Captain Krezeil Lacorte grew up in a military family in the Philippines, but despite being surrounded by service, her parents encouraged her and her siblings to pursue other career pathways.

Seeking a career grounded in purpose, Captain Lacorte studied nursing and worked as a civilian nurse at the largest military treatment facility in the Philippines. Her path later led her to serve as a nurse in the Philippine Army, including during the five-month Siege of Marawi in 2017. 

‘‘I witnessed soldiers lay down their lives and sacrifice part of their freedoms so others could live freely,’’ Captain Lacorte said. 

‘‘Listening to their stories as I treated them solidified my belief that not all heroes wear capes, some wear army greens.’’

After leaving the Philippine Army, Captain Lacorte moved to Australia with her family. She spent several years working as a civilian nurse, but felt something was missing. 

'Knowing Defence looks after its people – medically, professionally and financially – reinforces why I chose this path.'

‘‘I realised I missed military life and the sense of fulfilment that only a life of service can offer,’’ she said. 

‘‘Joining the Australian Defence Force crystallised the difference between simply living and living with purpose.’’

Serving in her adopted country has allowed Captain Lacorte to combine her clinical expertise with her desire to contribute, while also building a secure future for her family.

‘‘I chose to join the Australian Army because it enabled me to combine my skills as a nurse with my deeper desire for purpose; serving the nation alongside a dedicated team.’’

She said one of the most rewarding aspects of service is working alongside people who share a common purpose, but the practical support provided by Defence has also played a significant role in enabling her to thrive.

‘‘When I was posted to Darwin, I was able to access District Allowance and subsidised rental support, which made a real difference with the cost of living,’’ she said. 

‘‘That kind of support gave my family stability during a major transition.’’ 

When it came time to buy a home, Defence housing initiatives helped turn a long-term goal into reality.

 ‘‘I was able to use the Defence Home Purchase Assistance Scheme (HPAS) and the Defence Home Ownership Assistance Scheme (DHOAS), which made home ownership much more achievable,’’ she said.

The key difference is that the HPAS provides a one-off lump-sum payment to help cover the upfront costs of buying a home, while the DHOAS offers an ongoing subsidy that reduces a member’s mortgage interest over time.

Defence has also supported her ongoing professional development. Through the Defence Assisted Study Scheme, Captain Lacorte completed her Postgraduate Certificate in 2022, a milestone that strengthened both her clinical capability and leadership skills.

‘‘Defence invests in you as a professional,’’ she said. 

‘‘That support has allowed me to grow, not just as a nurse, but as a leader.’’

'Joining the Australian Defence Force crystallised the difference between simply living and living with purpose.'

However, for Captain Lacorte, the financial conditions of service go beyond career progression and pay. It offers peace of mind for her family through benefits such as comprehensive medical and dental, and above-average superannuation contributions.

‘‘Knowing Defence looks after its people – medically, professionally and financially – reinforces why I chose this path,’’ she said.

In her role as a nurse in the ADF, Captain Lacorte applies her critical care expertise in dynamic and high-pressure environments, from humanitarian missions to domestic operations and deployments.

‘‘It’s a role that demands resilience, adaptability, leadership and teamwork – values I carry proudly from my background,’’ she said.

Reflecting on her journey, Captain Lacorte is clear about what drives her.

‘‘Being a nurse in the ADF defines my life’s purpose,’’ she said. 

‘‘I am destined to serve, and that is my ultimate calling.’’