By
FLTLT Neil Wright
 |
|
FLTLT
Grant Harvey
|
 |
|
PLTOFF
Luke Connery
|
 |
|
FLGOFF
Robert Skoda
|
THE
latest ground defence officers in the Air Force have graduated
from initial training at a college filled with the Army.
The three graduates – Pilot Officer Luke Connery, Flight Lieutenant
Grant Harvey and Flying Officer Robert Skoda – completed training
at Royal Military College, Duntroon.
PLTOFF Connery joined the Air Force and went straight to RMC,
while FLGOFF Skoda completed a degree at ADFA before attending
the college.
FLTLT Harvey transferred from the administration category, where
he saw service with No. 37 Squadron.
“I can’t wait to go back to the blue!” FLTLT Harvey said at the
end of the beret presentation ceremony which followed the graduates
receiving their commissions.
AVM John Monaghan, head of Aerospace Development, noted the importance
of the beret presentation as a welcome to the Air Force and the
ground defence specialty.
While most Air Force people recognise the blue beret as an airfield defence guard/ground defence officer item, it was once issued
to all Air Force members.
All three graduates are looking forward to further training specific to the Air Force. This includes the Basic Ground Defence Operations
course and more Army training.
In a recent development, new ground defence officers also will
attend the second half of the Officer Training School course.
PLTOFF Connery and FLTLT Harvey are posted to No. 1 Airfield
Defence Squadron at RAAF Base Edinburgh. FLGOFF Skoda is with
No. 3 Airfield Defence Squadron at RAAF Base Amberley.
