6 October 2023
Throughout his 23-year career as a soldier, Captain Joseph Moormann never considered becoming an officer.
“I never wanted to be an officer,” Captain Moormann said. “But I'm really glad I did.”
While deployed in Afghanistan, Captain Moormann’s chief of staff continuously encouraged him to apply for commissioning.
“I had my chief of staff and others telling me I had more potential that needed to be tapped into,” Captain Moormann said.
“I didn’t understand what they were talking about. I didn’t understand what my potential was.”
Since submitting his application to become a senior non-commissioned officer, and to the Warrant Officer Commissioning Scheme, he hasn’t looked back.
“I never knew too much about the officer side. It was the good core of officers I've had throughout my career that have been able to influence me and steer me down the officer path,” Captain Moormann said.
Since commissioning in 2018, Captain Moormann has found his officer career path has opened doors and kick-started his career.
“I have wholeheartedly enjoyed the past six years as an officer. It has been challenging and very rewarding,” he said.
“It's continued to open doors and provide me with new perspectives in the military. I’m really embracing my new cohort of peers that I have, and new opportunities that come my way.”
In his new role as an Adjutant at 5th Aviation Regiment, Captain Moormann has found renewed energy to continue serving, and is enjoying new opportunities, including going on overseas exercises with foreign nations.
“I'm just loving it and embracing it. I’m already looking at the next opportunities post sub-unit command and whether I go to staff college to get on the path of becoming a lieutenant colonel,” he said.
Having made the change, Captain Moormann said it was possible to get out of your comfort zone but stay true to your values.
“Anyone wanting to commission, don't try and become the typical mould of an officer that you think you need to be,” he said.
“If you are successful in your application to become an officer, being yourself is what they're after.”
To apply or learn more about becoming an officer, go to https://www.forcenet.gov.au/careers/career-management---army/appointment-and-enlistment on ForceNet.
Direct questions can be sent to the selections and appointments team at cma.selections@defence.gov.au
