25 July 2025
The atmosphere at HMAS Kuttabul, NSW, was charged with excitement and pride as Navy, Army and Air Force personnel gathered to celebrate the graduation of the newest ADF imagery specialists.
These graduates are now equipped with the theoretical knowledge and practical skills essential for the ever-evolving world of cognitive information operations.
This ceremony was a powerful testament to the dedication and hard work that these 14 graduates invested over the past six months, as their graduation marked the end of an intense training program and the beginning of a promising new chapter in their ADF careers.
Graduates had completed a TAFE-accredited Certificate IV in Photography and Photo Imaging, followed by the Joint Imagery Specialist Course (JISC), which built on their civilian foundation and prepared them to apply imagery skills in a Defence context.
Congratulating the graduates, Deputy Director Intelligence and Information Warfare Training Commander Simon Kelly highlighted the critical role imagery played in Defence.
“This course has equipped you with the science of photography, but from here, it’s about developing the art,” Commander Kelly said.
“Imagery remains essential to Defence, not just in supporting operational outcomes, but in capturing the people, places and moments that define military service.
“Your photographs are often the lens through which the world sees the Australian Defence Force. They help shape perception, convey truth and document history.”
With the Implementation Authority of the course moving from Training Authority Maritime Warfare (TA-MW) to Joint Training Command (JTC) in Simpson Barracks, an official handover was conducted between Commander Kelly (TA-MW) and Lieutenant Simmone Reynolds (JTC).
'Every image they take has the potential to honour our people, inform the nation and shape how Australians see their Defence Force.'
Commander Kelly said that, beginning in 2015 with a single Navy sailor, the imagery specialist course had grown into a triservice capability essential to Defence’s visual storytelling.
“Evolving from part-time TAFE study to a fully integrated, fit-for-purpose ADF course, this training has ensured imagery specialists can operate confidently in military environments,” he said.
“This graduation marks the final time Training Authority Maritime Warfare will instruct the course, and we now pass the ‘camera’ to Joint Training Command to continue building this critical capability.”
ADF Imagery School instructor Corporal Kylie Gibson shared her pride in seeing the graduates ready to take their skills into the field, capturing the stories that matter to the Defence community and the Australian public.
“Watching these students grow into capable, confident imagery specialists has been incredibly rewarding. They’re ready to meet real-world challenges and make a genuine impact on the ADF mission,” Corporal Gibson said.
“Every image they take has the potential to honour our people, inform the nation and shape how Australians see their Defence Force.”
Among the graduates, Corporal Jack Pearce, originally from Cardiff, NSW, reflected on his experience, driven by purpose, family and a desire to capture the reality of service for all Australians.
“Joining the Army gave me the structure, purpose and challenge I didn’t even know I was looking for. Mum encouraged me in my journey, and I haven’t looked back,” Corporal Pearce said.
“My interest in photography was inspired by my sister and started with sunsets and landscapes, before it grew into capturing everyday moments and memories for my kids.
“I am drawn to the idea that a single image can tell a powerful story, shining a light on the people behind the uniform. My dream would be to one day cover an Anzac Day service in Gallipoli – documenting that moment would be an honour and a career highlight.”
As these graduates step forward to capture the stories of our people in uniform, their work will continue a proud tradition – one that connects every Australian to the service, sacrifice and spirit of the Defence Force.
