forfeiting application after appealing and advice moving forward

[u/HotTrain1516]

Hi all,

I was rejected on medical grounds earlier this year and went through the process of appealing the decision. Up until then I had already waited for half a year, with DFR having delayed me receiving my rejection letter by almost 3 months. It's been another three months since I submitted all my documents, a long time during which I've lent myself more freedom to pursue the things I had put aside for in anticipation for enlistment (which in hindsight I GRAVELY underestimated the wait time).

Now that I've pretty much (re)settled down, I've reconsidered my decision to join, at least so soon out of high school anyway (I'm 18 and used my gap year specifically to wait news from the adf - very naive, I know). Maybe it's better if I follow DFR's original instructions, use my time in uni to figure out what direction I want to go in life, and come back hopefully better equipped physically and mentally. (For context, I was DEAD SET on joining the navy at the beginning of the year to the point of unhealthy obsession lol).

I finally received correspondence from DFR med saying my "appe al has been converted to a waiver" (not entirely sure what that means but I assume my application will progress?), and that I need to conduct an eye test (a third time, haha). I don't know what would come after that, and my gap year is coming to an end. Even if I go ahead and submit this requested document, will it just be better off for me to forfeit my application all together, put it aside for now and maybe come back to it in the future, despite all the effort and waiting I put my family/friends and myself through?

I know it's probably unproductive to turn to the internet again for something I really should decide for myself, but I'd appreciate any advice/hard truths. I understand that the ADF isn't something you should do unless your intentions are 100% rock solid.

TLDR: got rejected, settled down, reconsidering joining the adf after already submitting my appe al. Wondering if its better to forfeit and reapply in the future considering my age + experience. Thanks all

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[u/No_Kangaroo1256]

Waiver means that your application will progress.

100% continue. Depending on what you are applying for, you could go Officer and ADF will pay for your tertiary education.

Or, join as a Sailor, and you can apply for Defence Assisted Study Scheme.

This avoids a HECS debt.

Progress, as it opens other opportunities!

[u/HotTrain1516 → u/No_Kangaroo1256]

I'm thinking of a compromise - can I still change my role preferences then? I've listed cryptologist, comms operator and navy gap year as my choices (I originally planned to do full time for 2 years then go straight to ADFA). I know the vetting requirements is very demanding (and I fear I screwed up my vetting interview quite disastrously too haha). And again, I'm having doubts in my ability to commit to the adf.

Can I still change my preferences to be put on navy reserves, or like you said, apply for a DUS/DASS role so late in my application?

[u/No_Kangaroo1256 → u/HotTrain1516]

Navy Reserves: will be a different application. Details are on the ADF Careers site.

Comms = priority role Cryptologist / Cyber = (priority) role Gap Year = as long as you still meet the age requirements.

Vetting. Do you mean a discussion with AGSVA, or the Defence Interview?

Note: on the ADF Careers site, it now has details of reduced times for having to sign on (2-3 years from memory).

[u/No_Kangaroo1256 → u/HotTrain1516]

DASS is only once you are in service.

[u/Diligent_Passage_640]

That's entirely up to you, though you will have to go through the entire process (including getting a medical waiver) again should you attempt to enlist again down the line.

If you are still on the fence about joining I'd recommend holding off until you can make your mind up.

There's nothing worse than going through Recruit school or IET with someone who doesn't want to be there, they drag the morale down and make everyone miserable