Just as necessity is the mother of invention, the unique demographic of RAAF Base Glenbrook was the breeding ground for the Junior Aviator Group (JAG). Founded by three leading aircraftwomen, JAG has a mission of supporting, mentoring and empowering junior aviators.

One of its co-founders, who had been with 3 Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron at RAAF Base Richmond, found the ratio of junior ranks to senior ranks at Glenbrook to be confronting.

“The Richmond demographic is younger and [have people who have] joined straight out of high school,” Leading Aircraftwoman Kaylie Tibbey said.

“It was very daunting to go from a unit full of junior medics where the highest rank is your [commanding officer] CO, to posting to [Headquarters Air Command] HQAC where your two-star is just upstairs.”

For co-founder Leading Aircraftwoman Alicia Maybury, Glenbrook was her first posting as an aircraftwoman in 2022. She described her first dining-in night, a month and a half in, as “super terrifying”.

“We show up, a bunch of ACs, and thought that thankfully we’ll be sitting together,” Leading Aircraftwoman Maybury said.

“But we were split up, sitting with high-ranking officers, trying not to spill port on ourselves and use the right knives and forks.”

The geospatial intelligence analyst wound up seated next to Commanding Officer Headquarters Air Mobility Group Wing Commander Catherine Plenty.

“I sat looking obviously very terrified, because the first words out of her mouth were ‘Don’t worry – I’ve got you’,” she said.

Leading Aircraftwoman Maybury had the idea for JAG after she helped a friend through a number of challenges that were taking their toll on their mental health, along with the struggles of being the lone “baby troop” in team and one of the few on base. 

“It wasn’t the policy or procedures that were the problem, but the lack of people similar in age and rank to talk to,” Leading Aircraftwoman Maybury said. 

She made her pitch to Wing Commanders Garth Andrews and Catherine Plenty, who introduced her to Leading Aircraftwoman Tibbey. 

'It wasn’t the policy or procedures that were the problem, but the lack of people similar in age and rank to talk to.'

The third element of the trifecta was Leading Aircraftwoman Charlie-Elle McCarthy, a geospatial intelligence analyst like Leading Aircraftwoman Maybury. As a coordinator for RAAF Glenbrook’s Women’s Integrated Networking Group (WINGs), Leading Aircraftwoman McCarthy brought to JAG knowledge of organising events, as well as experience working in a different senior rank-dominant environment.

“When I was at the Air and Space Power Centre there was no one else at my level, or even close,” Leading Aircraftwoman McCarthy said. 

“So I had to ask all my junior-level questions about how to find the link to book a weapons test or ‘where should I park if I go here?’ to the warrant officer or wing commander.

“I’ve been through hard times where I might freak out about asking someone a certain thing or having to brief an air commodore. So it means a lot to me to be able to help junior aviators find their feet.”

The trio, who each grew up in Western Sydney, launched JAG with a series of events for mental health month last October. Since then, JAG has hosted Q&A sessions with Deputy Air Commander Australia, one with Warrant Officer of the Air Force, a PAR guidance session and self-defence-style classes. 

They have a program of activities slated for this year’s mental health month at Glenbrook, including a high-performance mindset talk, HQAC Olympics and social activities.

JAG now has 18 members, including its founders, who are interested in expanding the group to other bases.

“Since the dining-in night, the communication and support from Wing Commander Plenty has never stopped,” Leading Aircraftwoman Maybury said.

“Her kind heart, generosity and willingness to always stand up for what is right inspires me.

“Wing Commanders Plenty and Andrews took a chance on us girls so we could form JAG. Due to their actions, I’ve had more courage to speak up and speak to who I need to, which has helped me professionally. If I can give that back to someone else, I absolutely will.”

JAG is keen to receive questions from the junior workforce for a planned Q&A with Air Commander Australia, which will include a dial-in option. If you would like to submit a question, want more information about JAG or would like to join, email hqac.jag@defence.gov.au

Advice for other junior aviators on engaging with senior officers

Leading Aircraftwoman Alicia Maybury
There is no rule that says change needs to start at a certain time or a certain rank – you will be surprised by how many senior officers value your willingness to make a difference or provide a solution to a problem. Those initial interactions will always seem worse in your head than what they will be like in reality, so speak up and be the difference you want to see in the ADF.

Leading Aircraftwoman Kaylie Tibbey
When approaching a topic with a senior leader, approach it with curiosity. If you frame it from that place, they’re usually more open because they think they’re educating someone junior. Curiosity makes people share their open perspective, because the questions don’t sound so direct and like an accusation – which makes people put their guard up and more defensive.

Leading Aircraftwoman Charlie-Elle McCarthy
Just reach out and talk to them. They’re people as well. The scariest part is the initial conversation, but as soon as you start talking to someone, it’s not as scary as it seems.