Officer Training School at RAAF Base East Sale, Victoria, is a long way from the remote island of Taveuni in Fiji where Flight Lieutenant Rayneil Shandil was born and raised.

As a member of the directing staff at Officer Training School, Flight Lieutenant Shandil is responsible for shaping the next generation of Air Force officers into leaders of character, committed to Air Force service and the defence of Australia.

Flight Lieutenant Shandil also carries the heritage of his Indian ancestors, who were brought to Fiji under a British indentured labour system. 

“Their journey was one of resilience, sacrifice and determination – it is a legacy that has profoundly shaped who I am today,” Flight Lieutenant Shandil said.

Drawing on this heritage, his experience as an immigrant and his Air Force service, Flight Lieutenant Shandil learned the value of perseverance, the strength in diversity and the importance of contributing to something bigger than oneself.

“I am able to bridge diverse viewpoints, foster inclusive relationships and strengthen collective performance, ensuring that different experience translates into practical and operational excellence,” Flight Lieutenant Shandil said.

“I see diversity not as a principle but as a strategic asset that enhances resilience, innovation and mission success.”

Flight Lieutenant Shandil finds purpose in mentoring individuals to lead and uphold Defence values.

“I could not be prouder watching our newest aviators grow, arriving as individuals and leaving as officers. Being a junior officer and having this privilege to force generate has been the highlight of my career,” he said.

Flight Lieutenant Shandil took part in Exercise Kummundoo in 2024, which brought together personnel with diverse skills to deliver health care in remote Western Australian communities.

“What made Exercise Kummundoo powerful wasn’t just the range of capabilities deployed, but the mutual respect, cultural insight and learning that guided every interaction. Team members listened, adapted and collaborated with Traditional Custodians to build trust and deliver outcomes,” Flight Lieutenant Shandil said.

“This experience taught me that diversity is not an abstract idea – it is a practical force multiplier. When a team’s background, perspective and skills are respected, we achieve results no single viewpoint could deliver alone.”