On parade grounds four decades apart, the same moment played out for two young officers at the start of their careers - bearing the banner of the Royal Australian Electrical and Mechanical Engineers (RAEME).
In 1986, it was a 22-year-old subaltern receiving the corps banner in the presence of His Royal Highness Prince Philip, the Duke of Edinburgh. In 2026, it was 23-year-old Lieutenant Zach Johnson, stepping forward as the next custodian of a tradition that continues to define the corps' identity.
For Lieutenant Johnson, the role was a true honour and source of pride, not least due to the particular brand of esprit de corps among RAEME members.
"RAEME is such a tight-knit community," he said.
"The initial employment training that they conduct here is very long, up from 18 to 24 months. Trainees then get out to the units and they're segregated into workshops, so we really focus a lot on our mateship, our bonding and culture to make coming to work really enjoyable.
"It's a core component of our life as craftsmen. I suppose you'll bleed the tricolours at the end of the day."
For Colonel Brett Greenland, the ensign in 1986, the day brings back visceral memories, almost book-ending his long military career.
"I feel unbelievably privileged to have been the first person to physically accept the banner on behalf of the corps," he said.
"When I see photographs of it, I sort of get a little bit taller. I was so young and so full of opportunity, and to have started with such a momentous privilege was very humbling.
"I'm 62 now and this is a lifetime ago for me, but to have it coming back up is quite special and unique. I feel quite privileged again."
'I feel unbelievably privileged to have been the first person to physically accept the banner on behalf of the corps.'
Though ceremonial today, the role of the ensign carries deep historical meaning. As Colonel Greenland explains, its origins lie in the battlefield.
"In a traditional sense, the colours represented the centre of the regiment. … If their standards were still flying, they were still in the game," he said.
"That's the role of the colour party - to protect the regimental colours, the regimental standard."
Lieutenant Johnson described the modern ceremonial responsibility in practical terms.
"As part of the parade, I'm the custodian of the banner, presenting it to our reviewing officer, Major General Ana Duncan," he said.
Even stripped of combat function, the symbolism remains central to the corps, with the parade literally forming around the banner and reinforcing its place at the heart of the corps.
Both ensigns were young when entrusted with the role, and while the parade is steeped in tradition, it brings very real pressure.
Colonel Greenland recalled his biggest worry was not the crowd or the significance of the event, but the mechanics of drill.
"My great nervousness was that I was going to miss grabbing the top of my scabbard to return my sword, but thankfully on the day it worked a treat," he said.
"The next big thing, of course, was doing an about turn holding the banner, but that worked out as well."
For Lieutenant Johnson, anticipation has always outshone any nerves, and he's already looking to the future.
"In 40 years' time I still see myself in [Army], so to be able to come back and be in Colonel Greenland's position would be an honour," he said.
"Colonel Greenland has led a pretty fruitful career, it's inspiring."
