What do the Royal Australian Air Force and Egyptology have in common?
Until Thursday July 3, not a lot. But on that day Corporal Danielle Sass brought together two of the most unlikely specialties: ancient Egyptian religion and RAAF loadmaster on the C-27J Spartan.
Before joining Defence in early 2023 as a direct-entry loadmaster, Corporal Sass spent more than a decade in academia studying Egyptology at Macquarie University with the hopes of working in the research and museum sector or becoming a professor.
She completed a Bachelor of Arts and a Master's of Research, both majoring in Egypt and the Near East, before becoming a PhD candidate. Specialising in ancient Egyptian religion, specifically demonology, Corporal Sass had the opportunity to present her research internationally.
She also participated in the Macquarie University Theban Tombs project and spent six weeks assisting in the excavation and recording of a tomb at Dra' Abu el Naga, a site located in Modern Luxor on the Western bank of the Nile.
Towards the end of her doctorate, Corporal Sass longed for adventure and the stability that she felt would be difficult to achieve in the academic profession.
"I felt that I needed a big change. I made the very difficult decision to withdraw from my studies and focus on my happiness instead - this led me to apply for the Air Force," she said.
"I had a family member who had previously served in the RAAF and continued to work on in a civilian contractor role, and a friend from high school who worked as a loadmaster at 37 Squadron who both inspired me to apply, and I am very grateful to now be where I am today."
'I am very excited to see what the future holds and where my career will lead.'
Fast forward two years and Corporal Sass is now a fully qualified loadmaster at RAAF Base Amberley's 35 Squadron, proving to those around her that it is never too late to change your life and seek adventure.
The squadron often participates in major exercises and operations both in Australia and overseas, including Operation Solania, the Defence Pacific Air Program and Exercise Talisman Sabre.
Corporal Sass is excited to get involved in as much as possible in her new role, which is a highly deployable and active position within the squadron.
"I'm really looking forward to performing my role as a loadmaster at 35 Squadron; every day brings new challenges and learning opportunities," she said.
"I am very excited to see what the future holds and where my career will lead."
For more information on becoming a RAAF loadmaster, please click here.
