Lieutenant Commander Amarjit Bhandal grew up in east Punjab and came to Australia as a student at the age of 23. He had completed an undergraduate degree in India and was looking to study a Masters degree in Microelectronics Engineering.
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While at university he met and befriended a group of students who the Navy was paying to study.
He said that group included a few individuals who had already served in the Navy as other ranks before deciding to pursue additional studies and commission as officers. They had a real sense of community and were able to share what life in the Navy was really like.
Amarjit said he loved the idea of being paid to study and the sense of camaraderie that existed between these people. He decided to join.
His family was happy with his decision as his family had a history of serving in the army. His grandfather and his great grandfather had served in the army.
Amarjit has been a Weapons Electrical Engineer in the Navy for the past 11 years, after being commissioned in January 2007.
Source: Vivek Asri, SBS
His career highlight to date has been acting as Head of Department for Weapons Electrical Engineering on a Major Fleet Unit, HMAS Ballart, whilst on deployment.
He says the Navy culture aligns with Sikh culture as both are about discipline, helping and looking after others.
He enjoys his Navy career because people are seen for their contributions and not judged by their appearance or where they have come from.
He has completed a Masters in Systems Engineering funded by Navy and is currently undertaking a Master in Reliability Engineering, through the University of Maryland, funded by Defense.
Source: Vivek Asri, SBS
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