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Aircraftwoman, Kym said she ended up a Signals Operator Linguist in the Air Force because she wanted a career that would let her see and experience the world.
"It looked like a good option because it involved learning and working with languages, so I joined," she said.
At Defence’s School of Languages she learned Indonesian from scratch. "I was taught how to write, read, speak, listen and translate," Kym said.
"You are trained to a level where you can read a news article or hear a broadcast, translate it, and put together a report that highlights its key points."
"Towards the end of my course I had the opportunity to go overseas for two weeks to Indonesia. I went to university there to learn about the education system, environment and culture."
"I got to experience the culture and cuisine first hand. It was a great experience it gave me an opportunity to speak to the locals and adapt to individual's accents."
"I've made many good friends in the Air Force and I've learned that I am capable of a lot more than I thought I was, both physically and mentally."
"The Air Force offers a life style, not just a job. I like the respect that comes with serving; I like that I get to move around while always having a stable job; and the pay and conditions are good - in one year I've bought and paid for a new car and I am already saving for a house," Kym said.
Regardless of the role you choose to pursue in the Navy, Army or Air Force, the personal qualities and professional skills you gain will be invaluable when you decide to establish a career outside the ADF.
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"I got to experience the culture and cuisine first hand. It was a great experience it gave me an opportunity to speak to the locals and adapt to individual's accents." Kym Smallacombe, Aircraftwoman
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