For Air Force aircraft technician Corporal James Westley, joining the Air Force was always about more than maintaining aircraft, he wanted to make a difference. 

After several years of shaping future aviators as a military skills instructor (MSI), Corporal Westley went to Guam to support Exercise Malabar, an international activity enhancing cooperation between Australia, India, Japan and the United States.

Transitioning from training recruits back to technical duties has been a rewarding shift for Corporal Westley. 

“Being an MSI was a challenging and fulfilling role in my career, but returning to my trade and putting my skills to work on an international exercise has reminded me why I first joined,” he said.

On Exercise Malabar, Corporal Westley was part of the maintenance team keeping the P-8A Poseidon mission-ready throughout the demanding schedule of flights and joint activities with partner nations. It was a role that required precision, teamwork and the ability to perform under pressure – all qualities he helped instil in recruits during his time at RAAF Base Wagga.

“Seeing the aircraft you’ve worked on take-off to support real-world operations and international missions is a rewarding experience,” he said. 

“It reinforces that the work you do in maintaining the aircraft contributes to something much bigger than yourself.”

'Looking back, I now realise I’ve had the time of my life and I’m still loving it.'

For Corporal Westley, the deployment showcases the diverse career opportunities available in Air Force. From instructing recruits to supporting international operations, his career path highlights how adaptable and varied an Air Force journey can be.

He encourages anyone considering a technical or aviation career to take the leap. 

“If you’re someone who wants challenge, mateship and the chance to work on some of the most advanced aircraft in the world, Air Force is a great place to be,” Corporal Westley said.

With Exercise Malabar strengthening Australia’s partnerships and enhancing regional security, technicians like Corporal Westley are essential in keeping aircraft flying safely and effectively. His experience both in the training environment and on deployment reflects the depth of skills and dedication within Air Force’s technical workforce.

“It’s not [just] the amazing places we get to go to, but the people we get to meet and work with that’s the most fun. Looking back, I now realise I’ve had the time of my life and I’m still loving it,” he said.

Whether shaping recruits or preparing aircraft for multinational missions, Corporal Westley continues to embody the professionalism and adaptability that defines today’s Air Force.