Performing above orderly duties
LAC Kyle Duncan, a PCS at 294SQN, has been named CSG Aviator of the Year 2025, receiving the prestigious title, trophy and a bronze commendation.
LAC Duncan distinguished himself by stepping up as the acting orderly room sergeant to ensure uninterrupted administrative support for a team operating at about 33 per cent staffing.
During the Enterprise Resource Planning transition, he streamlined processes that improved data transfer efficiency. He also designed and implemented a digital information board that has improved situational awareness.
CDR CSG AIRCDRE Andrew McHugh presented the award on May 18, as CSG marked its 28th anniversary at RAAF Base Amberley’s Aviation Heritage Centre.
LAC Duncan grew up in Kahibah, NSW, and said the influence of family service shaped his path to the Air Force early on.
“As a child, I often heard stories about the camaraderie my grandmother experienced while serving in the control tower for the Women’s Australian Air Force,” he said.
“Over time, I developed a deep admiration for what she achieved.”
An ADF expo in Year 10 cemented that ambition. Enlisting in 2018, LAC Duncan initially trained as a communications electronic technician before re-mustering to PCS in 2019.
'294SQN has been the most rewarding posting of my career. The medical training environment, along with the people, has made it an outstanding experience.'
He has since served across 3SQN, HQ 41WG, 3CRU and HQSRG, and now supports health capability generation at 294SQN.
“I had a challenging start, particularly with confidence and self-doubt,” he said.
“Working with outstanding people and supervisors helped me build resilience and reach my potential.”
Reflecting on the defining experiences of his career, LAC Duncan highlighted early deployments to Darwin with 3SQN and the ACG resilience course in the Blue Mountains, where he abseiled cliff faces and developed mindfulness strategies to manage pressure.
Beyond his technical role, LAC Duncan contributes to squadron culture by running NRL/AFL tipping competitions. He also established a dedicated photo inbox that allows members to easily submit course and activity photos, streamlining recordkeeping and helping to retain unit history.
Recently identified for promotion to corporal, he is focused on leadership.
“My goal is to be a fair, dependable and approachable supervisor,” he said.
He credits his growth to a key lesson: “Don’t be afraid to make mistakes – you learn from them and build on them.
“294SQN has been the most rewarding posting of my career. The medical training environment, along with the people, has made it an outstanding experience.
“It’s an honour to represent 294SQN as its first member recognised as CSG Aviator of the Year.”
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