Thread by @WarintheFuture

Today, I conclude my time in the Australian Army. As of tomorrow, I will be a civilian again (although I remain a reserve Major General). I am very fortunate to have been a tiny part of an institution I adore, the Australian Army, for 35 years, one month and 11 days. 1/11

2/11 It is a truly unique Australian institution, and one that all Australians can rightly be proud of.

3/11 It might not have turned out this way for me. As some of you know, my Army beginnings were very humble. Indeed, my first year as an Officer Cadet at the Australian Defence Force Academy were a complete failure. Studying Civil Engineering, I failed all my subjects.

4/11 But the late Major General Peter Day must have seen something in me. He gave me a second chance and sent me ‘over the hill’ to the Royal Military College Duntroon. I trained there as an officer and made lifelong friends there.

5/11 This 2nd chance allowed me to understand the value of such opportunities early in my career. It also taught me the value of learning from failure as part of training and education. I hope I have lived up to what Major General Day saw in me when he gave me that 2nd chance.

6/11 Over three and half decades, I have had the opportunity to serve in many units in several countries. I have served (and commanded) on operations. I have learned a second language and studied for tertiary qualifications, supported by the Army’s culture of continuous learning.

7/11 Most importantly, I have had the privilege of serving alongside the amazing Australians that make up our Army. The soldiers, non-commissioned officers, warrant officers and officers of our Army are among the finest in the world.

8/11 I remain immensely grateful to the Army for the many and unique opportunities it has provided to me.  I can never repay the Army and the many fine leaders I have worked under for these opportunities. I would not change how I have lived the past 35 years.

9/11 I am also grateful for the support of my family.  Over the decades they have been resolute in supporting me. They remain beside me as I finish my last day and move off on a new journey.

10/11 I concluded my last day in uniform at the Australian War Memorial. I deeply appreciate this opportunity, provided by the Director and staff of the memorial. For me, it was the perfect way for the sun to set on my time in service with the Army.

11/11 I am proud to have been a soldier and a Sapper, a member of a fine Army and a small part of the great profession of arms. I wish our contemporary soldiers, and those soldiers to come, all the very best for the challenging years that lie ahead.