Well today marks my first day in a brave new world, as after 21 years in the Australian Army, I now find myself as a bonafide civilian once again. Truth be told it has been a gradual adjustment, as I have been on leave and long service leave studying followed by on the job training in my new chosen career field in finance.
But more on that some other time. For now I wanted to look back at what 21 years service in the military has involved, and I thought the best way to do this was through a photo essay. While the following is lengthy, there is no way this post could accurately sum up what those 21 years has entailed, but for now it's a good snapshot to look back on, and an insight for those who wonder what those in uniform actually do. So sit back, stay calm, and read on...
NB: Please note that in the interests of operational security, some of the photos have been altered to protect the identity of some personnel (not to mention some people don't like photos of themselves on the web).
NB: Please note that in the interests of operational security, some of the photos have been altered to protect the identity of some personnel (not to mention some people don't like photos of themselves on the web).
I enlisted in late January 1993 as an Officer Cadet at the Australian Defence Force Academy. The above photo shows members of the Army Class at single service training in Holsworthy Barracks.
Graduation Day at the Academy in 1995 before 'heading over the hill'
to the Royal Military College Duntroon.
BC Day (Battalion Commander's) in Kapyong Company 1996. Our weekly Monday morning inspection that involved many hours of preparation every Sunday night.
Exercise Beersheba at High Range Training Area, Townsville in October 1996. My first taste of Armoured Units (and it wouldn't be my last).
At Government House in 1997 with Lieutenant Colonel Cantwell and his wife Jane. He gave me a few much needed kicks in the backside over the last part of my officer training which served me in good stead for my career. I was lucky enough to serve with him on operations in 2009 -2010.
RMC Duntroon Graduation Day in June 1997, with my two Grandmothers.
I learnt a lot from these two remarkable ladies.
My first 'real' exercise in August 1997 with 1st Armoured Regiment (Tank) at Mount Bundey Training Area in the Northern Territory. Armoured vehicles are given names by their crews, the first letter of which starts with the Squadron they are in. I was in B Squadron, and the humour of the Australian soldier prevails - I am pointing at a RAEME Fitters Track called 'Buknakid'...
Tanks and Armoured Personnel Carriers (APCs) on the firing point, Mount Bundey 1997.
Exercise Southern Leopard at Puckapunyal 1998, doing a 'pack change' (engine replacement) for a Leopard Tank. That's me on the tools there, learning first hand what the Diggers & Craftsmen do for a living. This hands on approach came from my farming background, and again served me in good stead throughout my career.
At Mount Bundey again in late 1998 with Operations Support Squadron, the Logistics Squadron that supports the Tank Regiment. That's me in the crew commander's hatch of the APC, having recently achieved my crew commander's competencies.
Adventure Training in 1998. That's my mate 'JR' and I on top of Ayers Rock.
JR and I also tried our hand at bull riding. Here's one of my more memorable rides on 'Midas Dykman' at the 1998 Darwin Pro Rodeo.
Recovery Operations on Croc West 1999. That's a 40 tonne Armoured Recovery Vehicle (ARVM) pulling out the Heavy Recovery Vehicle (bogged in sand) which was recovering my Tracked Load Carrier (TLC or 'Tilly') which has overheated after the engine ate a fan belt...
Pre-deployment training at 2nd/14th Light Horse Regiment in Brisbane for troops deploying to East Timor.
On the Road to Balibo, Operation Tanager, East Timor 2001
Bacau, Operation Tanger, East Timor 2001
Myself, Major 'T', and Flight Lieutenant 'J'.
Australian Headquarters, Dili 2001.
Being presented with my UNTAET Medal by Lieutenant General Peter Cosgrove.
NB: After East Timor I took a little overseas holiday, where I met a British lass named Kate in Greece, and the rest as they say, is history!
It's not all work - Sasha trying on my slouch hat in 2004.
In October 2005 I returned to the 1st Armoured Regiment as the Officer Commanding Operations Support Squadron, for what would be a very busy two years, retiring the Leopard Tank from service and introducing the M1A1 Abrams Tank into service.
The Standard of the Regiment passes by the retiring Leopards, Darwin 2007.
(Source: www.defence.gov.au)
The newly introduced M1A1 Abrams Tanks, Darwin 2007.
Last Leopard Tank rounds down range, Mount Bundey 2007.
M1A1 Abrams Tank Troop first rounds down range, Mount Bundey 2007.
With Kate the night before deploying to Afghanistan on Operation Slipper in October 2007; the first of many long days apart over the coming few years. I will always be thankful for the support she provided me and for how she has raised the girls every time duty called me away. Thanks baby x
While on a counter insurgency leaders course we got the opportunity to visit the Queens Palace (ruins) outside of Kabul. I love this shot looking back to the Kings Palace ruins. Not something you get to see every day.
On top of Swimming Pool Hill in Kabul, January 2008. And yes, it was cold!
I love the engineering that goes into Armoured vehicles. Check out this Macedonian APC having some engine work done! Kabul, 2008.
All soldiers should get to have a birthday while deployed on operations.
This is mine in Kabul, February 2008.
Our transport arrives to take us from the Green Zone in Baghdad back to Camp Victory.
And off they go after dropping us safely 'home'.
The following photos are a very small snippet from my last deployment to Afghanistan in 2009/2010, giving a small insight for you the reader as to what our troops can experience over the course of a Task Group's deployment cycle.
The return of 'Sabi' who went missing in action in Afghanistan and was
recovered on a subsequent operation 18 months later.
Troops on patrol in late 2009.
Catching a flight to Kandahar on a Chinook, 2010.
Catching a flight back to Tarin Kowt on a US Blackhawk, 2010.
Vehicle casualty recovery by Russian helicopter, 2010.
Troops on patrol, April 2010.
End of the Day - Captain 'S', April 2010.
Me reading the Ode, ANZAC Day, Tarin Kowt, April 2010.
On the flight line in Kandahar with a US Air Force A-10, May 2010.
Quite simply they are an amazing aircraft!
Quite simply they are an amazing aircraft!
The diversity of the terrain in Afghanistan that our troops had to operate in.
Just prior to coming home to Australia, I received a phone call asking if I would like to undertake an exchange with the Defense Logistics Agency (Distribution) in New Cumberland, PA, USA. The following is a brief snapshot of our time there.
Military History tour of Gettysburg, PA. We were posted to PA for two years from December 2010 to January 2012. I visited this battlefield many times over two years, always learning something new, and always coming away deeply moved and with a greater understanding of the American psyche.
At the United States Marine Corps Memorial, Asan Beach, Guam 2011
with my good friend LtCol (Retired) Eugene Summers.
In July 1944 during WWII 55,000 USMC Troops landed at Asan Beach to retake the island from the Japanese. There were 7,000 American casualties and 18,000 Japanese were killed. Like Gettysburg it was a very moving place to visit.
Sasha and Poppy after being presented with their Military Kids Recognition Medals on ANZAC Day 2012, 'for perseverance on the home front during their parent’s deployment’. A fabulous initiative developed by the Ipswich RSL Sub Branch, these medallions are presented to children whose parents have served Australia on deployment.
At the Vermont Tough Mudder 2012, with my good buddy Dave. One of the toughest physical events I have done, but worth it to raise money for the Wounded Warriors Program.
Tour of the Harley Davidson Factory in 2012 with the US Navy Supply Corps .
Here's me happy to have completed the Chicago Marathon in 4hrs 49 mins, in which I ran to raise funds for Legacy Australia. An awesome event in one of my favourite US cities, and a thoroughly deserving charity.
Just before coming home one of the US Navy Officers took Kate and I out shooting on the range, a brief opportunity to fire some unique weaponry, which we'll likely not have the opportunity to do so again.
How very fitting that my last photo in uniform was at a Brewery; the original Yuengling Brewery in Pottsville PA, which I got to tour with the US Navy Supply Corps. We were also fortunate enough to meet the owner, Dick Yuengling, a 5th generation brewer. I highly recommend the Porters as well as their Black & Tan brews!
Kate and I after renewing our vows in Las Vegas on the way home to Australia!
Chapel of the Flowers, Las Vegas, January 2013.
My last ANZAC Day as a serving member, just after the Townsville Dawn Service with Sasha & Poppy. Two very patient girls who put up with their daddy being away for long periods due to operational requirements. Thank you girls x
And after the last 21 years, I reckon everything I learned and everything I experienced can best be summed up by the following two quotes below...
Roll on the next 21 years I say and all the new challenges ahead.
'Go you good thing'!
Cheers, Col
* 'Targets down patch out' is a saying that comes from conducting range shoots. If you are working under cover moving the targets up and down manually, it means the shoot is complete and you can lower the targets and use stickers to patch the bullet holes, so that the targets can be used again. It is also the best thing to hear at the end of a long hot day as it means your work there is done.
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