For two young Air Force avionic technicians, their decision to join the permanent Air Force after "dipping their toes" in the Gap Year program now finds them building lifelong memories while deployed to Japan for Exercise Bushido Guardian 25.
Leading Aircraftwoman Rosalie Frichot and Aircraftman Izaak Mazurek both made the decision to take part in the ADF Gap Year program, and it proved to be the catalyst for a career decision that neither regrets - becoming avionic technicians, or what is known in the trade as AVTECHs.
AVTECHs are responsible for the maintenance of critical avionics equipment and systems. As part of a close-knit team, they work both on the flightline and in the workshop, ensuring that 3 Squadron's F-35A Lightning II aircraft are operational.
The hardworking teams work split shifts throughout the day and into the night to get the jets ready for whenever they are required.
'The best thing about the job? There's just so much I enjoy about being an AVTECH - but the teamwork is right up there.'
Aircraftman Mazurek spoke of the path that led him to where he is now and how lucky he feels to be doing what he loves.
"When I was finishing school, I was lucky enough that ADF Careers visited my school to talk about the ADF Gap Year program - and it was too good an opportunity to miss," he said.
"Being deployed to Exercise Bushido Guardian 25 is hard to describe. It is my first time in Japan and being here for work.
"Working alongside other air forces and seeing how they do things - overall it has been a fantastic experience."
Leading Aircraftwoman Frichot further explained the role they both pl.
"The best thing about the job? There's just so much I enjoy about being an AVTECH - but the teamwork is right up there," she said.
"Bushido Guardian 25 has been great. I have been to Japan as a tourist, but coming here with 3 Squadron and working and interacting with the [Japan Air Self-Defense Force] JASDF and [United States Air Force] USAF members has been hugely rewarding."
Exercise Bushido Guardian 25 is a tri-lateral air combat exercise involving the Japan Air Self-Defense Force, the United States Air Force and the Royal Australian Air Force.
Held from September 29 to October 10 at Misawa Air Base in Japan, RAAF participation on this exercise included F-35A Lightning II aircraft from 3 Squadron supported by a KC-30A Multi-Role Tanker Transport from 33 Squadron.
