As Army’s Regimental Sergeant Major – Ceremonial, Warrant Officer Class One Matthew Fuery has attended more than his fair share of parades.

However, the latest Subject One Corporal Course march-out parade at Gallipoli Barracks held special significance for the seasoned soldier. 

Among the graduates was his youngest son, Lance Corporal Joel Fuery, of the 6th Engineer Support Regiment, making the occasion a personal and emotional milestone for the Fuery family.

For Lance Corporal Fuery, his father’s role as the reviewing officer came as a surprise. 

“I was out field for Exercise Anzac when the directing staff told me my father was going to be the reviewing officer at the march-out parade,” Lance Corporal Fuery said. 

“Initially, I thought they were joking, but when they kept saying it, I realised it was real.” 

Warrant Officer Class One Fuery, who has served in Army since 1992, said it was a great privilege to be part of such an important day in his son’s career. 

“It brought back memories of my own Subject One Corporal Course in a way,” Warrant Officer Class One Fuery said.

“Understanding the importance of having family attend that one was really good because it’s probably the first, most significant course that you’ll do in your career as a soldier.”

'Knowing Dad was there on the parade ground with me, and in such an important role, made it all the more special. It’s something I’ll never forget.'

Lance Corporal Fuery is the youngest of three brothers, all of whom have followed their father into Army. 

His eldest brother, Corporal Bryce Fuery, is a crew commander at 2nd Cavalry Regiment, while his middle brother, Captain Ryan Fuery, works in operations at 1st Armoured Regiment. 

Despite the family tradition, Lance Corporal Fuery said there was no pressure to enlist. 

“Dad was always like, ‘Do whatever you want to do’,” Lance Corporal Fuery said.

“When my oldest brother, Bryce, joined, it was the same thing: ‘Do whatever you want to do. Join whatever corps you want. Just have fun with it’.”

For Lance Corporal Fuery, the decision to join was inspired by the opportunities he saw growing up in a military family. 

“I saw the lifestyle and it just seemed very stable and like a good opportunity to go out and do interesting things,” Lance Corporal Fuery said.

“I’ve been away on some pretty cool exercises and operations – not many other people get to do that. 

“Dad would go out, be away for some time, then come back and tell us all these cool stories about where he’d gone – that made me excited to do the same thing.”

Warrant Officer Class One Fuery admitted that his youngest son’s decision to join Army came as a bit of a surprise. 

“I didn’t actually see it as really being a fit for him,” Warrant Officer Class One Fuery said. 

“We had a long discussion about it when he decided he wanted to join and, in my mind, it was quite a quick decision.

“Joel went down to recruiting one day, then came home saying he had been offered a gap year. 

“I thought that was perfect because if it wasn’t the best fit for him, he wasn’t locked into a long-term contract. But now, almost six years later, here we are.”

As for the future, Lance Corporal Fuery is keeping an open mind. 

“It’s a bit hard to make that decision now,” Lance Corporal Fuery said. 

“I think, especially now that I have a young family of my own, I’m leaning more towards a long-term career in Army because it offers stability. But we’ll just see what the future holds, I suppose.”

Warrant Officer Class One Fuery’s advice to each of his sons was tailored to their individual personalities and aspirations. 

'It brought back memories of my own Subject One Corporal Course.'

“The oldest [Bryce] is probably a lot more like me, so I could see him fitting into Army as a private soldier fairly well. I just reminded him to let the frustrations go, retain what he was taught, and understand that it’s all part of becoming a soldier,” Warrant Officer Class One Fuery said.

“For the middle son [Ryan], I strongly suggested he go to the Royal Military College – Duntroon. He had the aptitude for it, and I think that’s worked out better for him. 

“As for Joel, once we had the discussion and I realised he was serious about joining, I reminded him that a job in Army can lead to all sorts of possibilities and he should follow his heart. It’s not something he has to stay in just because I’ve stayed in it for a whole career.”

For Warrant Officer Class One Fuery, his role as reviewing officer at his son’s march-out parade led to him reflecting on his own career and the legacy of service his family is building. 

“It’s a great privilege. It’s a moment I’ll always remember,” Warrant Officer Class One Fuery said.

As the Fuery family gathered at Gallipoli Barracks, the march-out parade marked not only the culmination of Lance Corporal Fuery’s course, but also a celebration of a shared commitment to service. 

Having his father act as the reviewing officer and address the course during the parade from the reviewing dais made the day even more special. 

“Knowing Dad was there on the parade ground with me, and in such an important role, made it all the more special. It’s something I’ll never forget,” Lance Corporal Fuery said.