By
Andrew Stackpool
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An
Oscar-winning performance? AC Kevin Armstrong, of No. 382
Expeditionary Combat Support Squadron, plays victim in an
exercise at RAAF Base Amberley.
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Photo
by AC David Gibbs
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RAAF
Base Amberley Aircraftman Kevin Armstrong is so keen on rejoining
the Air Force he volunteered to be “burnt” in the name of confirming
safety procedures.
The 51-year-old played a victim who received badly burned legs
during a recent emergency exercise at the base. “The aircraft
was filled with smoke and I couldn’t see a thing,” he said.
“The response team came and asked me if I was OK and what was
wrong. I told them and then they went forward to check on the
pilot.
“They half carried me from the aircraft and put me on a stretcher
outside, where they wrapped my legs and carried out other first
aid and medical procedures. That done, they carried me over and
laid me down beside an ambulance. The officer in charge then
asked them what they would do next.”
RAAF Base Amberley has been conducting a series of crash exercises
since late July, which finished on August 13. AC Armstrong was
impressed with the performance of the response team. “They did
a very good, very professional job,” he said. “This was my first experience in such an exercise and I thoroughly enjoyed it.
I thought it would be fun and be a good learning experience. “I’ve
only got four years and want to make the best of all opportunities.”
AC Armstrong started his working life with Australia Post in 1967
and joined the Air Force in 1988.
He served in the tanker pool at RAAF Base Edinburgh until he accepted
a separation package in 1993 after the mustering was disbanded.
“So I rejoined Australia Post. However, I always felt I had made
the wrong choice and looked at options to rejoin,” he said. “I
was chasing age limits until last year when I found the age had
been lifted to 50, so I had another go.
I passed all the tests and was accepted. I’m glad I got through.”
AC Armstrong began recruit training in January at the age of 51
and 14 days. He received a waiver to allow him to rejoin because
he was 50 when he underwent his pre-joining tests.
“I found recruit school great. Although there have been changes,
I had a good idea of what to accept and it was an easy learning
curve. “I found the other recruits good fun, too.
I enjoyed the same things they did – though perhaps not as much.
“I also found the physical side a bit harder, too, being an older
feller.” Amberley was his first choice of posting and he hopes
to stay there for the duration of his service.
