"Just listen to everything the corporals and sergeants say."
It's simple but effective advice from Recruit Enoch Davidson, of Yarrabah, Queensland. Recruit Davidson was one of 24 graduates from Session 37 of the Army Indigenous Development Program (AIDP), which officially finished at the end of October with a march-out parade in Darwin.
These were wise words clearly heeded by the 24 Indigenous recruits at the graduation ceremony, standing at attention in front of their families, friends and VIP guests.
The 17-week AIDP improves resilience, confidence, health, fitness and educational standards for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander men and women before embarking on further military training.
In many ways, the AIDP is very similar to conventional recruit training: days start early with physical training followed by a morning routine, then carry on with periods of instruction and drill.
But where the program is unique lies in its delivery of both military and civilian vocational training combined with a specialised cultural component.
The recruits came from all over Australia, with many hailing from remote locales.
Recruit Zachariah Escobar is from Milingimbi, where he worked as a senior crocodile ranger for nine years. He chose to attend the AIDP to develop skills he intends to take back and share with his community.
"It helped me become a leader for my community and for my people; learn more and how to keep myself pushing forward … to become a leader," he said.
'This sets them up for a whole stack of jobs all across Australia.'
Meanwhile, Recruit Davidson returned to the AIDP this year after withdrawing from a previous session in 2024 because of a family illness.
"I didn't want to leave my opportunity behind," he said, describing his motivation and dedication to complete the program.
Major Matt Breckenridge, the senior AIDP instructor, said the program was part of the Closing the Gap initiative sponsored by the Chief of Army. The purpose of this initiative is to give Indigenous men and women - who otherwise may have come from disadvantaged backgrounds - an opportunity for different employment pathways.
The four key aspects of the AIDP are leadership and character development, academic education, mentoring and life skills, and health and fitness.
While the program is designed as a pre-recruit preparation course, not all graduates choose to continue with a military career. Those that choose to return to their communities do so armed with new skills and confidence.
"They still leave here with a Certificate II Year 10 equivalent, a workplace health and safety white card, a first-aid certification and a driver's licence," Major Breckenridge said.
"This sets them up for a whole stack of jobs all across Australia."
The AIDP helps close the gap by offering an entry point into Army and vocational opportunities that might otherwise not have been accessible for these men and women.
The recruits advanced in review order before awards were given out for leadership, physical training, the most improved recruit and the esteemed student of merit, who this year was Recruit Keenan Ungaro.
Reviewing officer and ADF Indigenous Champion, Lieutenant General Susan Coyle, said the graduation was more than a ceremony. Her words on the day spoke to this sentiment.
"It is a celebration of hard work and achievement, and you have every right to stand there proud, smiling brightly, because your potential future is absolutely now in your hands," she said.
