Tips for those starting this journey!

@LG This is probably a harder one for me to answer as a child of an ADF member, and I was a baby when Dad joined, but if I COULD have known something... It probably would have been that way I view / experience relationships (all types) is probably going to be very different to my peers. My immediate family was the only constant in my life. My friends changed every time we moved. We moved away from my extended family. I realised that I viewed most relationships, outside my immediate family, as minor and temporary. And this isn't how a lot of people view them, and it's definitely disadvantaged me as an adult.

I wish I'd had the knowledge and ability to stay connected with friends and extended family even as we were posted. So I guess I'd encourage spouses and maybe teenagers to make sure they stay connected with people outside the immediate family too. Really put in the effort to do that.

Communities like this (and other spaces) can also really help with that!

Hey @LG, thanks for sharing your experiences with the community!

I always felt that we were part of a much bigger machine and that my dad was doing a really important job and had specialist skills and experience. It was a pretty special experience going to visit him on the base when he was working the weekend or meeting him after work. I think that is something that I would suggest, it is really good to do if you can and a family member.

We used the pool at the base regularly, and it was so much fun to know that the ADF practised diving there and listening to all the planes taking off and landing. We got ration packs as well, which were really fun to eat in the car on the way to visit our grandparents. I also remember dad bringing me home a huge cardboard box to play with, and I created a fort, which kept me busy for weeks.

In the NT, we used to go visit other families who dad was friends with at remote bases out of town where we lived. I was really nice to see other people’s perspectives and the way they lived in the housing provided. It helped us appreciate different versions of how dad could have been posted and the pros and cons of each.

So I guess my tip would be to take advantage of whatever perks are available, no matter how big or small, because they can create lasting memories.

Thanks again for sharing your experiences with your peers!

Take care

RiverSeal