Four members of one family now serving in RAAF

From left: Aircraftwoman Grace Rhone, Jodie Rhone, Aircraftman James Rhone, Warrant Officer Chris Rhone and Leading Aircraftman Mitchell Rhone, at No 1 Recruit Training School Graduation 15/22 at RAAF Base Wagga, NSW. (Defence)

Four members of one Australian family are now active members of the RAAF – while their mum previously served for 12 years.

James Rhone graduated from No 1 Recruit Training Unit (1RTU) to join his twin sister Grace, older brother Mitchell and father Chris in the Air Force.

James, now an Aircraftman, said, “Being able to witness my twin sister Grace on the course ahead of mine was inspiring, motivating and made me push myself even harder.”

Grace, now an Aircraftwoman, said, “We experienced many challenges at 1RTU but, with the assistance of our course mates around us, we learned to overcome those hurdles and use each other’s strengths to achieve our end goal.”

No 1 Recruit Training Unit (1RTU) last for 11 weeks and is designed to prepare newly enlisted RAAF personnel for military service.

1RTU is responsible for two-thirds of the Air Force’s initial preparation, with the rest conducted by Officers’ Training School and the Australian Defence Force Academy, where commissioned officers are trained.

Dad Chris, now a Warrant Officer, said, “Despite changing schools and dealing with constant change, they still all joined and are extremely happy with their choices.

“Their experience will give them a better understanding of service life and the challenges and opportunities it provides.”

The twins have now commenced initial employment training, with Aircraftwoman Grace learning to be an aircraft life support fitter and Aircraftman James joining the movements mustering.

On completing their training, they will enter the Air Force alongside their brother Mitchell, now a Leading Aircraftman, who is part of Air Force security at 34 Squadron.