Leaders who walk the walk

Air Mobility Group (AMG) personnel are accustomed to operating in demanding environments, preparing for uncertainty and responding when called upon.

Recently, two senior AMG members demonstrated those same principles outside uniform through significant endurance challenges that reflected a simple, yet powerful idea: leaders should role model doing tough things.

CDR AMG AIRCDRE Ben Poxon completed the HOKA Ultra-Trail Australia 100km (UTA100) in the Blue Mountains, NSW – one of Australia’s most physically and mentally exhausting ultra marathons.

At the same time, AMG Warrant Officer WOFF David Turnbull completed the 96km Kokoda Trail in Papua New Guinea, navigating rugged terrain and sustained physical hardship.

While different in setting, both challenges required resilience, deliberate preparation and the ability to persevere when conditions were far from ideal.

Reflecting on his fourth UTA100, AIRCDRE Poxon said these experiences were not about performance alone, but about learning how to respond when things go wrong.

“Mindset is everything. You have to accept that setbacks will come – it’s part of the process – and then work through them one at a time,” AIRCDRE Poxon said.

“I break the race down into small, manageable goals and celebrate each success along the way – something as simple as a few lollies at every 10km mark becomes both a reward and a reset point.

“Finishing 100km isn’t just a test of stamina; it’s proof you can solve each obstacle again and again. That’s the resolve we must build as we prepare for conflict.”

For AIRCDRE Poxon, the UTA100 was an opportunity to showcase disciplined preparation and maintained effort, and the importance of leaning into support networks.

“Training for and undertaking the UTA100 is intense. While the race is largely a solo effort, the support at checkpoints is critical,” he said.

“I’m fortunate to usually have family or friends there. When you’re in the ‘pain cave’, it’s people who help pull you through. This year, another Air Force member stepped in when she heard I was struggling, even though she wasn’t planned crew.

“That willingness to show up and support someone in need reflects exactly who we are in the military: we look after each other, regardless of rank or title.”

Similarly, WOFF Turnbull said that traversing the Kokoda Trail required tenacity, adaptability and the ability to keep going over multiple days, in arduous conditions.

“The primary challenge was the physical demand of long days and steep ascents and descents, which tested my endurance and the ability to manage cumulative fatigue,” WOFF Turnbull said.

“Strong preparation was key, enabling me to cope effectively with these demands. This readiness meant I could focus on enjoying the experience, rather than simply enduring it.”

For WOFF Turnbull, appreciating the historical significance of the trail and participating alongside like-minded members from 35SQN, 36SQN and 37SQN, as well as HQ AMG, were important motivators.

“Each evening, a different member led a discussion on [the] Kokoda Trail campaign during WWII, fostering shared understanding and significantly strengthening the team dynamic,” WOFF Turnbull said.

“As an AMG aviator, I value the opportunity to better understand how air mobility operations affected the Australian forces in such a challenging environment, and what this legacy means for AMG today.

“Kokoda is an experience that I would recommend to anyone who is willing to put the effort [in] to train. And during the trek, you’ll walk away – pardon the pun – with an experience that will positively shape you as an individual.”

By demonstrating a commitment to AMG’s core priorities of lead, prepare, respond, AMG’s senior leaders have set a visible example – not just of what is expected, but of how it is achieved.

“When those moments come, don’t focus on the enormity of the task – break it down, deal with what’s in front of you and keep moving forward one step at a time,” AIRCDRE Poxon said.

“Trust your preparation, listen to yourself, lean on your team and celebrate the small wins along the way. That’s how you get through.”