Receiving a promotion and a significant citation, corporal-come-sergeant Joseph Munro was this month, named the Warrant Officer of the Air Force Instructor of the Year.

Sergeant Munro was honoured for exemplary leadership and performance as a military skills trainer between 2014 and 2016, receiving a Chief of Air Force Commendation last week. 

The sergeant’s “quick-thinking during a life threatening medical emergency not only saved the life of a recruit but ensured the emotional well-being of other recruits,” according to the commendation. 

The aircraft technician was the first trainer to be recognised at the Number One Recruit Training Unit (1RCU), instructing more than 400 recruits across seven years. 

A wagga local, sergeant Munro said it was great to share the achievement with his two children and family. 

He said receiving the commendation was “an awesome feeling” but it was also a reflection of the service’s traditions and values, the skills of fellow trainers, the professionalism of his unit.

“It’s great for 1RCU, good for the Air Force and good for Wagga as a whole,” Sergeant Munro said.

“It comes down to the team. 

“You’re only as strong as the people you surround yourself with.”

The sergeant said new recruits were his responsibility from the moment they walked through the door to their graduation and “march out”.

He said across 11-and-a-half weeks, he worked to bring out the best in his all his recruits. 

Sergeant Munro said one of the keys to being a good instructor was remembering “you were there before”.

RAAF Base Wagga group captain Cath Wallis said Segeant Munro’s “calm, considered and emotionally intelligent approach” to training had also influenced the way others approach the role.