Cadet on ‘exciting journey’
e communities. About 140 nnel from the 5th Aviation ment deployed, with further rt from the unit back at base. ere are about 99 Papua New a Defence Force members who gely engineers, working with
Joint Task Force 646 in Victoria. They and 77 personnel from the 3rd Brigade formed Task Group Dingo, taking with them 11 Bushmasters, combat rescue vehicles and skid steer loaders, to the Victorian town of Omeo for recovery efforts.
NEARLY 20 North Queenslanders have been appointed as officer cadets into the Australian Defence Force.
They’re among 500 others across the country who will leave for Canberra to start training at the Australian Defence Force Academy.
Townsville appointee Bridgette Mcmillan will study to become a joint battlefield airspace controller.
“I’ll be going in as mission aircrew so hopefully after my training I’ll be able to work in the back of aircraft like Super Hornets and Growlers, assisting the pilot,” she said
“Also I’m going through the officer way because I think that’s a very fulfilling and exciting journey and it will provide me with so many career aspirations.
“I hope to get deployed and travel around the country a lot and see where it takes me.”
Ms Mcmillan who hails from a military family with her father serving in the army, said she was excited for a career in the Australian Defence Force.
“My family is very defence orientated, that’s how I’ve grown up. I also really like the idea of being able to serve my country,” she said.
“There are so many benefits you can get in the Australian
Defence Force I just think it’s a very exciting and fulfilling lifestyle.”
3rd Brigade Commander Brigadier Kahlil Fegan said he gave advice to the recruits.
“I said to them this morning you need to go into the training with your eyes wide open, because there will be tough and challenging times and days they just need to persevere,” Brig Fegan said.
“Keep going because when they get to the end it is 100 per cent worth it.”
Brig Fegan said the initial training would help provide them with the physical and mental strength they would need throughout a military career.
“They’ll also be forming those bonds and friendships that will help them through a lifelong career in the military,” he said.
“I remember being absolutely petrified during this ceremony. They’re quite an impressive group of people, they seem committed and confident.
“It’s incredibly exciting. You get to do wonderful things in the military but to be involved in the appointment in some of our nation’s finest young men and women it’s quite a privilege, it’s a wonderful thing.”
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