Meet Annie: Real Stories from the ADF Reserves

Army Reserve Combat Medic Victoria smiles towards the camera.

I've noticed I have a lot more confidence in myself and my abilities.
Annie, Army Reserve Drone Operator

How It Started

I joined the Army Reserve in 2018 to learn new skills, meet new people, get out of my comfort zone and gain more confidence. Since then, I’ve learned a lot of technical and job-specific skills over many different roles such as radio operations, air defence, offensive support and targeting, as well as operating many different drone (Unmanned Aerial Vehicles) platforms.

What I do

I work as a Drone Operator (also known as Operator Unmanned Aerial System) in a Joint ISR Support Team (JIST). We usually support larger formations such as battle groups and provide intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance via our drones. We are essentially the ‘eyes in the sky’. The reports we provide allow high level critical decisions to be made.

Proudest moment

My proudest moment was being awarded a Commendation for being the Forces Command runner up Soldier of the Year in 2019.

How it’s made an impact

During 2022, I deployed for Operation Flood Assist in Northern NSW as part of a small team for two weeks. We were part of the early response team and our tasks involved community liaison and route reconnaissance. It was very rewarding being able to help out the community, especially as being the early response team, we were usually the first ones there to provide assistance.

Annie appears in the latest ADF Careers recruitment campaign ‘Unlike any other Job’.

How I’ve grown

Since joining the ADF, I’ve noticed I have a lot more confidence in myself and my abilities. I am more open to trying new things. I gained a lot more resilience and I am more grateful about everything around me.

What I love

What I love most is the life-long friends and memories you make. I’ve also enjoyed developing a lot of soft skills such as leadership, teamwork, communication and discipline, which has helped me in my civilian life.