During the school holidays, I had the opportunity to visit an active military base/camp in Papakura for a day. The visit was designed to showcase what life in the military would be like, with a theme that included a tour around the base and a glimpse into the training required. This event was primarily aimed at preparing individuals for a career as an Army Officer.
We got on the bus at Bruce Pulman Park and took a trip down to an active SAS base with the tour around the place being incredible. We got to see inside one of the battle training facilities, and to say it was amazing was an understatement. Inside we were met with many rooms meant for SAS soldiers to carry out practice missions with them being able to detonate small charges and were able to shoot inside the rooms. The facility also housed a pool where they would practice climbing the side of a ship. After visiting the SAS base, we travelled back to the Military camp at Papakura and got to see what happens behind the gates. The lifestyle of living in the camp was surprising. The camp was very large, housing many facilities inside with accommodation for soldiers wanting to live on base.
Later on in the day, we had a taste of the training you would go through if you wanted to become an Army Officer, with not only fitness but also leadership tests. We done these in teams of 5, with 8 per group, and for each of us, this was completely new. These tests not only tested our physical strength but also how we could work as a team, and we did very well for not knowing each other at all. We grew close as a team near the end of the tests, and this shows you that if you go into the military, you aren’t alone because the people you meet during your time in the Army, Navy or Air Force will be your mates for a lifetime.
Overall, I had a great experience, with being able to see what it would be like if you joined the military, and I can say it's great. Joining the Army, Navy or Air Force would also be a great career to go into with being able to harvest valuable information and skills during your time, and you don’t have to be a genius; the only thing you need is dedication and passion.
Just before I end, I would like to thank Mr Jack for giving me this opportunity to be able to go on this trip.

Oscar Busst, Year 12 

Attending the Defence Force Career Day in the holidays was fun and quite amazing. It was a great experience to witness and have a feel of what it’s like to be in the military for the day. The recruiters were our guide throughout the day. They were great and persuasive in their job of being our guide.  
Some activities included having to explore the shooting range, which most of us were excited to see, and to see how and what they trained for. The types of weapons and explosives they used for each floor in the building. They even had old trains and planes to train on in case of situations like terrorism. We also got the opportunity to visit the Papakura Military Base camp. We had a brief of what it takes to be a military soldier or Officer, they even shared their experiences with us and why they chose to be in the military.
Lastly, to end off our day we had the fun activities which was fitness. It was honestly great to go through and experience the fitness test. A few things I learnt from it was how to think straight when you’re pressured or even tired. Not only that but communication, leadership, and working together was key. Therefore, it was an interesting experience to be there to see what the military do and what they had to do to join, and I look forward to seeing more.

Kiele Hill, Year 12