Dont kid yourself. I did long look and the aussie Army is rag bag. The pay doesn't equate to ours and the poulation dont respect them any thing like the British public respect ours forces. I cant understand your gripe with being sent on tour. I remember being in BAOR in the 80's frustrated due to no tours other than the odd trip to NI. The weather is no better in New Zealand either its similar to ours. The NZ army is predominantly TA therefore not overly proffesional. So all in all the grass is greener here. I was recently offered a WO's slot in the NZ army by a senior officer i know over there but thought better of it. Believe me they are frustrated at not doing any tours. Infact one of the reasons for approaching me to fill an RSM slot was that there Seniors were laking tour experience and were therefore trying to import in experience. And finally if youve been to NZ its a dull country, similar to living in the north of Scotland. beutifull but very little there.