Bay and then 6 months on the beautiful seas. So I think it would be pretty swell. ahaha. Pun intended.

I apologise for my shit humour. And telling you all of this. But I must remember it all. Even Tree boys Seaman/Semen jokes and the laughter that seemed to be overflowing everywhere we went. I want to be back there. Stuff HSC and exams and everything. Oh the life in the navy....

I'll tell you one last thing. While we were at ADFA the defence force announced women could now hold any role in defence. This includes combat and infantry and clearance diving. EVERYTHING. This is a huge step forward, but at the same time we have to consider the reasons why they had this in the first place. Men act differently when women are in the front line, it's human nature. They try to protect them form danger/wont attack them. This is an issue. I'l go into this some other time. By now you must be bored of my stories. So I'll give you a link and you can all do your homework for next time...
Gillard - All frontline jobs to Women

I'll leave you with a few songs about the Navy. And remember girls, if you put yourself out there you could very well be raped. Not that anyone asks for it. But there are some pretty nasty people out there in our world.

In the Navy - The Village People

Where can you find pleasure
Search the world for treasure
Learn science technology
Where can you begin to make your dreams all come true
On the land or on the sea
Where can you learn to fly
Play in sports and skin dive
Study oceanography
Sign up for the big band
Or sit in the grandstand
When your team and others meet

In the navy
Yes, you can sail the seven seas
In the navy
Yes, you can put your mind at ease
In the navy
Come on now, people, make a stand
In the navy, in the navy
Can't you see we need a hand
In the navy
Come on, protect the motherland
In the navy
Come on and join your fellow man
In the navy
Come on people, and make a stand
In the navy, in the navy, in the navy (in the navy)

They want you, they want you
They want you as a new recruit

If you like adventure
Don't you wait to enter
The recruiting office fast
Don't you hesitate
There is no need to wait
They're signing up new seamen fast
Maybe you are too young
To join up today
Bout don't you worry 'bout a thing
For I'm sure there will be
Always a good navy
Protecting the land and sea

In the navy
Yes, you can sail the seven seas
In the navy
Yes, you can put your mind at ease
In the navy
Come on now, people, make a stand
In the navy, in the navy
Can't you see we need a hand
In the navy
Come on, protect the motherland
In the navy
Come on and join your fellow man
In the navy
Come on people, and make a stand
In the navy, in the navy, in the navy (in the navy)

They want you, they want you
They want you as a new recruit

Who me?

They want you, they want you
They want you as a new recruit

But, but but I'm afraid of water.
Hey, hey look
Man, I get seasick even watchin' it on TV!

They want you, they want you in the navy

Oh my goodness.
What am I gonna do in a submarine?

They want you, they want you in the navy

The Women.

Monday, July 4, 2011

The Links of Life

Monday, April 18, 2011

Our people provide our capability