Sergeant Codey Anderson is proof that serving in the Australian Defence Force isn't a one-size-fits-all career choice. After more than nine years with Army, he's able to chase his dreams thanks to the flexibility and job security of the Army Reserve.
Born in Taree and residing in Port Macquarie and Coffs Harbour during his schooling years, Sergeant Anderson studied 3D animation for video games and began working in a studio before the global financial crisis impacted the industry, creating a problematic job market, prompting a career change.
Keen to experience Army life portrayed in films, he joined as an infantry soldier in 2012, later serving as a reconnaissance patrolman, sniper and sniper team leader.
"I had some good experiences, learned a lot and gained some mates along the way," Sergeant Anderson said.
"After so many years [in full time Army] I then decided to have a sea change and be close to family, the beach and go back to my graphic design work."
Having an Army Reserve depot close by in Coffs Harbour enabled Sergeant Anderson to continue serving, this time as a reservist. He is now the platoon sergeant of Charlie Company within the 41st Battalion, Royal New South Wales Regiment (41RNSWR).
The battalion provided significant natural disaster relief support during the 2019-2020 bushfires and the 2021 and 2022 eastern Australian floods.
Sergeant Anderson said some of the most rewarding work he had been part of in uniform was helping local communities during domestic operations.
"When you're overseas, you don't really get to see the end result of what you're doing but when you're carrying someone's child through chest-height floodwater to get to their parents on the other side, you get that immediate sense of gratitude and self-fulfilment," he said.
'A lot of people never get to find their true meaning in life or in their career or what they're meant to be doing - being in the reserves has given me those options.'
"It's just a different kind of serving, but it's very, very rewarding in a different way."
For his next challenge, Sergeant Anderson will join the NSW Police Force while continuing to serve with 41RNSWR.
"I never wanted to be pigeonholed into just being one thing, I wanted to be able to explore my options," he said.
Sergeant Anderson also owns and operates his own business - Codey's Art. He is the author of the graphic novel Hard Struck and the children's book Living with a Sheepdog - both touching on the profound psychological effects that the profession of arms can have on ADF members, veterans and their families and mates.
"A lot of people never get to find their true meaning in life or in their career or what they're meant to be doing - being in the reserves has given me those options," he said.
With an Army Reserve open day approaching at Gordon VC Multi-User Depot in Chinderah, NSW, Sergeant Anderson is encouraging locals to come down, ask questions and see how Army Reserve service could work for them.
Members of the Army Reserve receive tax-free pay and are currently recruiting for a broad range of roles from carpenters and electricians to armoured vehicle crew and Infantry.
