Key Points
- Jatinder Kaur is among 27 Army reservists in Australia who were born in India.
- Currently, Jatinder works as a communication system operator in the Signals Corp for the Australian Army.
- She says there is a wealth of information readily accessible for anyone aspiring to join the ADF.
A year back, Jatinder finally acted on her long-held aspiration to join the Australian Army, a dream sparked by her admiration for her father's service in the Indian Armed Forces.
"I grew up among family and friends donning defence uniforms. My father served the Indian Navy and that instilled in me a profound sense of pride. It has long been my childhood aspiration to follow in their footsteps," she told SBS Hindi.
Currently, Jatinder works as a communication system operator in the Signals Corp for the Australian Army.
The migrant life
Jatinder arrived in Australia as an international student in 2002 with the goal of pursuing an IT course.
Following the completion of her studies, she delved into the IT sector, spending more than 15 years in the field.
As time passed, Jatinder found herself yearning for a change, particularly desiring more social interaction after the challenges posed by COVID-19.
This desire led her to contemplate a shift in her professional path.
"I eventually decided to transition into the real estate industry," Jatinder said.
However, another opportunity soon caught her attention, one she had coveted since childhood.
"While helping my 16-year-old son register for the Air Force Cadets, I came across the Australian Defence Force (ADF) career website, which piqued my interest," Jatinder recounted.
"Gradually, I discovered an abundance of readily available information. Anyone eager to join the ADF can easily access it or even contact the ADF for further information," she said.
"But the real hard work began after all the paperwork," Jatinder added.
"I focused on acquiring new skills, engaging in exercises, maintaining fitness, and building my strength for the next three months which actually helped me in my role."
Work-life balance
Jatinder mentioned that she travels for an hour every Tuesday evening to participate in a drill where she marches, attends workshops, and completes any pending administrative tasks.
"Although going to the parade night every week isn't required—it's a personal choice—I actually look forward to it, even though it's a long drive," she explained.
"Moreover, there are numerous weekend activities held throughout the year aimed at improving job skills. While these events aren't obligatory, they offer fantastic chances for skill enhancement."
She said family support has been crucial in all what she has achieved so far.
"My husband's unwavering support has been integral to my growth. Together, we operate as a cohesive team, planning and sharing responsibilities to ensure smooth sailing of our family," she remarked.
Indian presence within the Australian Defence
Based on enlistments from the past four and a half years, the Army has proven to be the most popular service in the ADF for female recruits who were born overseas.
As of 1 April this year, there are 136 women born in India employed in the ADF, including 27 Army reservists.
"Defence has prioritised the growth and retention of a highly-skilled workforce, in line with the Government’s response to the 2023 Defence Strategic Review," an ADF spokesperson told SBS Hindi.
"It is important that the Defence workforce reflects the Australian community that we serve. Diversity and inclusion are critical to the successful delivery of Defence’s mission," the spokesperson said.
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