Thirty-six young women have marched out of Gallipoli Barracks, after completing the Australian Army Adventure Camp in Brisbane this week.
The Queensland high school students, aged between 16 and 18, experienced a range of Army trades including logistics, engineering, intelligence, artillery, medical, military policing, aviation, catering and communications.
Major General Simone Wilkie, AM, the most senior woman in the Australian Regular Army and Commander Australian Defence College said the camp was an opportunity for women in the Army to inspire the next generation.
“Throughout the week these students have pushed their own personal limits and reached new boundaries,” Major General Wilkie said.
“They not only now know a little more about each other, but also the importance of teamwork and respect.”
The Army Adventure Camp enables young women to experience the breadth of rewarding and achievable career choices available to women in today’s Army.
The camp is a key recruitment of women initiative of the Australian Army as it works to increase the percentage of its female workforce from 11.2 per cent to 12 per cent by mid 2014.
“Gender does not limit your ability to serve the nation. If you’re good enough and fit enough, you can do any job, officer or soldier,” Major General Wilkie said.
“To the young women of today - believe in yourself and make the most of your talents in whatever path you choose in life.”
After participating in the camp, 17 year old Rebecca Mostert from Everton Park State High School said she hopes to choose an exciting career path in the Army.
“I really would like to be a radiographer in the Army,” she said.
“The camp was even better than I expected. I found it fun and challenging and I loved the camaraderie amongst the group even after a few days. It was awesome!”
Sixteen year old Keely McKean from St Patrick’s High School in Gympie said her favourite experience was the over-water obstacle course.
“It was so much fun! I also really enjoyed driving the bulldozer during the engineering activity,” she said.
Women looking to join the Army have access to a pre-enlistment training fitness program and a 12 month Initial Minimum Period of Service for selected trades. Some women will be able to join under the ‘Recruit to Area Scheme’, which provides certainty of the location they will be posted to after completion of their training.
From January 2016, all gender restrictions will be removed from combat roles, allowing women access to all career opportunities in the Army.
Images from the Army Adventure Camp can be found at http://images.defence.gov.au/S20131711 or the Australian Army Facebook page.
To enquire or apply for a job in the Army call 13 19 01 or visit: www.defencejobs.gov.au.
Media contact:
Defence Media Operations (02) 6127 1999
Issued by Ministerial and Executive Coordination and Communication,
Department of Defence,
Canberra, ACT
Phone: 02 6127 1999 Fax: 02 6265 6946
