21 March 2025
When Wing Commander Brook Porter stepped into 1 Recruit Training Unit (1RTU) at RAAF Edinburgh in 1987 as an aircraftsman recruit, he couldn’t have known that 37 years later, he would be stepping off that same base having enjoyed two fulfilling Air Force careers.
Prior to joining, he’d been a shoemaker. His brother Brett, an F-111 metal machinist, showed him what an Air Force career could look like in terms of career options and chances to see the world. It didn’t take much more convincing.
“I went on to have fantastic training and travel opportunities as an armament fitter,” Wing Commander Porter said.
“I saw some amazing places overseas and deployed to the MEAO (Middle East Area of Operations). All things that the 18-year-old me sought out on enlisting.”
On posting to 1 Central Ammunition Depot, he found the role of training people to be addictive.
“As I influenced a small group of technicians, it fostered a hunger to help, shape and influence Air Force personnel on a larger scale,” Wing Commander Porter said.
The leadership of then-Flight Lieutenant Wendy Blyth, who fostered in him a desire to excel, was an inspiration to him.
“As a corporal, I was already a leader, but I could see the different leadership opportunities that could be available to me if I commissioned,” Wing Commander Porter said.
'As I influenced a small group of technicians, it fostered a hunger to help, shape and influence Air Force personnel on a larger scale.'
Alongside the desire to commission, there was self-doubt.
“I was thankful for the encouragement, guidance and mentorship of many senior NCOs (non-commissioned officers) and exceptional officers. They helped me overcome my personal barriers,” Wing Commander Porter said.
One of the best leadership development opportunities Wing Commander Porter experienced around this time was as a father and husband.
“There were many parallels between influencing my children to do what I needed them to do and applying that same approach at work,” he said.
“The more I adopted a gentle, calm and considered manner, the better I seemed to do in a work environment.”
Later, in Officers' Training School, he was shown the value of coming up through the ranks.
“I was struck by how lucky I was to have come up through the ranks,” Wing Commander Porter said.
“As a troop, I learned the importance of ‘upwards management’, building a willing coalition and generating confidence to achieve great outcomes.”
His subsequent leadership and management roles were bolstered by his technical trade experience.
As an electrical engineer, he completed postings in P3 sustainment, supporting the introduction into service of the P-8A Poseidon and the acquisition of the F-35 fighter.
“I had changed roles, been promoted and commissioned despite my self-doubt,” Wing Commander Porter said.
“I realised there were probably many individuals who aspired to commission but also doubted themselves or just did not know where to start.”
'As a troop, I learned the importance of ‘upwards management’, building a willing coalition and generating confidence to achieve great outcomes.'
The support he received drove Wing Commander Porter to pay it forward.
“Once I guided the first person through the process, I thought of how many years I had left in service and how many people I could help set themselves up,” he said.
He decided to use his ‘second career’ to help 50 people become Air Force officers.
His target audience was not only current aviators. Wing Commander Porter recruited public servants, university graduates looking for something a bit different, and the children of family and friends who expressed interest in military life.
“I also asked colleagues to consider that if they can help, then help. And they’ve done that in spades,” he said.
Wing Commander Porter reached his target of 50 late in 2024 with the commissioning of his eldest daughter, Alex.
“She is a freshly minted Air Force logistics officer and I could not be more proud,” he said.
Wing Commander Porter is now a reservist in DP-AF (Directorate Personnel – Air Force), where he is already continuing to support the commissioning of future Air Force officers.
