From TAFE to the Air Force, Corporal Emerson Burgess found more than a job – he found purpose, mateship and opportunities he never imagined.

After finishing high school, Corporal Burgess – who grew up in Tea Gardens, north of Newcastle on the NSW central coast – enrolled in TAFE to become an auto-electrician.

When his teacher, an Air Force reservist, suggested Defence, Corporal Burgess took the leap.

He did not know much about working in Defence at the time, but his family connection to military service runs deep. Corporal Burgess’ great-grand-uncle Blair Wark was awarded the Victoria Cross in World War 1 for leading a small group of men to capture four German artillery guns and more than 50 enemy soldiers.

Corporal Burgess signed up in 2015 as a communication electronic technician (CETECH) responsible for maintaining Air Force’s mobile ground-based radar, communications systems and navigation aids.

Eleven years on, Corporal Burgess, now a CETECH with 452 Squadron at RAAF Base Amberley, Deployable Air Traffic Flight, has worked on bases across Australia and spent three months in an Air Force security position in Malaysia, posted to Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) Base Butterworth.

“I’ve been to places I never would have gone on my own, and I’ve learnt how to adapt to new environments,” he said.

“Defence has helped me step outside of my comfort zone.”

Sport has been another highlight. Corporal Burgess has played rugby union for the ADF and Air Force teams, competing in Australia, the US and Japan.

'With Defence, you see the end goal and the impact of what you do.'

His rugby mates have played a big role in his life, outnumbering family members at his wedding and one becoming a godfather to his child.

"ADF sport opens up so many social and professional networking opportunities," Corporal Burgess said.

"You get to meet and reconnect with mates from over the years, and you’re playing against your best friends from different services. It’s a great way to build friendships and professional connections."

Defence has also supported Corporal Burgess through major life changes. When his wife, who also serves in Air Force, recently had a baby, it gave him a fresh appreciation for Defence's comprehensive health and parental leave benefits.

"We don’t have to worry about hospital bills, medical specialist appointments, or any of that," he said.

‘‘It’s all covered through Defence, which gives us peace of mind during a huge life change."

For Corporal Burgess, the sense of purpose is what keeps him in uniform.

“I’ve been offered jobs that would pay more, but I turned them down,” he said.

“I’d rather stay with Defence for the lifestyle – the uniform, the mission, the sense of purpose. With Defence, you see the end goal and the impact of what you do."

When talking about his journey so far, he is clear about one thing.

“If I knew everything I know now, I’d still join the ADF," he said. "The opportunities, the lifestyle and the support – it’s something you don’t get anywhere else.”

To find out how you can build your best career, visit Defence Jobs & Careers to learn more about the benefits and conditions of service available to members.