Graduation - A naval career begins

Today I had the privilege of watching one of my good friends graduate from Navy Recruit Training. Unfortunately, due to the pandemic restrictions in force, I was unable to travel interstate to be there personally as planned but it was a proud moment for me nonetheless - Of course she was proud of herself also, however on the final day of recruit training relief is usually the strongest emotion, at least initially, pride will come though.

I've been part of her journey for almost two years and have assisted in keeping her motivation level, fitness up to scratch and her emotional state also; She sustained an injury and had to spend another year rehabilitating that prior to completing entry requirements and heading to recruits. She worked hard though and thirteen weeks ago was sworn in and began the transformation from civilian to military personnel which she completed today.

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I would normally have been there in person however this time I had to watch the live feed which was good, but not quite the same. I feel sorry for the recruits too because graduating and seeing ones family and friends in the same day, after thirteen weeks of what can seem like hell, is a good moment - But live feed it was and I've since spoken with her at length and congratulated her of course.

She's a member of the ADF now and will embark on a career in her chosen category and for the next several years will march to the beat of someone else's drum, taking and obeying orders, but she's very excited and looking forward to getting stuck into it after the two year lead up.

She moved blocks today (accommodation) but is still on base for two weeks to do seamanship training and then will head out to her new posting for category training. This is where she will learn to do her job.

Due to the nature of her chosen job I cannot mention it however can say that her category training will take three years...Yes, three. For perspective, a medic in the Navy has about seventy four weeks category training...So three years is a long time. It's required though as her job will be very involved; She has also had to have a lot of additional clearance checks just to make it to recruits and there'll be more to come due to the nature of her job function.

She's up for it though, and I'm really proud of her commitment, hard work and persistence. She will go a long way in the Navy and her journey will lead her to other very interesting things after her naval career ends if she wants it to.

Today I was a proud G-dog and my only wish would be that Faith and I could have been there with our friend to give her a hug and congratulate her in person. Still, it was nice to see the culmination of two years of effort rewarded.