Balancing family and service life
As his family grew, so did his priorities, and now Point Cook father SQNLDR Samuel Bartlett has found the perfect way to balance his service and home life.
SQNLDR Bartlett made the decision to transfer from full-time service to the Air Force Reserves, which allowed him to step into a new phase of life and continue serving while providing his family with stability.
Based in Point Cook Victoria, SQNLDR Bartlett serves as an Air Force Liaison Officer (AFLO) for the Australian Air Force Cadets (AAFC) – a role that allows him to remain in location, stay connected to Defence and help develop the next generation of aviators and leaders.
“My wife is returning to full time work, and shifting to a part-time role has meant I can support her and our family while still serving in uniform,” SQNLDR Bartlett said.
“The flexibility of reserve work gave us the balance we needed without disconnecting me from the Air Force.”
As an AFLO with AAFC, SQNLDR Bartlett has found the role to be professionally rewarding and personally fulfilling.
With a view to returning to full-time service down the track, the AFLO position is allowing him to remain engaged, represent Air Force as a senior officer and continue to develop.
“You're still part of something bigger, engaging with senior ADF and government stakeholders, and helping deliver outcomes that matter. And for me, that’s a meaningful way to continue contributing to Air Force while I support my family,” SQNLDR Bartlett said.
The AFLO role is ideal for officers looking for career flexibility – whether at mid-career or in transition.
Any newly promoted SQNLDR, WGCDR or anyone on the cusp of promotion will find the experience both broad and strategic, with no previous AAFC experience required.
One of the most rewarding aspects of the role is supporting the development of young Australians through the AAFC program.
“Being an AFLO is dynamic and rewarding,” SQNLDR Bartlett said.
“You’re working closely with cadet staff, local communities and Defence to make sure the program runs smoothly, and no two days are the same.”
AFLOs are crucial to the delivery of the AAFC program. Their unique skill set as uniformed personnel helps bridge the gap between the ADF and the youth development program, supporting everything from compliance and safety to cultural alignment with the broader Air Force.
With critical vacancies now open, Cadet Branch is seeking motivated officers who want to stay connected to Air Force while gaining new professional perspectives.
“Being an AFLO has broadened my professional experience. It's the kind of role you don’t always see coming – but once you're in it you see the real value, both for the organisation and for yourself,” SQNLDR Bartlett said.
Interested applicants can visit adfcareers.gov.au/careers/reserves to learn more about Air Force Reserve opportunities.
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