Defence

Feature

New careers in the Navy

Each year thousands of young Australians apply for a career in the Royal Australian Navy. Some want to drive ships; others prefer to keep the ships running; and some want to view the ships from above, from the cockpit of a helicopter. Then there are those who administrate or support other personnel to perform their roles to the highest standards possible. Malcolm Grieve profiles three recent graduates of the Navy's New Entry Officer Course.

Graduates of the New Entry Officer Course—No. 33.
Photo provided by HMAS Creswell

Late last year 53 new Naval Officers stood on the parade ground of HMAS Creswell to receive their Graduation Certificates, marking the successful completion of the Navy's New Entry Officer Course (NEOC)—No. 33. The testing 22-week course conducted at the Royal Australian Naval College on the shores of Jervis Bay is designed to equip aspirant officers with a range of general service skills before they embark on employment-specific training in their chosen fields. The course includes drill and ceremonial, physical training, officer development, oral and written communications, management and leadership, Navy history, small-arms training and first aid. In addition, course members embark on a training cruise aboard one of the Navy's ships, designed to give them a taste of life at sea.

Midshipman Olga Poberezovska was one of the graduates from the NEOC in December last year. Olga is among a number of aspiring pilots seeking the challenge of operating a state-of-the-art Navy helicopter from the deck of a ship. Born in the Ukraine, the 23-year-old recalls that as a child she always wanted to become a military aviator. Almost two decades later, Olga finds it difficult to believe she is about to embark on Australian Defence Force (ADF) basic flying training—a course that will take her a step closer to realising her dream of becoming a Naval pilot.

"I want to fly, as much as I did when I was a child, but I'm also looking forward to being part of a group that is capable and passionate about what they do and why they do it," said Olga. "I've developed an enormous pride in the professional team that is the Royal Australian Navy."

While Olga's family is based in Melbourne, prior to joining the Navy she was living in New Zealand, studying for a Diploma of Aviation Science and working towards her Commercial (Helicopter) Pilots Licence.

Despite finding aspects of the NEOC course difficult and challenging, Olga says it has given her a valuable insight into what Navy life will be like.

"I know the next few years will be hard work; however, I'm confident I'm capable of operating at the highest professional level required to fly for the Navy," she said. "I can see no better workplace or employer and I'm looking forward to the challenges, hurdles and triumphs."

Overcoming hurdles is nothing new to another NEOC graduate and pilot trainee, Midshipman Leigh George. The 20-year-old from Kingscote, South Australia, was unsuccessful in his first attempt to join the Navy at just 17.

"I was told by Defence Force Recruiting to complete Year 12, get some worldly experience and return if I wanted after that," he recalls.

Leigh did just that. He concentrated on achieving good results in his Year 12 subjects, then deferred university study for a year to complete a Rotary Exchange to Brazil.

"Living away from home I learnt to be self-reliant and take responsibility for my own actions," he said. "One of the most important things I took away from my exchange was an appreciation for my country."

On his return to Australia, Leigh took up Bachelor of Education studies at Flinders University in Adelaide. A year later he tried once more to join the ADF as a pilot and was accepted into the NEOC intake, which began in July 2005. Leigh is sure he's made the right career choice and is about to begin Basic Flying Training at Tamworth. If he is successful in completing the gruelling ADF pilot-training program, Leigh can look forward to sitting at the controls of one of the Navy's sophisticated front-line helicopters such as the Seahawk or the Seasprite.

"Being a member of the ADF is an exciting thing for me," he said. "I have already had the chance to travel down the South-East coast of Australia. This is an exciting stage in my life and I have been given the opportunity to do something I have always dreamt of doing."

Chaplain Christine Senini.
Photo provided by HMAS Creswell

Rather than following a childhood dream, some NEOC graduates, like Chaplain Christine Senini, felt a strong personal calling to join the Navy. Both Christine's parents served in the Royal Australian Air Force and she sees a career as a Chaplain in the Navy as a great way to reach out and help people.

"The ADF is orientated towards helping others, whether it is in Australia or overseas," she said. "I really value the opportunity to help those who are seeking to help others and to be there to help, when people are facing significant questions in their lives."

Prior to her theological studies, the 37-year-old enjoyed a successful career as an Australian Federal Police agent for more than a decade.

Although she holds a raft of qualifications, including a Bachelor of Theology (Biblical Studies), a Master of Theology (Liturgy), a Master of Arts (Pastoral Theology & Practice) and a Master of Public Policy and Administration, Christine is extremely proud of her recent graduation from NEOC.

"During my NEOC training I have been privileged to say prayers on a number of important occasions and to conduct a scattering of ashes at sea. This was a very moving experience and one that I greatly cherish," she said.

Christine has been posted to HMAS Cerberus in Victoria and says she is enthusiastic about her new role, supporting Navy personnel and new recruits in all aspects of their spirituality.

"I believe God has called me to be a Naval Chaplain," she said. "I continue to be impressed by the enthusiasm, camaraderie, sense of humour, confidence and professionalism shown by all ADF personnel I meet."

While the experiences of these three graduates provide just a brief insight into the Navy's officer-training program, there is no doubt it has been a life-changing experience for all who completed the course. Whatever role these aspiring officers choose to perform in the future, they can be assured they are embarking on one of the most interesting and challenging careers available today.

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