Returning to the Philippines for the first time in 11 years and to the region where he grew up, Corporal Michael Tilos played a key role in the Air Task Group at Clark Air Base during Exercise Alon 25.

As the only non-destructive inspection (NDI) technician on the team, Corporal Tilos ensured jets kept flying from Clark Air Base.

“The other day we had a bird strike. I went into the intake of the aircraft, and I stayed inside the engine intake for approximately seven hours,” Corporal Tilos said.

His dedication meant that the jet was able to return to flying the next day, halving the anticipated repair time.

Not only did his skills and capabilities provide effective air readiness for the Air Task Group, but his Filipino heritage also became indispensable, bridging language barriers between technicians from the Philippine Air Force and Royal Australian Air Force.

Having come from poverty in the Philippines, Corporal Tilos spoke about how and why he enlisted in the Royal Australian Air Force in September 2016.

After welcoming his first child with his wife in 1998, Corporal Tilos was earning the equivalent of just 50 Australian cents working in public transport. Wanting to provide a better life for his family, he began studying welding and eventually submitted an application to the Philippine Department of Labour and Employment, willing to move anywhere for a better life.

Two months later, Corporal Tilos had an interview with an Australian employer in Manila. At the time of the interview there were about 200 people queued outside the building, with only two jobs available.

'Everyone here does their own part, it’s just a privilege for me having that Filipino background, but everyone pulls their own weight on this exercise.'

Leaving his family behind in the Philippines in September 2008, Corporal Tilos first set foot on Australian soil, risking further debt if his career as a civilian welder did not work out.

He spent three years living in Australia without his family, only seeing them for two weeks each December.

Corporal Tilos said gaining Australian citizenship was a difficult process. Fortunately, his former boss agreed to sponsor him. Over time, he became more than just a boss – he became a mate, especially when Corporal Tilos found out that his wife had cancer.

“Having that support for me – it’s really heart-warming – it’s when I saw Australians were good mates. Even though he was my boss, he treated me as a mate. And that’s when I felt like I belonged – I belong in Australia,” Corporal Tilos said.

Asked why he chose to join the Australian Defence Force, Corporal Tilos said, “I can serve the Australian people more in the Defence Force”.

And when asked how he came to be an NDI technician, Corporal Tilos said he originally wanted to be an aircraft technician.

“As I progressed, I saw the benefits of having two skills. Having two skills, at the same time, means I can provide more service and capability to Air Force,” he said.

Despite being a significant member of the team, Corporal Tilos is quick to shift the focus to others.

“Everyone here does their own part, it’s just a privilege for me having that Filipino background, but everyone pulls their own weight on this exercise,” Corporal Tilos said.

“It’s not just about me – it’s about the whole team.”