6 Wing AAFC graduations – leaders of today and tomorrow

Cadets from South Australia and Mildura – No 6 Wing, Australian Air Force Cadets – have just completed a range of residential promotion courses, and are now set to take on increased leadership responsibilities within their parent squadrons.

All photos by Aircraftman (AAFC) Josh Watson, Assistant Public Affairs Officer, No 6 Wing AAFC.

No 6 Wing conducted the 2019 Promotion Courses at RAAF Edinburgh from the end of December into January, with two staff and 14 cadets joining them from No 5 Wing (Tasmania).

The reviewing officer for the end-of-course parade held at RAAF Edinburgh on Saturday 12 January was Air Commodore Gary Martin, Director General Cadets – Air Force.

Of those seeking to be promoted to Cadet Under Officer, the Dux of the course was Cadet Flight-Sergeant Benjamin Dunk (main photo) from 613 Squadron (RAAF Edinburgh). CFSGT Dunk is a solo glider pilot, ‘C’ Certificate qualified, and provides instructional support to No 906 Aviation Training Squadron. Last year he was Dux of the Senior NCO Course.

Of those who underwent training and assessment to qualify for eligibility to be promoted to Cadet Warrant Officer, the Dux of the course was Cadet Flight Sergeant Artyom Keddie (right) from No 507 Squadron based at Devonport, Tasmania.

Dux of the Senior NCO Course was Cadet Corporal Kimberly Wyatt-Read (left) from No 602 Squadron (Adelaide Hills). She had previously received a Course Commander’s Encouragement Award for her performance on the 2018 Junior NCO Course.

In a tie for Dux of the Junior NCO Course (right), for Leading Cadets seeking eligibility to be promoted to Cadet Corporal, the trophy went jointly to Leading Cadet Elijah Barrott-Walsh from 619 Squadron at Noarlunga and Leading Cadet Darcy Needle from 605 Squadron at Seaford (both ‘City of Onkaparinga’ squadrons).

Course Commander’s Awards were presented to CSGT Benjamin Grillett from 602 Squadron (CUO Course), CSGT Ian Van Schalkwyk from 617 Squadron (CWOFF Course), CCPL Breydon Verryt-Reid from 612 Squadron (SNCO Course Alpha), and CCPL Tharane Thamodarar from 604 Squadron (SNCO Course Bravo).

For the JNCO courses, Course Commander’s Awards were presented to LCDT Caleb Bones from 507 Squadron (Course Alpha), LCDT Rhylee Weir from 613 Squadron (Course Bravo), and LCDT Skylar Armfield from 617 Squadron (Course Charlie).

These full-time, intensive leadership-training courses give Cadets skills in leadership and decision-making, initiative, self-discipline, time-management, public speaking, management and administration, and operational planning.

Flying Officer (AAFC) Paul Rosenzweig, 6 Wing Public Affairs & Communication Officer, said “These graduates will now return to their parent squadrons to advance in rank and take up specific appointments. There is no doubt we will hear more of them in a few years’ time when they take up leadership roles in Defence or in the community”.

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