Page 173 - RAPTC Mind, Body & Spirit

Proudly worn by soldiers of the 1st and 2nd Australian Imperial Force in both World Wars, the ‘Rising Sun’ badge has become an integral part of the digger tradition. The distinctive shape of the badge, worn on the upturned side of a slouch hat, is commonly identified with the spirit of Anzac. There are seven patterns of the Rising Sun. The Rising Sun has evolved over time and today Australian Army soldiers wear the seventh pattern Rising Sun.
The Rising Sun Badge was originally called the General Service Badge, but it is now officially labelled the Australian Army Badge. It will, however, always be referred to as the Rising Sun Badge.
Life After the Corps
“24 February and 26 March 2007” what’s the significance; my last day in the British Army and the day I touched down in Australia to start the next chapter in my Army Career.
I quote “When opportunity knocks on your door, always be willing to take a chance, because you never know how perfect something could turn out to be” I answered the door and I have been living the Australian Dream ever since; Australia truly is the Land of Opportunity!
Taking on the Lateral Transfer challenge is no mean feat, if you want to be successful it’s the most challenging thing you will go through; it will test you and your family to the max! It’s extremely hard to explain the roller coaster of emotions and difficulties to anybody who hasn’t done it.
It’s been eleven years since my last article and heaps of amazing things have happened; I could easily fill this edition of MBS with my adventures; that said, I will try to give a brief overview of my life since leaving the Corps.
The two obvious changes are, I’ve been Commissioned and in the Medical Corps, that said, the Australian Army does not have a PT Corps; PTIs are part of the medics. Furthermore, there are no Officers within the PTI trade, therefore, after 30 years, I hung up my whistle in December to take up an Officer Commanding appointment; WO1 to Major, who needs Captain (like I said Australia really is the land of opportunity!).
Commission Day – Major Neil McCallum MBE and Mrs Stefanie McCallum
On arrival as a SGT PTI, I set about my new career and planned attack! My plan was to work towards a commission; if this failed I would sit back and wait until retirement.
From day one, it was clear life was going to be very different; coming to terms with being a SGT again was one thing, however, what I found the hardest
was the fact I lost my reputation that took 24 years to build. Starting a new career in a highly competitive world with no profile or history to back you up puts you at the very bottom of the pile with everything to prove; if you want to succeed that is.
How the plan worked out
2007: SGT PTI Supervisor posted to 1 Recruit Training Battalion – Wagga Wagga NSW
2010: Promoted to WO2 PTI Manager and posted to the School of Infantry – Singleton, NSW
2011: WO2 PTI Manager posted to the Australian Defence Force Academy – Canberra, ACT
2014: WO2 PTI Manager posted to 1 Close Health Battalion – Darwin, NT
2016: Promoted to WO1 PTI Adviser, 1 Close Health Battalion – Darwin, NT
2018: Commissioned to Major and posted to Army Personnel Support Centre – Perth, WA
Honour and Awards
2009: Commandants Buchanan Award (Best Recruit Instructor) – The only PTI to receive this award in the history of the Australian Defence Force!
2009: Commander Training Command – Army Commendation – For my work in Digger James Platoon (Recruit Remedial Platoon)
2012: Pride of Australia Medal – Finalist “Fair Go” category 2013: Commander Training Command – Australian Defence
Force Commendation – For my work in Rehabilitation.
Highlights of my Sports Representation
Australia Arafura Games 2009: Defence Cycling Coach and
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NOTES FROM DOWN UNDER
POINT OF CONTACT FOR AUSTRALIA – MAJOR NEIL MCCALLUM, MBE, RAAMC (EX QMSI)
Australia Australia
Boxing Official
Arafura Games 2011: Athlete and Boxing Official Invictus Games Toronto 2017: Cycling Coach
Major Neil McCallum – Winning the ADF Mountain Champs 20km Race 2011
Australia Invictus Games Sydney 2018: Cycling Coach
Highlight of my Sporting Achievements
As old age and injuries catch up, I have turned to cycling (Road & MTB) to get my “must win” fix, however, when I do put the trainers back on I have had some success; to name a few:
Defence X-Country Champion Defence Mountain Running 1⁄2 Marathon Champion
Arafura Games – 1⁄2 Marathon, Champion (age category / 5th overall)
One of my Charity fund
raising activities
Whilst in hospital following a knee op, I had a dream of riding my MTB