Newly graduated Pilot Officer Jay Nicks (left)

Pilot Officer Craig Nielson, a recipient of three awards at RMC

TWO Air Force Cadets recently graduated from the Royal Military College Duntroon with top honours.

Craig Nielson received the Peter Stuckey Mitchell Trust Award, the David Sloane Memorial Trophy and the Lord Novar Cup, which were all related to superior leadership and fitness, and Jay Nicks received the Duntroon Society Award for the graduate who demonstrated extaordinary commitment and dedication to training.

They have both arrived at their new units as Pilot Officers in the role of Rifle Flight Commanders.

PLTOFF Nielson said he was honoured to receive his awards and was proud to fly the Air Force flag at RMC.

"Completing the course at RMC has taught me how the Army operates at a battalion and platoon level. It has also highlighted the importance of interoperability between Air Force and Army at a higher level," PLTOFF Nielson said.

PLTOFF Nicks said he was extremely surprised to receive his award considering there were a lot of high achievers on the course.

He said his motivation to join the Air Force came about because of an interest in flying. Owing to fierce competition in the pilot category, he eventually decided to pursue training as a Ground Defence Officer.

The class of 61 graduates comprised six Air Force cadets, four from overseas posts and 51 Army. Being part of six Air Force cadets in such a large group had its challenges but all worked well as a team.

"My advice to anyone wanting to do this course is to keep your sense of humour as the training can be fairly intense," PLTOFF Nicks said.

"Above all, know when to laugh and it will help get you through."

He and the other Air Force graduates will complete further training at an Airfield Defence Squadron before they are fully qualified as junior Ground Defence Officers.

By CPL Mark Eaton