Kurt Roberts and Rhys Mitting became good friends when they joined the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) in August 2015, enlisting as Airfield Defence Guards (ADGs). Fast forward 10 years and they continue to create a safe and secure world now working together at Babcock.
Kurt Roberts and Rhys Mitting first crossed paths at RAAF Base Wagga, New South Wales, where they met as recruits and began laying the foundation for their careers.
Together they progressed to RAAF Base Amberley, Queensland, undertaking an Airfield Defence Guard Basic course to master the use of section-level weapon systems, dismounted manoeuvre operations, and communications. There they learned to rely on each other, developing a strong working relationship built on trust and teamwork.
By chance, both Rhys and Kurt were posted to 3 Security Forces Squadron at RAAF Base Edinburgh, South Australia in 2016. Side by side, they conducted aircraft security operations to safeguard grounded aircrafts, infrastructure, and personnel. Their responsibilities also extended to emergency response and crisis management in airfield defence operations, skills that would hold them in good stead for operations yet to come.
A significant milestone in their careers came in 2017, when Kurt and Rhys deployed to the Middle East on Operation Accordion as part of Operation Okra. They both describe the experience as ‘a privilege and a profound responsibility’.
Following almost eight years of active service in the Air Force, both sought new ways to contribute to the Defence industry.
Rhys joined Babcock Australasia’s defence training team in 2022, and by August of the following year the pair were reunited once more when Kurt joined the defence prime as a Principal Training Officer, after being encouraged by his good mate to apply.
Rhys is now a Business Development Lead for Aviation & Critical Services, helping to drive growth, customer engagement and strategic initiatives for the sector, while Kurt continues to lead the analysis, design, development, and implementation of training within Babcock’s Counter-Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear and Explosive (C-CBRNE) program. He also remains an active reservist.
When asked what drives them to succeed at Babcock, Kurt and Rhys emphasise the chance to contribute to Australia’s Defence capabilities and work alongside Babcock’s large veteran community.
“Every day we continue to support the ADF’s capabilities through Babcock’s projects”.