Yes its possible, but its not a transfer, you must show proof of discharge, then when you sign up, its classsed as a re-enlistment. Its not as easy as it sounds, and I speak only for Australia, especially in the post 9-11 world. Try
www.defencejobs.gov.au and have a look around. It took me almost a year, so plan way ahead. That was in March of 1994, and I have been here over 10 years (10 yrs, 8hrs and 31 minutes to be exact).
Five visits back to Canada in that time (1 in 1997 [holiday], 1 in 1999 [mother's illness], 2 in 2000 [mother's illness and funeral], and 1 in 2004 [holiday]), and as wierd as it sounds, Canada soon becomes a memory, and in many ways a stranger. Different news, different sports (no hockey, no CFL no lacross, no baseball. Its Cricket, AFL or Aussie Rules), and different cars. You really get to know who your real friends are too, and even after 10 yrs, I have friends here sure, but NOT like the friends back in dear ole Canada.
People move on, fewer and fewer letters, less contact, etc. However some things remain constant about Canada, such things as our flag, the smell of a winter's morning, the migrating sound of Canada Geese, Houston's Pizza [on Hill Ave, Regina], Robin's Donuts, those vast wheatfields of Saskatchewan, the fishing and hunting, and the skyline of your home town. I guess I am just being sentimental a bit today, as it was 10 yrs ago today I arrived at Kingsford-Smith, Sydney.
Depending on the season I come back to, I can hardly wait to see these familiar things. I just hate good-byes too, preferring to catch a cab from 'the house' not even looking back. I lick my wounds (brief spells of occasional homesickness once back in 'Terra Australis' - yes still) on my own time, and after a while I am fine. Although I am proud to be an Australian, I will never in a 1000 lifetimes forget where I come from.
So, its no big 'fantasy', its bitter reality, but one reaps what he sews, and for me things are great. Call it luck, perseverance, and plain bullheadedness. For me the good times out balances the bad.
I'll also say its not' romantic', or 'cool', as when you leave Canada to live in another country, it aint no holiday, or no picnic, and you are a long way from home. You must be prepared to leave for life, never to come back and live, at least for 5 years anyway. Once you are established here, some things get easier.
Taking up the responsibilites of becoming a second citizen, and putting Canada in the back seat is not easy, as from when you come here you start over (you have the chance to re-establish your life, like a second chance, sort of), and have to prove yourself time and time again.
Although I would not change anything if I had to do it again, the novelity wear's off pretty quick when you are faced with challenges both here and back home ( illnesses, deaths,etc - plus those good times too, Christmas's, birthdays and special family occasions, all missed. Been there and done it, and it aint easy). Otherwords its more than a 3 hr flight home. Here its 17 time zones, reversed seasons, different culture, different weather, different driving, different language and slang, different beer, different women, yes everything different, but its not all bad. A Canadian accent is always the flavour of the month here. Plus the fact of learning a whole new way of doing things Army wise.
Those wishing to accomplish to do what I have, I suggest you take a long hard look at the entire picture, as once committed, there is NO turning back.
One becomes stronger, more independant, more resiliant, in short better. Yes, and if there is any more growing up, its done pretty bloody fast.
Good luck in whatever you follow.
Cold beers,
Wes
