From airman to officer

Flying Officer Brian Brown proudly displays his navigator brevet and trophy awarded for leadership qualities on graduation from No.118 Navigator Course. Photo by CPL Katrina Johnson

By LACW Simone Liebelt

FLYING Officer Brian Brown has just graduated as a navigator, thanks to hard work and the Airmen/Airwomen Access to the Academy (AAA) scheme.

At the graduation from No. 118 Navigator Course he received the trophy for leadership qualities.

Joining the airmen ranks in 1993, FLGOFF Brown applied for the scheme in 1998 as a corporal avionics technician.

He entered into a Bachelor of Science Degree and was accepted into the Advanced Students Division of the Australian Defence Force Academy in Canberra.

“I initially wanted to apply for direct entry navigator but at the time applications were closed,” FLGOFF Brown said. “My OIC recommended the scheme, and even though I was hesitant due to my long break from study, I did some research and decided to apply.”

Open to airmen and airwomen who satisfy the eligibility criteria, the AAA scheme offers the chance to gain a commission and a degree from the University of NSW, while contributing to the development of younger ADFA cadets through involvement in
sport, voluntary activities and leadership challenges.

According to Flight Lieutenant James Allen, Advanced Students Divisional Officer, AAA entrants fulfil a different role to direct entry cadets.

“Advanced students have already completed their officer training, so they are afforded the respect of their worn rank, and as such are expected to display a high standard of leadership and accept positions of responsibility readily,” FLTLT Allen said.

“They are high achievers who are intensely motivated towards their academic studies and have a breadth of experience to draw upon with regards to service life.”

FLGOFF Brown recommends the scheme to any eligible member.

“I thoroughly enjoyed my time at ADFA and the challenge of gaining my degree,” he said.

“The facilities and training are second to none and it’s a great way to get your degree and make friends across all three services.”

Applications for 2004 close on May 9. For further information, look under expressions of interest on the DPA web site.

.