International military leaders who attended the Air and Space Power Conference in Canberra were supported by a team of 53 Australian Defence Force personnel who have trained as escort officers, including enlisted members for the first time.

More than 70 aspiring officers undertook the training by Directorate of Air Force Events in February. 

They join the nearly 200 personnel from across all three services who have trained to be escort officers over the past three years. 

In addition to providing instruction on the role and duties , the training offers guidance to support members with an interest in international engagement, as well as the skills necessary for cross-cultural competency. 

This year, the Escort Officer program has been extended to include enlisted members for the first time, providing more personnel with the opportunity to take on the role.

Warrant Officer of the Air Force (WOFF-AF) Ralph Clifton said opening the program to enlisted members set a benchmark for the future.

“These aviators have escorted visiting military dignitaries from around the world at the conference and displayed the outstanding calibre of our people,” WOFF-AF Clifton said.

One of the escort officers at the conference was Corporal Cavelle McLeod, who is currently serving with  34 Squadron in Canberra. 

Originally from Newcastle, NSW, she is the first in her family serve in the ADF, completing the Gap Year before joining Air Force. 

Corporal McLeod said she signed up to be an escort officer to broaden her experience in Defence.

“The training gave me exposure to aspects of Air Force I wouldn’t normally get to experience,” Corporal McLeod said.

“I was escorting the Brunei international visitor delegation, but really liked helping people across all the delegations at the conference.” 

Leading Aircraftwoman Thanadda Keane is also a newly trained escort officer. Born and raised in Thailand and already an Air Force linguist, she was the ideal support for the international conference. She said it was a good chance to do something different to her normal work and life experience. 

“I enjoyed how the training got us to consider the unknown and different cultural perspectives,”  Leading Aircraftwoman Keane said.

The Air Force Escort Officer Generic Skills course equips participants for escorting senior international and domestic guests during significant military and civilian events.

WOFF-AF Clifton said having the enlisted aviators carrying out the role at the conference was recognition of the outstanding skills and capabilities of personnel at all levels.