After moving to Australia from India to pursue a Master’s degree at the age of 23, Squadron Leader Arun Soorian fell in love with his new home and decided to permanently migrate.

Now the Deputy Chief Engineer of Heavy Air Lift Systems Program Office, Squadron Leader Soorian’s work ensures Air Force’s KC-30A and C-17A aircraft are safe and running smoothly.

“It’s about keeping the aircraft safe, compliant and operational through oversight, quality control and leadership,” Squadron Leader Soorian said.

“Life as an international student was challenging. I supported myself while studying and living in Australia. This experience taught me resilience and the importance of continuously striving to become a better version of myself,” Squadron Leader Soorian said.

“Like many immigrants, I often felt lost and struggled to find my place. However, the ADF has become my family and gave me a sense of purpose; and now, whenever my family see me in uniform, I see how proud they are as well.”

'Even speaking a few words in a native language can go a long way in fostering relationships with locals.'

Squadron Leader Soorian’s career has included deployments to Malaysia as a linguist supporting Operation Gateway and to the Philippines as an Air Force liaison officer.

“I often joke that I speak three-and-a-half languages, with English being the half,” he said.

“It has been a wonderful experience to travel and use cultural insights to inform tactical and strategic decisions.”

Squadron Leader Soorian believes cultural and linguistic diversity is invaluable for international engagement.

“Even speaking a few words in a native language can go a long way in fostering relationships with locals,” he said.

Over the years, Squadron Leader Soorian has been an active and supportive member of the diversity and inclusion networks and resources within Air Force.

“The Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CALD) network at RAAF Base Amberley is like a big family – and we assist each other with mentoring,” he said.

“Air Force policies have evolved to support members [with] working from home, parental leave, study leave, gender transition support and religious attire – ensuring inclusion across faiths and different ways of life. Almost every unit has a prayer room and is culturally and emotionally aware of different traditions.”