Our People

CPL Hodges

Before posting to the Guard for the second time I was a supplier at 86 Wing and 36 SQN at RAAF Base Amberley.  I came back to the Guard because I enjoy the drill and I wanted to strengthen my skills as an Junior Non-commissioned officer  as I have recently been promoted.

As this is my second time posted to the Guard I had a good idea what it was going to be like.  There is potential to travel the country and to some parts of the world.  Although it is a ceremonial unit and drill is involved, there is a lot of opportunity to study, complete on the job training and participate in adventure training.

My time at the Guard has been very enjoyable. It is a great place if you are looking for a break from a squadron and deployments.

A usual day at the guard starts at 0800 with role call, followed by physical training (usually anything from an organised circuit to a run either around the Australian Defence Force Academy or Lake Burley Griffin in Canberra).   After PT there is time to have showers/morning tea until 1000. After morning tea there will be drill for roughly 1.5 - 2 hrs until lunch at 1200.  Lunch is from 1200 – 1300 after which there will normally be anything from single / tri-services lectures, such as service history.  Days finish at 1600.  This can differ depending on the day and whether there is a parade on or other activities.  

On my pervious posting to the guard I had the opportunity to join the Precision Drill Team – PDT, where I was able to travel to every capital city around Australia doing career expos and places like Alice Springs performing at their annual shows.

While posted to the Guard there is the opportunity to travel overseas to places like Gallipoli and France for ANZAC Day and for the Edinburgh tattoo in the UK.   

Within the Guard you also have the chance to become part of the drum corps who drum for Catafalque parties at the War Memorial and with the PDT.

I really enjoyed my time at the guard the last time and very much look forward to what is to come in the next 2-3 years of this posting.  It gives you so much insight into the other two services and the way they operate.  The posting is also a great opportunity to make heaps of good mates and you also get the chance to do things you wouldn’t do in your day to day job.

PTE Tilley

Before joining Australia’s Federation Guard I was an Infantryman at the 3rd Royal Australian Regiment Parachute Battalion based in Sydney.  I came to Australia’s Federation Guard to do something different after three consecutive years of deployments and a chance to strengthen my relationship with my now fiancé.

I was told I would be travelling all over Australia and the world, spending all my other time doing drill.  Images of my initial soldier training at the Army Recruit Training Centre came to mind when the daily program was described to me from people outside of the Guard.

I have now been here for six months and I have found it to be the perfect place for someone in my situation.  The guard gives me the opportunity to train with PT in the morning, an hour of drill taking up the morning till lunch time, followed by various activities after lunch.

Parades usually occur once a week in the Canberra area, although there is always the opportunity to join the Precision Drill Team and travel around the country on a more regular basis.  There is also the opportunity to undertake the many military courses that I would not have been able to do had I been back in the Battalion.

I really enjoy having the ability to plan a weekend away in advance, without fear of my personal plans being superseded by surprise work commitments; although it is an accepted fact at the Guard that impromptu parades can happen.

It has been different working in a Tri-service environment.  It has both advantages and disadvantages but all in all makes for a dynamic, interesting and relaxed work environment.

So far I have been skydiving and I will be getting my open water diving licence through approved activities run at the Guard.  In the coming months I will be travelling overseas to the UK to see the Edinburgh Military Tattoo and walking the Kakoda Trail.

Australia’s Federation Guard has given me the opportunity to do things I would not be able to do anywhere else in the Army and I would be happy if I were posted to the unit again later on in my career.

AB Falepau

AB FalepauTo be a member of Australia’s Federation Guard is truly a blessing. Serving in HMAS Ballarat for the past three years has been an amazing opportunity. I have learnt so much and have enjoyed the experience of working and living onboard a warship. As with any career, there comes a time when you need to explore other avenues. For me, it was a chance to explore another ‘career’ in the Australian Defence Force (ADF). It was the daily physical fitness activities at the Guard that initially influenced my decision to volunteer. I was excited and was looking forward to a new beginning in Canberra.

The Guard has allowed me to recognise the value of working in a tri-Service environment and I have a better understanding of the cultural difference between each Service. With the help of my colleagues, I have adapted to tri-Service drill with ease, and accepted the fact that my role also involves a significant amount of exposure to the public and media. Before joining the Guard, my role was to analyse sensors and signals for a ship, so initially being in the spotlight was daunting, however I have come to really enjoy the interactions with the media and the public.

Whilst at the Guard I have travelled interstate to cities and towns around Australia. Recently I’ve travelled to Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne, and early next year I will be taking part in ANZAC Day ceremonial activities in Europe.

I owe many of my great experiences to being a member of the Precision Drill Team (PDT). There is an immense feeling of pride and satisfaction when your performance is complimented by massive praise and applause from the crowd. Throughout my travels with the PDT, I have come across so many young adults who are curious and happy to see females in the ADF. Through my role I have also become a positive role model for the Polynesian community and between shows I like to encourage and promote a career in the ADF. To be able to tell my story in the hope that it will help them possibly make an important decision - is my little contribution.

There are plenty of opportunities to do courses, adventure training and charity fundraising. I now have licenses in driving trucks and coaches, qualifications in scuba diving, an advanced first aid certificate and I am currently looking at doing courses in Intelligence as a new career path.

For those who are looking for a change, thrive on the joy of keeping fit, can work in a tri-Service environment, do not mind being in the spotlight, and are willing to travel on a regular basis - the Guard is the right place for you. The environment is great, and the tasks are very rewarding. It is great working with such a diverse team, and it is a unit that is very easy to be proud of.

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