Dave - congratulations! :) Do you know if you will retake commando course once at Holsworthy? Would be interested to find out what info you have been given. PM me if you prefer.
thistles and gum trees - our gap between interview and written offer was about four or five weeks. However, we were one of the last interviews before they returned to Oz. They explained that they do a couple of weeks of interviews, then return to Oz to do all the paperwork, then send out offers - so it can take a while before we get them in the UK.
If unsure, ring them - best way to actually talk to a real person and find out what's going on.
I get the impression that there is some flexibility in rank/destination, depending on who you are and what you're asking for - and what everyone else wants. But then wherever you get offered, it is still Australia!! And there is always the possibility of moving location after a year or two. Got to think of the big picture!
We also had an email from Sharon at SCMA asking why she had not heard from us since receiving the Labour Agreement, on 26 Oct (interview was Apr) emailed back saying that we sent off Visa app and Medicals on 27 Oct and have still not had confirmation from DIMA that our application has been successful, getting a bit panicky as OH is out of the Army in Jan 07 even though we know we can keep the qtr for however long we need it for, doesnt help with schools here asking when the boys will be leaving.
Friend of ours got their CO within two weeks asking them to go ahead and get their medicals, we decided to this upfront to speed things along as we are due to go on leave for a few weeks overseas.
OH tells me not to worry and it will all come good, but you know what us women are like and especially as it is out of our hands, so we have no control.
Hopefully while we are away something will happen and we can get teh removals arranged immediately when we get back.
I rang SCMA last night after receiving an email asking me why I had not replied to the revised Offer, an email which I had not received! After chatting to the WO2 they resent it, what great news. They have revaluated my case and offered me a SGT in the RAAOC attached to the 4 RAR CDO in NSW. Took me 5 mins to download, print, sign, scan and send back my reply of acceptance.
So after pleading my case I have not only managed to upgrade my rank but am now back with the Commando's where I belong. So it proves the point - if you want something bad enough then go for it. Maybe I was lucky or SCMA just got fed up with me being the “winging pom” but surly there must be a God! Still don’t know if I would have accepted the first offer!
My advise is to keep pestering SCMA, if “uksniper” is correct in that there are about 1800 applicants then that’s a hell of a lot of emails so pick up the phone and ring them. That way you get an instant reply, it may not be what you want, but at least it beats the waiting.
UPDATE ON SCMA
The reason why SCMA need replies back by this Friday is that they are having a man power change and are due to start their Xmas/Summer leave, I know the WO2 there is being posted and is trying to tie up the loose ends before she does her hand over. Also I am told that the vast majority of personnel get drafted during the months of Dec and Jan so there will be a slow down on processing people applications.
I just feel that so far I have been extremely fortunate and pray that the next stages go without a hitch. I would also like to thank all those people who have shared their experiences and passed on their advice to me and wish you all the best in your applications. If I can help anyone else or you need advice/support then please feel free to drop me line.
Regards
Dave
Congratulations Dave.
Can I ask when they are posting you - is it in this financial year or next? Just wondering as we are waiting to hear, but won't be able to go until next October (which is in their next financial year).
Thanks for that and yes I agree with you its horrible when things are out of your hands and there seems to be nothing you can do but wait and wait and wait.
Only at the formal offer stage at the mo so have to wait for the Labour agreement then it will be meds/police check for the visa. When you look at it like that we still seem to be a hell of a long way away from our final destination and many things could still go wrong (Oh the pessimist I am).
Has taken us what seems ages to get this far, fighting my corner all the way and I am paranoid that they could change things at the last moment - there I go again.
I am looking at another 6 months before I can finally set foot in OZ, thats what I am working on anyway. unsure if that is way over the top - anything less will be a bonus.
Hi Spray,
Currently sat in the Mill Gloucester hotel in London. Sign on tomorrow AM then fly PM. With two young girls it has been challenging since selling hse and the furniture going but we are looking forward to the move. If you're still going to Singleton I will meet you there. In the mean time email me for any info.
Regards, Martin
Was so excited to hear where you are and how close it is! It makes it seem so real to know that someone is actually right at the end of this wait. We are back in the "waiting for the written offer stage" and I can't imagine what it must feel like to be where you are now. Are your children of school age and if so how much info did you get form the redlo to sort out schools etc? Also which airline has the contract for your flights and where are you stopping off? We hope to be going to Melbourne next October. My OH out of Military here on 22nd and has been told he can sign 23rd, was it that close in dates for you? Thanks again for any info. Have a great trip and enjoy the start of this adventure!
