Hi, welcome
I want to answer your post but need to clear up one thing- 60+ years must be a typo as you couldnt join the defence forces at that age. I'll assume its 6+ years.
I joined the RAAF at 17yo in 1973- makes me 69 now. I remained there for 3 years and although I wasnt suited I did get a good commendation for my relief effort with cyclone Tracey at Darwin that set me up for many jobs later on. You are correct in your assessment of the negatives however- the distance, the commitment by both the member and their spouse. Even kids are moved around interstate and all those things dont deter the committed couples that live that lifestyle for a long time, it has a family type environment of mateship and so on, So are there alternatives that dont have that moving around risk? Yes!
Customs, Federal police are two I can think of that work mainly at wharfs and airports in every city. They can be sent to rural locations sometimes but not for long, a few days maybe. Eg if a foreign boat enters our shores.
But the best advice I can give you is, because your relationship is relatively new, it to seek a job now even casual/part time and consider an educational course that would enhance your chosen career in the customs or similar field in a couple of years. Looking specifically for a part time job could be easier than full time especially locations like fast food.
A story I have often told here is in 1988 I was a supervisor of a sheltered workshop with disabled people. A Vietnamese guy that had sailed from his home country commonly then called a "boat person" knocked on the door every Thursday looking for work. Each time I sent him on. One day my manager was present and after sending the guy on again h called out to him and gave him a job. Best worker ever and he got that job with persistence and determination.
So I hope you work it all out. Any further questions please reply.
TonyWK
