Air Force Air Intelligence Officer Squadron Leader Richard Bush has built a career across two countries while balancing service and family life.
After 17 years in the Royal Air Force, Squadron Leader Bush and his family made the move from the United Kingdom to Australia, where he has spent the past decade with the Royal Australian Air Force.
"I stay in Air Force because of the great career opportunities available to me," Squadron Leader Bush said.
"The pay and conditions also allow my family to have a good life and I am able to build on my superannuation for retirement and our future."
The move to Australia was a major change for the family. Defence Member and Family Support (DMFS) services helped make the move easier.
"After we moved to Australia we were very well looked after, which included receiving tutoring assistance for my son to help get him up to speed with the Australian curriculum," Squadron Leader Bush said.
"DMFS pointed us in the right direction in applying for this service. We leveraged tutoring services again during his Year 12 studies, when I was posted at short notice due to urgent service needs."
Because his daughter, who has autism, is recognised by Defence as having special needs, the family had flexibility in selecting a suitable housing location.
Defence's flexible working arrangements have helped Squadron Leader Bush balance work and caregiving. They allow him to be present for everyday parts of his daughter's routine, including school pickup.
'I stay in Air Force because of the great career opportunities available to me.'
A history buff, Squadron Leader Bush completed a master's degree through the Australian Defence Force Academy.
"I grew up in the UK, so it was fascinating to learn about the Second World War from the perspective in the Pacific. I found the study challenging but very rewarding," he said.
Another benefit of working for Defence was being able to apply for financial assistance when purchasing his first home.
"After speaking with some peers about their experiences, we purchased our family home and were able to access the Defence Home Ownership Assistance Scheme and Home Purchase Assistance Scheme," Squadron Leader Bush said.
After watching his dad enjoy a long and satisfying military career, Squadron Leader Bush's son has now joined the Air Force too.
"He has seen how rewarding my Air Force career has been over the years and was enlisted in April 2025," Squadron Leader Bush said.
With great career opportunities, along with access to education, housing assistance and family support, Squadron Leader Bush's experience shows the range of support available to Australian Defence Force personnel.
Find out more about the policies, initiatives, conditions, opportunities, benefits and support services available for ADF personnel and their families.
To learn how you can build your best career, visit Jobs & Careers | Jobs & Careers | Defence.
