For Air Force network technician Leading Aircraftman Cameron Zahn, what started as a Year 12 career decision has quickly turned into a global experience - one defined by challenge, travel and purpose.
Growing up in South Brisbane, Leading Aircraftman Zahn hadn't always planned on a career in communications.
Originally considering a trade, it wasn't until a Defence information session that he discovered the network technician (NETTECH) pathway.
"I realised all the benefits a career in Defence offered during Year 12, then got interested in NETTECH during one of the info seminars," he said.
Joining in early 2023 straight out of school, Leading Aircraftman Zahn has built skills that extend far beyond the classroom, gaining technical qualifications, leadership experience and a level of independence he said civilian life doesn't train you for.
On deployment, his role is critical to keeping operations connected.
"We establish connection back to Australia through several civilian and military systems," he said.
"We also set up laptops and printers for other roles, and utilise radio communications so HQ can stay in contact with aircraft while they're away."
Day-to-day, that means conducting daily maintenance on servers to keep them healthy and operational, fault-finding any issues that arise and helping clients with using the equipment.
"From radios to Boeing hardware or servers, there's always something different going on and a new challenge to understand," Leading Aircraftman Zahn said.
'We establish connection back to Australia through several civilian and military systems.'
But the job doesn't come without its challenges.
"Being on deployed systems always presents a challenge - especially with systems not getting downtime over extended operational requirements," Leading Aircraftman Zahn said.
Despite this, he said the rewards far outweighed the difficulties, particularly when it came to travel and shared experiences with his team.
A standout moment in Leading Aircraftman Zahn's career so far was supporting 35 Squadron during Operation Wantaim, the ADF's contribution to Papua New Guinea's 50th anniversary of independence celebrations.
"Getting to see a completely different culture like that was such a cool opportunity," he said.
"Even with long shifts, there have been several opportunities to travel to some amazing tourist destinations."
For Leading Aircraftman Zahn, travel isn't just a perk, it's a key part of professional growth. He said the travel allowed him to build work experience and organisational understanding, and to meet people from all walks of life.
At its core, his motivation remains simple: support the team and ensure others have the necessary kit to complete their jobs effectively. It's this sense of purpose that defines Leading Aircraftman Zahn's service.
He said he loved being part of something bigger than himself and getting to see real-world impacts from the work they do.
Now three years into his career, Leading Aircraftman Zahn described his experience in one word: unreal.
