Our People in Tasmania

A cool head helps Port Arthur’s Jack Mayhew do his job under pressure.

But that’s only part of it. The Rosny College graduate says the role of a RAAF airfield defence guard also requires good physical condition.

“You need to be pretty fit,” Jack said. “You need to have a pretty cool head under pressure. You need to be able to handle your weapons.”

Now stationed with the Brisbane-based No. 1 Air Field Defence Squadron, Jack flew to Bindoon, near Perth in WA, for Exercise Western Rodeo. It was the final stage in training for the unit’s primary role in defending people and aircraft from ground-based threats at home and overseas.

“It gives you that bit of discipline,” Jack said. “I’ve found that helps a lot, especially because I came pretty much straight after school. It’s good to get a bit of discipline — it sets you on the right tracks.

“You learn a bit about yourself, especially during the training, it gets a bit mentally tough. But I’d say, ‘yeah, give it a crack’, I’ve enjoyed it,” he said.