4 October 2024
When you first lay eyes on Army medic Corporal Orlando Tagaloa, his towering stature and formidable physique instantly command attention.
Standing at 187cm and weighing 110kg, he could easily pass for an All Blacks front-rower, but beneath this imposing exterior is a softly spoken, compassionate soldier, embodying a rare blend of strength and empathy.
Moving to Australia from New Zealand at age three, Corporal Tagaloa felt in debt to a country that gave so much to his family, which is why he decided to enlist.
“Joining Army gave me opportunities that I never had growing up,” he said.
“As a family with less opportunities, especially in Logan, we didn't really have much.”
Service has become a family affair for the Tagaloas, with his father and two of his brothers following him into the Defence Force.
“Dad bounced around from working as security at bars, to factory work and other jobs just to provide,” Corporal Tagaloa said.
“To say I’m proud of where he is at and what he has achieved is an understatement – from a small house in Woodridge, Logan city, to a padre in the RAAF.”
His younger brother, Musician Wesliam Tagaloa, serves as the lead vocalist for the Army Band in Canberra.
Including a couple of uncles that have now also joined the ranks, the family is spread across Army and Air Force.
'Orlando tends to be a person of action; doesn’t think about what needs to be done, doesn't wait for someone else to do it, but just does it.'
Not long after he enlisted, his older brother Simon followed suit, joining the Air Force as an air intelligence analyst.
Corporal Simon Tagaloa said his brother was a compassionate person.
“He's selfless – always looked out for my other siblings and myself,” he said.
“Orlando tends to be a person of action; doesn’t think about what needs to be done, doesn't wait for someone else to do it, but just does it.”
Posted to the 3rd Health Battalion, Corporal Orlando Tagaloa describes his role as a mentor to the junior medics and medical officers.
He recently deployed on Operation Kudu to train Ukrainian forces in the United Kingdom, which, he said, was a career highlight.
“My role during this was to teach the soldiers tactical combat casualty care and prolonged field care,” Corporal Tagaloa said.
“Being able to work in tight spaces like frontline trenches is challenging; providing medical assistance under fire was significantly important to their survival.
“The team I was attached to were responsible for teaching the Ukrainian section commanders course, so I was aware of how vital this training could be for them.”
