As the 3rd Brigade sharpens its focus on warfighting readiness, its deputy commander is equally focused on something less visible - understanding himself.

Now into his third year as Deputy Commander of Army’s 3rd Brigade, Colonel Boniface Aruma has been involved in every major exercise and activity across the formation. 

The brigade’s mission is clear: prepare in every respect for war. 

For Colonel Aruma, that preparation begins with leadership.

“You have to know what your weaknesses are and what your strengths are,” Colonel Aruma said. 

“If you don’t understand yourself, how can you expect to understand everyone from the section commander level all the way to the top?”

In a brigade built on discipline, standards and combat power, Colonel Aruma believes leadership is visible in every action.

“Every soldier follows the leader and every soldier is watching every step you take, so you have to be a role model,” he said.

That includes the ability to listen.

“There’s this perception as a commander that you have to be strong and hard and rule with an iron fist,” he said. 

“But the best decisions come from being able to say, ‘hey sir or ma’am, I think you better think about what you’re doing,’ because it leads to much better decision-making and ethics.”

He said creating an environment where people feel confident to speak up was not a sign of weakness, but of strength. 

For Colonel Aruma, vulnerability and professionalism are connected.

'When we start confusing serving with building a career, you will get frustrated because things won’t fall into line'.

He has also discovered that readiness extends beyond the gates of Lavarack Barracks.

During his time at 3rd Brigade, he has developed a deep appreciation for the Townsville community and the broader region.

“We have such a wonderful and powerful relationship with the community across Townsville, as well as further up north to Cairns and down to Mackay,” he said.

The flood response last year reinforced that connection.

“The response during the floods was just amazing and I loved being able to give something back to the community,” Colonel Aruma said.

He admits that when he first arrived, his focus was narrow.

“I’m not afraid to admit that initially I came here with a closed mind, thinking that I would sit in my office and be focused on warfighting all of the time,” he said. 

“But what really surprised me was realising just how much our people are supported by the community and by their families and friends.”

That perspective was shaped early in his posting.

“Commander 3rd Brigade, Brigadier Ben McLennan, said to me in my second year that my responsibility goes beyond the confines of Lavarack Barracks and that I need to be one with the community,” he said.

For younger soldiers and officers still finding their path, Colonel Aruma offers simple advice grounded in service.

“You are here to serve - always remember that,” he said. 

“When we start confusing serving with building a career, you will get frustrated because things won’t fall into line.

“So pause and ask yourself, ‘why did I join? Why did I choose to wear the uniform?’ Then the pathway becomes clear.”

He cautions against focusing on perceived privileges, money or rank, warning that doing so can distract from the purpose that brought most soldiers to service in the first place.

Most importantly, Colonel Aruma does not take his current role for granted.

“Back when I was a second lieutenant, if someone told me I would be doing this, I would not have believed them and might have even been upset at the suggestion,” he said. 

“But here we are, and it is an honour.”