A Sikh Commander In The Australian Army Trains Combat Engineers

In a remarkable display of diversity in the Australian Defence Force, Lt Amrinder Ghuman of the Royal Australian Engineers, is responsible for training new recruits at the School of Military Engineering (SME).

NEW SOUTH WALES, Australia—Lieutenant Amrinder Ghuman is an Australian Army Officer serving as Troop Commander of an Initial Employment Training (IET) Troop at the SME, which is based at Holsworthy Barracks, NSW. 

Lieutenant Ghuman is responsible for training and preparing soldiers to be combat engineers within the Australian Army.

Lieutenant Amrinder Ghuman leads 2 Initial Employment Training Troop in the advance in review order

On completion of their training, 2 IET Troop conducted their march-out parade at the School of Military Engineering on 5th Jul 2017. Family and friends of the new sappers were present on the day, and witnessed the ceremonial parade led by the Troop Commander, Lt Ghuman.

We’re sharing some photos from the day, courtesy School of Military Engineering, and the Commanding Officer Lieutenant Colonel Markus Ludwig.

Lieutenant Amrinder Ghuman leads 2 Initial Employment Training Troop onto parade

The Australian Defence Force has been involved in many initiatives to recruit more and more members of diverse backgrounds, so that the ADF is more reflective of the cultures, religions, genders and races that make up the nation’s demography. 

In May this year, the ADF held community sessions in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Adelaide where officers from various multicultural backgrounds answered questions posed by members of the general community. Squadron Leader Vickram Grewal was one of those ADF members present at these sessions

“People could have misconceptions about whether or not ADF provides a welcoming environment to officers of multicultural backgrounds. Perhaps a Sikh may wonder if he can wear a turban or a kirpan [the ceremonial dagger carried by baptised Sikhs, and one of the five articles of faith]. We want to clear those misconceptions and answer any other questions that people may have,” said Sqn Ldr Grewal to SBS Punjabi.

“ADF wants to be the employer of choice for people from all walks of life. It is not about your background, culture or religion, but more about what capability and professionalism you can bring to the forces.” 

Lieutenant Amrinder Ghuman and 2 Initial Employment Training Troop present arms to the Reviewing Officer.

 

1 COMMENT

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here