September 22, 2013
by Marcus Priaulx
Petty Officer Sam Sheppard wakes every day with a smile on his face. He just loves being in the navy.
He explained his “life of adventure” in the armed services when he spoke to a group of potential recruits at Cherbourg last month.
The former Mareeba resident graduated from high school with an ambition to join up, a career choice which had been instilled within him from a young age as he would watch his uncles and aunties visit his home in their air force uniforms.
At age 18 he tried to join the Air Force, only to find it wasn’t recruiting at the time, so he turned to the seas and hasn’t looked back.
The Royal Australian Navy provides a sea of adventure, careers and life opportunities.
As a navy man, Petty Officer Sheppard enjoys the teamwork, mateship and a feeling he can’t explain when he’s in the open seas, travelling to exotic locations.
He also enjoys the actual work and a healthy wage.
He is a communications and information systems supervisor who provides the link between all those on board a ship, other sea craft and on land bases.
It’s a complex job involving satellites, radios, Morse code, flags and computers.
Petty Officer Sheppard told the potential Cherbourg recruits they could join the army in some roles if they had a Year 9 pass; Year 10 and above could open up most jobs across the navy, army, and air force, while good tertiary entry results could have them attend the Australian Defence Force Academy and become an officer.
He said people could always further their education or learn a trade while serving in the Australian Defence Force because it helped people to reach their life goals.
“The lifestyle is great, the pay’s good and there’s always a job to be had,” he said.
“I couldn’t imagine my life without being in the navy. Joining was the best thing I could’ve done.”
- People interested in joining the Navy, Army or Air Force can phone 13-19-01 or apply online
Justin Bond, 32, and Aaron Hegarty, 22, were two of the Cherbourg residents who applied to join up.
Justin said he applied to join after the Petty Officers’ visit because he had no work and life had become boring.
“I need a sea change; literally,” he said. “I want to contribute something.”
Aaron applied because he wanted a sense of purpose in life.
“I can see myself being an officer in the infantry,” he said. “I look forward to it.”
The men undertook their initial testing earlier this month.
