Thread: Would you ever be deployed involuntarily in the Australia army reserves?

I'm planning on joining the Australian army reserves because I would gladly defend Australia if someone tries to invade it. However, I just don't feel it's right to go into someone else's country and fight when no one over there wants you to.

G'day KT,

Thank you for your question.

I wouldn't think so. The Army Reserves have been deployed in East Timor and Solomon Islands where there has been strong support for their presence by the local population and in humanitarian relief such as after the 2004 Asian tsunami. Reserves haven't served in areas in Iraq and Afghanistan because of the higher intensity of fighting. The Army would also be reluctant to use Reserves overseas as they can only be used for relatively short periods of time.

I would speak with Reserves about your concerns.

Regards

Heard recently Rudd wont even give them live ammo to practise with so should hope not.

To clarify - you will most likely never be deployed as a reservist unless you volunteer to do so. Furthermore, selection of reservists to be deployed overseas is competitive, and the most you're likely to get on is Solomon Islands or East Timor.

Most SECDET Iraq and Afghanistan roles are filled be regulars.

However, you need to keep in mind you can be called up for a war that directly threatens Australia (ie, WW3). Unlikely, but don't enlist unless you're prepared for that.