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Conscription was a travesty. The 1963 Defence Review tabled in Parliament In May 1964 showed where the NSA(1964) laws were going to “ select “ a strata of 20 year olds for Vietnam , without disturbing the levels of economic prosperity, university education and apprentices in training . The threat of fines, dismissal from employment or education and the threat of goal terms for not registering for conscription ballots was part of the Menzies Liberal/ Country ( L C P ) government compliance strategy but the influence of , parents, older relatives, neighbours and adult community leaders on 20 year olds, who hadn’t reached 21 the then level of adulthood, was an astute political measure of persuasion . In May 1968 the wheels had fallen off that strategy when under proposed amendments to the Act a proposal to fine parents ( in today’s terms $3070 ) if they refused to cooperate with authorities if their sons were refusing to register meant the Gorton government was facing a changing electorate. The amendment failed to define parents and family members as “ informants “ with Labor Party and DLP Senators informing the Minister for Labour and National Service , Leslie Bury , they didn’t support it It’s interesting to see how the experiences of the different former conscripts reflect the social and political changes of the era

I am a proud Nasho, I was deferred for a couple of years to complete my apprenticeship and went to Kapooka in the 1st intake of 1970, 10 platoon A wing and did our training and we had 2 breaks as we finished before Easter and marched out later, we had a break at Holsworthy then to Studley Park before going to Balcombe for Corp training in Sigs then was sent to 133 Sig Sqn at Kingswood NSW and I enjoyed my time and still think it would do the world of good for all 18 to 20 year olds to learn some self discipline

You would have to be completely nuts to take anything from these guy's. Each and everyone of them became first-class soldiers. And fantastically bloody good ambassadors for our country. I dips my lid to all. LEST WE FORGET

I remember a Postmaster telling me about his Pommie overlord. " The Australian Army is the British Army. " " The Australian Army is crap." The Postmaster hated his guts.😂

GRATATUDE AND RESPECTS 🙏 2 ALL MY BROTHERS AND SISTERS. FORMER GUNNER. 1991 TILL 1994. HOME SOLDIER.

Something that should still be active today

As a young Lt in the Reserve the following changed my view on life - an Australian Army General once pulled me aside and said ( not verbatim but close enough ) - it does not matter if you served overseas - you wear the uniform and took the oath - be proud of your service - one day we may be all called upon to defend the country we love - every contribution counts 💪💪💪

As always, a sledgehammer of integrity, intelligence and strength is the general. He embodies much of what he spoke about and is possibly the greatest of our modern Australian leaders, whatever your politics.

These men should be proud of their service. Anyone who serves selflessly for their country should be honoured and never forgotten.

As an ex nasho I would agree with all that was said by those blokes

I was too young but I had older work colleagues who did Nasho. One became a steward in the Officers Mess in Singapore. Another one deferred his Uni studies and went in, and finished up in the Survey Corps travelling around Australia. Both enjoyed their time.

What is the third medal some people are wearing , for what service is it awarded?

Btw, I threw away the medals, don’t March, don’t wave the flag. At the end of my service, the Army just threw me away, no thanks from them, no “how are you” no “what are you going to do now”.

I was called up. In my time in the Army, I never met anyone with my birthday. It was 30+ years later I watched Normie Rowe doing an interview, he said they had a “Special” ballot for some people! I enrolled for National Service while working overseas and apparently if you were overseas they put you in the “Special” ballot. I ended up in Vietnam and didn’t resent it, but when I found I had been in a “Special” ballot, I knew I’d been cheated.

July 1968 got called up,my elder brother said who was already called up,avoid the army at all cost,so I enlisted in RAAF thinking not go overseas,but after 3 months basic training,become ADG at Amberley 6 months later posted to Vietnam,bit back fire but finished two tours, then posted back to East Sale what we called easy street, volunteer for Bass Straight fishing patrols as observer looking for illegal fishing boats good number.Was good 6 years.

My father has a sticker on the back of his ute 'Proud to be a Nasho'. He didn't serve overseas or see combat, but he worked tirelessly for other Vets as a Secretary of his local sub-branch of the RSL for 20 yrs. Particularly with the Department of Vets Affairs. He was later honoured for his efforts with Life Membership. He's 84 this year and still raises & lowers the flags on Anzac Day.

I missed out in 1966 due to birthdate not being drawn I was all gungho at the time But looking back im glad i Missed out!

Good on you lads. You did your duty.

Thanks to all who served in "Nashos", my dad did his stint, and I joined the Army because I felt like I should have. Proud of all of you.

Good on you blokes . Doesnt matter what capacity you served in we are all Brothers in Arms we are all part of the green machine. Always hold your head high.

National servicemen were no less soldiers than the regs, it's just that they tend to be forgotten. I, for one, honour their service & hope that they get the recognition that they rightly deserve.

My Dad (6RAR both tours) always said they were just the same as a regular, head down and arse up and got on with it.

Certa Cito Mick

Struth guys................volunteer or not.....we all did our bit for Oz. Thanks for being with us when demand was asked...Cheers.

A sad story and unfortunately happening to far too many of us. DVA isn't perfect but they have come a long way. Can't speak highly enough of Open Arms. I'm glad things are better for you mate

Sounds like a terrific program - well done!

Great video mate. The Point & Shoot exhibits are a moving experience.

legends

I just stumbled on this video and was very impressed by Sir Peter's words. A man, who 'walks' the talk. A genuine gentleman. Australia needs more like HIM. Interesting that there are only 35,000 of us left .... Vietnam Veteran.

A very good video about a very respected Australian Military Commander. Also, how he talks about the Vietnam war is also interesting. We know in hindsight it was all for nothing and a complete blunder, but we must acknowledge those that went to do their duty when their nation sent them.

Thank You Sir Peter For your reflections.

Thank You Sir Peter Cosgrove for your service & your kind words remembering us ex ADF members.

Thanks Mrs Prosser. The Big Blue One ( 1st Battalion Royal Australia Regiment) lives on forever in the glory of the footsteps of distinguished and honoured Soldiers like Major Prosser.

absolutely fantastic all rsl sub branches are to be prepared to deal with with this situation , our sub branch the entrance long jetty has started to set a policy how do we handle this need,well done.

To those Australian and New zealanders who were killed in ww1 R.I.P I salute you for your bravery

I am a veteran. Infantry. About the same age. I bet we have a lot of mates in common

Feel for you mate. I am a veteran. But remember as soldiers we are tough. We will never give up. It is in our make up. I hope you are doing well

omg such a powerful story kia kaha

Nice work.

I hope I can get one . My days in the army ant 74 I do need one .

Fantastic. Is a shame that veterans from earlier conflicts never had this wonderful opportunity for such support....well done.

Merry Christmas, Dani!

Thankyou Chris; for your service to our country . Awareness of how much each individual sacrifices to keep us safe & living the free life we are accustomed to & so often take for granted. I hope your story goes viral everyone should view it & remember what our lads sacrifice and just because they are home the journey is not finished. May my God bless you & keep you.👍🏼👍🏼

I love this man. He is my nephew ❤️✌️💪

I wasn’t functioning properly for over 2 years. Some time after that with the freedom of being a TPI I had to relearn and make my way in a new world. Then and 4 years later my wife of 26 years left. There have been good times but it’s mostly been a battle for the last 20+ years

I would love to have my own dog trained as an assistance dog she is my best (and probably my only ) true friend, we have been together for 18 months but it is so hard having to leave her home when I go shopping to to other public places.

Beautiful video!