David Hutton

“It’s not just a job, it’s an adventure” was a Defence Recruiting slogan that got the attention of a young man who decided that a career with the Australian Defence Force would help prove that he was more than just his school grades.

Sergeant David Hutton had his decision to join the ADF cemented, when, during Year 12, the September 11 attacks on the World Trade Centre, New York, occurred.

“I became interested in Air Force specifically after meeting my wife, who was already in the Air Force”, Sergeant Hutton said.

“I wanted to join the regular Army but there were barriers at the time - roles I wanted were not on offer to reservists.

“I also came to the conclusion that it would create difficulties if my wife and I were in different services.

“I was stuck working in a factory that made bladders for cask wine while serving in the reserves, and although that factory was pretty good, it was not what I wanted to do forever”, he said.

With hobbies like hiking, bushwalking and diving, being adventurous and a backyard tinkerer, it is not surprising that SGT Hutton’s choice of mustering – Air Force Security - has him now working as Team Leader – Compliance Monitoring at RAAF Base Woomera.

On a daily basis, he patrols the Woomera Prohibited Area undertaking compliance checks, staying in field conditions and liaising with traditional owners, pastoralists, miners and others.

“One of the first officers I worked for in Air Force said ‘Don’t expect deployments and accolades. Work hard, do your job well, look after your mates and you’ll go far’”, SGT Hutton said.

“It’s stuck with me through my whole career. I have changed roles and deployed several times in pursuit of interesting work and new opportunities.

“The Air Force is 100 years old, but every day is a new day, with new challenges; the only constant for Air Force is change.” he said.