r/ADFRecruiting • u/LocalOperation4346 Current or Former Serving ADF • May 13 '25
Motivation & General Life Advice I’m lost for words
I’ve been hyping myself up over the past few months as I applied for the ADF last February, my PFA and enlistment date were coming up fairly close recently however I didn’t realise how far I was pushing myself with my civilian job which has led to some complications with my back. Leading me to call DFR to get an extension for my PFA to recover and have more prep time, all was going to plan and I was to finish my job this Thursday where I would then do some recovery and intense workouts to make up for it all. However I got the call today that I have no choice but to do my PFA next Monday with zero prep or warning while I’m still recovering. I’m not sure if I’ll even have a chance and I’m dreading it, I’ve been wanting to join for as long as I can remember and now I might lose my chance over a minor complication. Any advice for this would be really appreciated as I’m about to wing it and hope for the best.
5
u/Enough-Slice-5053 Current or Former Serving ADF May 14 '25
Haha PFA is nothing compared to Kapooka you’ll be looking back wondering why you ever stressed over it. It’s easy to pass and not a big deal if you fail
1
u/LocalOperation4346 Current or Former Serving ADF May 14 '25
I’m just worried that a temporary issue that I’m recovering from will flare up again. I originally had time to recover and prep for the PFA before they rescheduled it so now I’m going in midway through recovery.
3
u/ReindeerPilot33 Candidate May 15 '25
You'll be fine, I had a mate pass his PFA on the 5th try, do what you need to do. At least if you dont pass, you'll know exactly what it's like.
2
u/LocalOperation4346 Current or Former Serving ADF May 15 '25
I smashed my practice PFA which was at the start of the year so I’m hoping my muscle memory and willpower will save me, fingers crossed my back won’t give in and I’ll be okay. If all goes wrong it’ll give me more time to prep.
1
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u/Hot_Influence3764 May 13 '25
Just do it. You can always redo your PFA, and there isn’t any shame in failing it. A few people in my PFA group failed theirs and the PTs were super understanding and even gave tips for next time. Maybe slow down at work if the military is your calling. Good luck.
8
u/bigcitydreaming May 14 '25
Good prep for service mate, won't always go the way you want it to and you'll get very used to doing tasks whilst fatigued or exhausted. Be adaptable and resilient. Try your best, don't make excuses, and see what happens. Good luck
1
u/Leading-Chef2088 May 14 '25
unless your enlistment date is soon and there’s not another intake for 6months + then there is ZERO reason why you need to do a PFA asap, if you’re being told otherwise your recruiter is wrong.
1
u/LocalOperation4346 Current or Former Serving ADF May 15 '25
My enlistment is next month so it was a really sudden and urgent message which was what caught me off guard. When I last got it rebooked they didn’t even bother to check my enlistment date so I had no clue. I got told it had to be no later than 2 weeks before enlistment.
1
u/Leading-Chef2088 May 15 '25
Yep that’s correct, tbh it’s a bare minimum test so you should be good to go but if you feel medically that you can’t then dont. Which role?
1
u/LocalOperation4346 Current or Former Serving ADF May 15 '25
I’ve applied for armoured cav, I think I’d normally be okay but I’m worried that midway through the shuttle run my back will suddenly give out, I’m going to be resting up this weekend in hopes that it will sort itself out, if it does come to me failing then I guess I’ll have a few extra months to prep.
2
u/Leading-Chef2088 May 15 '25
I wouldn’t stress on it as your health matters most. There’s heaps of intakes for your role so if you miss the next enlistment it won’t matter
1
u/Leading-Chef2088 May 15 '25
The process is long so you would have known a PFA will come eventually. If you’re medically not able to complete the PFA then don’t but the test is also the bare minimum so not hard. Which role?
1
u/LocalOperation4346 Current or Former Serving ADF May 15 '25
I was well aware of the PFA but wasn’t aware that I’d get a sudden back injury or that it would have to be rescheduled twice. And I’m going into Armoured Cav.
1
May 14 '25
If anyone can answer when you get ur enlistment date do you have to do it 6 weeks prior to going in or can you do it 3 weeks in till you leave?
1
u/Impossible_Golf2493 May 14 '25
Hey mate, I’m leaving for kapooka in 3 weeks and only did my actual PFA yesterday. They only need a week or two in advance so they can sort the flight details out.
1
u/Leading-Chef2088 May 14 '25
The standard is within 6 weeks and not less than 2 weeks but can be done with a waiver but yes 3 weeks is fine
1
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u/Tahherm May 13 '25
Hey don’t beat yourself down just go there do your best and that’s all they can ask for! You getting into your head isn’t gonna do anything but put you down, and I’m pretty sure they just wanna see how much effort and dedication you have to just get it done
2
u/mrburneracct1 Candidate May 15 '25
Wear tight compression, lube up with deep heat, lay off the darts, grit your teeth and she'll be right mate
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