Commanding the sharp edge of Air Force, Air Vice-Marshal Glen Braz set his focus on 64 new graduates, since it would be his final opportunity as Air Commander Australia to review a graduation parade.
On April 1, recent alumni of 1 Recruit Training Unit (1RTU) transitioned from untrained civilians to trained aviators under the watchful eye of their reviewing officer, Air Vice-Marshal Braz.
Joining Air Force in 1987, Air Vice-Marshal Braz led and excelled throughout his career with many notable command and flying positions.
During his almost 40 years of service, Air Vice-Marshal Braz's highlights include operating and instructing on the Pilatus PC-9 advanced trainer and Aermacchi MB-326H lead-in fighter, completing the Fighter Combat Instructor course on the F-111C Aardvark, and flying the F/A-18F Super Hornet.
In addition to holding Commanding Officer, Officer Commanding and Force Element Group Commander appointments, he was the Commander Australian Air Task Group of the Middle East Region in 2015, recognised for his dedication and service with a Distinguished Service Medal. He was promoted to Deputy Chief of Air Force in January 2023, and shortly thereafter appointed as Air Commander Australia in June 2023.
'On what was your last parade as our Air Commander, please know these graduates reflect your influence. They are disciplined, capable and prepared because of your leadership.'
Air Vice-Marshal Braz has spent his last two years refining and developing air power to enhance Air Force, with one of his final acts focusing on the most important asset: our people.
With the stage set, he aimed to empower and inspire the next generation of aviators, confident they will achieve excellence through whichever pathway they take.
"You may not always see the immediate impact of your work, but make no mistake, every aviator contributes to RAAF's mission," Air Vice-Marshal Braz said.
1RTU recruits everyday people, challenging their resilience, discipline and character to graduate them into Air Force aviators. After their graduation, the cohort of 3/26 1RTU will commence working in 15 different job roles across Australia, developing a breadth of skills and experience to enhance the fighting depth of the ADF.
"You have formed the foundation of an Air Force workforce that is both diverse and deeply capable," Air Vice-Marshal Braz said to the graduating recruits.
Commanding Officer 1RTU Wing Commander Jodie Mason was humbled by Air Vice-Marshal Braz using one of his final acts as Air Commander Australia to welcome the new graduates into the workforce.
"On what was your last parade as our Air Commander, please know these graduates reflect your influence. They are disciplined, capable and prepared because of your leadership," she said.
