By
Peter Meehan
 |
|
CHAP
(FLTLT) Bruce Grey takes a moment to contemplate the historic
mark he made by becoming the oldest student to graduate
from the Initial Officers’ Course.
|
|
Photo
by SGT David Grant
|
CHAPLAIN
(Flight Lieutenant) Bruce Grey has created history as the oldest
graduate to march out with his fellow students from the Initial
Officers’ Course (IOC) at Officers’ Training School, RAAF Base
Williams, Point Cook.
CHAP
Grey celebrated his 55th birthday on course and proved to be an
inspiration and role model to students and staff alike when it
came to physical fitness and determination.
He
and the other students on No. 2/2004 IOC graduated on July 30.
CHAP Grey found the course to be a great challenge.
“The
most stimulating achievement was ‘Battle PT’, working in a group
of 10 moving across difficult terrain, carrying one student on
a stretcher, field packs, weapons, ammunition and water; an uplifting
experience, accompanied by a quiet prayer that it would end soon,”
he said.
Another
memorable moment was preparing for Exercise Labuan, where students
were tasked with protecting a vital asset.
“I
was lifted to an all new confidence level when, again fully
equipped, the team walked a traverse 20 metres wide and 12 metres
off the ground.
“A
second quiet prayer was negated by the spirit and camaraderie
that came from working with other IOC students – working as one,
there to win.”
The
IOC consists of several phases, starting with ground defence where
students learn to operate in a field environment, including weapon
qualification on the Austeyr.
During
the academic component, students are required to learn about the
many aspects of the Air Force and ADF. Subjects include operations
and management.
The
final phase of the IOC is leadership training. The syllabus consists
of a series of activities where students are required to demonstrate
leadership within a section of subordinates and competently guide
them through a practical exercise.
Before
joining the Air Force, CHAP (FLTLT) Grey spent eight years in
Cockatoo, an outer suburb of Melbourne, working in the Anglican
Parish managing a variety of duties and responsibilities.
His
parents, both in their 80s, attended the graduation parade. His
father was also in the Australian military, as a World War II
signaller with 6th Division.
RAAF
Base Wagga will be home for CHAP Grey and his wife Michele.
Reviewing
Officer Air Commodore Paul Ekin-Smyth AM congratulated all graduates
of on the successful completion of their course.
