Staff Cadet Thomas Sandor didn't want a career that meant sitting behind a desk.
First exposed to the Army through books and movies, the 26-year-old, from Casuarina on the northern rivers of NSW, was inspired by history and stories of comradeship, endurance and perseverance.
"It was what Australian men and women had to go through and feared - those sorts of experiences - that makes a good-quality human being. It's someone I wanted to be," he said.
Coupled with a growing fascination in engineering and science from his schooling at Lindisfarne Anglican Grammar School, Staff Cadet Sandor set his sights on becoming an Army helicopter pilot.
"I didn't want to be stuck behind a desk. So to me, being a helicopter pilot in the Army was the perfect combination," he said.
Staff Cadet Sandor spent three years studying mathematics and aviation at the Australian Defence Force Academy. He secured an aviation cadetship, placing him on a pathway to conduct helicopter pilot training following completion of his training at the Royal Military College - Duntroon (RMC-D).
'Army helps you to develop into a person of character, someone that is able to make decisions efficiently and effectively.'
Staff Cadet Sandor was among those from the RMC-D whose leadership was tested during Exercise Shaggy Ridge, conducted at the Majura Training Area near Canberra from February 15-19.
"I've learnt that perseverance is a really important character trait to have, not just as an individual, but in a team environment or culture," he said.
The exercise required 158 staff cadets to demonstrate their character and leadership under stress and fatigue, pushing the limits of their physical and mental endurance.
"They weren't lying when they said Exercise Shaggy Ridge was hard," Staff Cadet Sandor said.
"It is definitely a difficult thing to do. But what got myself and everyone else through it was the team environment - we were pushing each other.
"No one in Army is left alone."
Staff Cadet Sandor recommended the Army to those considering joining the ADF.
"It's a fantastic first step. Army helps you to develop into a person of character, someone that is able to make decisions efficiently and effectively," he said.
"It may not be something for you in the long run, and that's fine. What the Army gives you is a step in the right direction."
After RMC-D and helicopter pilot training, Staff Cadet Sandor hopes to be posted to an aviation regiment equipped with the new UH-60M Black Hawks.
