At age 12, Wing Commander Linda Corbould’s future was clear. Watching the Roulettes’ aerobatic display in Launceston, she knew she was going to become a military pilot.

Five decades later, after a decorated career as a transport pilot, Wing Commander Corbould is helping inspire other young people as the Air Force liaison officer (AFLO) to the Australian Air Force Cadets (AAFC) in Tasmania.

Her experience – spanning continents and missions, in conflict and disaster zones – has prepared her well for this very different but rewarding role.

“The AFLO is the link between AAFC units and the Air Force, enabling the mostly volunteer civilian staff to deliver the youth development program and ensure it is safe and supported,” she said.

“You need a good general knowledge of military processes, patience, initiative, common sense and people skills.”

Over her career, Wing Commander Corbould has clocked up more than 4500 flying hours, including 4000 in the C-130 Hercules and 500 in the C-17A Globemaster.  She’s flown celebrities, dignitaries and Defence leaders into war and disaster zones, met prime ministers, presidents and royalty, and delivered humanitarian aid and personnel to places in need.

In 2003, she received the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) for her work as Deputy Detachment Commander for RAAF C-130 operations in the Middle East, and Mission Commander for the first Australian C-130 flight into Baghdad, delivering aid through Operation Falconer.

Her role as AFLO brings a different kind of reward, as she coordinates and facilitates Defence-related activities for 13- to 18-year-old cadets. 

These include flying lessons, military aircraft flights, bivouacs, general service training, ceremonial support, and visits to RAAF bases and institutions like the Australian War Memorial and the Australian Defence Force Academy.

Behind the scenes, she arranges access to Defence facilities, vehicles, aircraft and training areas, books travel and accommodation, manages schedules, monitors safety, and oversees the budget.

She also liaises with tri-service groups and civilian agencies, from base managers and councils to schools and youth activity providers.

'Ironically, my nickname did become ‘Girl’, and even now, the people I flew with still call me that.'

The ability to draw on experience is key. Once, when faced with high commercial flight costs to send 20 cadets to a course on the mainland, she arranged for a military aircraft instead.

“I put in a request for a Hercules and we got it. The kids loved it,” she said.

“In this role, you have to think outside the box and be willing to test ideas.

“It’s so rewarding to watch the cadets grow in confidence through unique experiences.”

Wing Commander Corbould’s can-do attitude has been a hallmark of her career.

In 1981, women were barred from flying roles, so she joined as an air traffic controller, hoping for change. In 1990, she became the third female pilot to graduate, earning a nickname that stuck – ‘Girl’.

“I never thought of myself as a ‘girl’ on the course, I just wanted to fly like everyone else,” she said. 

“Ironically, my nickname did become ‘Girl’, and even now, the people I flew with still call me that.”

Her career highlights include commanding 36 Squadron and bringing the C-17A Globemaster into service. On December 4, 2006, she flew the RAAF’s first C-17A from the US to Australia, timing the arrival to coincide with Prime Minister John Howard’s arrival at Canberra Airport.

In 2008, she led the RAAF’s first all-female aircrew on a training flight. While “just a bit of fun”, the moment reflected Air Force’s progress towards inclusivity.

Now in her ninth year as AFLO, Wing Commander Corbould plans to retire in two years. 

Her role, and others available now around Australia, are advertised as an expression of interest on Forcenet and open to anyone who meets the criteria, with no particular specialisation or training required. 

“I saw this role as a way to ‘give back’ and use my experience to help the AAFC achieve their goals,” Wing Commander Corbould said.

“To see a shy teenager enter cadets and grow in confidence and maturity makes it so worthwhile.”