A full career around the world
After 26 years of distinguished service, SQNLDR Bradley Tarrant farewells Air Force after a career rich in operational experience, world travels and stories he'll never forget.
From the first rotations into the Middle East in 2003 and Timor-Leste in 2005, to supporting the early stages of Operation Resolute at RAAF Base Learmont in 2011, SQNLDR Tarrant built a career defined by unique experiences.
One of these experiences was when he was in the Middle East and received an unexpected surprise.
“One of my proudest moments was getting promoted to corporal by the then-CDF in 2006,” SQNLDR Tarrant said.
While there were plenty of highlights throughout his service, SQNLDR Tarrant said one of the experiences that sticks with him the most was when he deployed to a UK military base in Basra, Iraq, as the only RAAFie because of his expertise in communications.
“We flew in on the Herc and, as we drew closer to our destination, I noticed a few unusual sounds on the way down,” he said.
“Once we landed, I asked the British pilot about the sounds and learnt we were being fired at and those sounds were the aircraft getting hit.”
'One of my proudest moments was getting promoted to corporal by the then-CDF in 2006.'
Later in his career, while deployed in Malaysia, SQNLDR Tarrant helped organise a commemorative trek and memorial for the families of two aviators who died when their F-111G collided with terrain on Pulau Aur.
“It was important to be able to give something back to the families and ensure their loved ones were remembered,” he said.
From this first trek, the commemoration became an annual tradition for Air Force.
Despite the adventures and opportunities, SQNLDR Tarrant said different priorities ultimately influenced his decision to seek another path.
“I felt like I had a full career in the first 10 years of service,” he said.
“I loved it all, but when I came home after an operation and my young son didn't know me, I asked for a change.”
So, what now? SQNLDR Tarrant plans to take a moment to pause and be fully present with his family – the people who supported him throughout his long career.
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