As a teenager, all Warrant Officer Brendon Gardner wanted was a secure job; one that made a contribution to something bigger. 

He found it, and decades later Warrant Officer Gardner has a career in the Air Force that has been a fulfilling life journey full of opportunity.  

As an Air Force personnel capability specialist and a highly skilled human resource and management professional, Warrant Officer Gardner dedicated 20 years of full-time service to the Australian Defence Force.

Throughout his career, Warrant  Gardner consistently demonstrated leadership beyond his rank, earning opportunities to contribute at higher levels.

During his full-time Air Force career, Warrant Officer Gardner played an influential role in shaping policies that promoted the equal employment of women across the ADF.

After transitioning out of the ADF and working for the Australian Public Service (APS), he engaged in meaningful conversations with both a former and current Secretary of Defence on gender diversity.

Warrant Officer Gardner was proud to be part of the journey to guide Defence into the future.

“The Air Force has a strong focus on people and as I progressed in my career I was able to positively influence improvements in Defence's approach to diversity, development of stronger people-focused policies, and forward-thinking management attitudes,” he said.

A few years after service with the ADF, Warrant Officer Gardner commenced Air Force Reserve service. 

The flexibility this offered him meant he was able to unplug from civilian roles, and contribute as much as he could to support missions and exercises where his skills were needed. 

“Since becoming an Air Force Reservist, I have joined Defence APS twice and contributed at the executive level, because I knew my experience, expertise and strong values would be effectively utilised and valued,” Warrant Officer Gardner said.

In addition to his connection to Air Force for more than 47 years, Warrant Officer Gardner has worked in senior positions within three national not-for-profit organisations. 

'The camaraderie, mutual respect, and shared values are my favourite part of working in Defence.'

While these tenures as a civilian executive broadened his breadth of knowledge and experience, he shares that what sets Defence apart from other organisations is the strong sense of purpose and belonging. 

As a leader, Warrant Officer Gardner is dedicated to connecting with the people around him and being the “genuine article”. 

He also notes the qualities he values most in leaders at Defence are their genuineness and interest to engage.

“I have a strong sense of commitment to ensuring that all personnel can access the full suite of Defence benefits,” Warrant Officer Gardner said. 

“I have always encouraged fellow Defence personnel to understand and access opportunities, in order to realise their full potential as a contributing member towards the defence of our nation.”

If Warrant Officer Gardner were to give advice to his teenage self, he’d say, “Don’t limit yourself”. 

Now working part-time as a researcher in the Air Force History and Heritage Branch, he said Defence employment could offer flexibility across your career if you put your hand up for opportunities and follow the journey. 

Warrant Officer Gardner reflected on the past 47 years.

“The camaraderie, mutual respect and shared values are my favourite part of working in Defence,” he said. 

“We are more like a family than a government department and we perform more like a team than in many areas of society.” 

To find out how you can build your best career, visit Defence Jobs & Careers.

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