Jason Enchong
Torres Strait Islander – Erub/Mer Islands and Maori – Ngati Whatua
Flying Officer
Indigenous Liaison Officer
Royal Australian Air Force
Formerly
Sergeant
1st Armoured Regiment
Royal Australian Armoured Corps (2008 – 2020)
Afghanistan Veteran
Medals
Australian Active Service Medal with clasp ICAT
Afghanistan Medal
Australian Defence Medal
NATO Non-Article 5 Medal with clasp ISAF
Army Combat Badge
Returned from Active Service Badge
I initially joined the Australian Army as an ECN 500 Gap Year on 11th February 2008, completing basic training at 1RTB (Recruit Training Battalion), Kapooka and Initial Employment Training at the School of Armour, Puckapunyal before proceeding to my first posting at 2nd/14th Light Horse Regiment (Queensland Mounted Infantry) as an Australian Light Armoured Vehicle (ASLAV) Driver.
I spent 14 years in the Army from 2008-2020 in South East Queensland. During that time my postings were to 2/14 LHR (QMI) from 2008-2016, and to Defence Force Recruiting, Specialist Team Indigenous from 2017-2019, before moving to RAAF Edinburgh in South Australia in 2020, where I was posted on promotion to 1st Armoured Regiment before service transfer to the Royal Australian Air Force. Whilst in the Army, I reached the rank of Sergeant and acted in many higher duties such as Squadron Sergeant Major (SSM) and Troop Leader.
During my tenure at 2/14 LHR (QMI) I deployed as part of Mentoring Task Force Four (MTF-4) on Operation SLIPPER 2012 in Afghanistan. Whilst deployed on MTF-4 I was an ASLAV Gunner operating the turret of the ASLAV with secondary duty as Combat First Aider where I aided the Patrol Base medic on a number of mass casualty events. Also with 2/14 LHR (QMI) I took part in Operation FLOOD ASSIST TWO 2013 as a Section Commander, tasked with cleaning up and helping locals regain normalcy, and with Rifle Company Butterworth Rotation 111 as Section Commander, leading a section conducting jungle warfare in Malaysia and Thailand. During my time at 1st Armoured Regiment I deployed on Operation COVID Assist where I was a quarantine hotel OIC (Officer in Charge).
Following my service transfer from Army to RAAF, I was commissioned as Flying Officer in mid-August 2022 and am currently posted to 24 Squadron as the RAAF Base Edinburgh Indigenous Liaison Officer (ILO). In my current role as ILO, I am the direct conduit between the Edinburgh Defence Precinct and local Indigenous Communities, in particular the Kaurna mob. I also support and promote RAAF First Nations initiatives, provide cultural education/guidance to Unit Executives and all Defence personnel, and initiate community engagements, continually strengthening ties to the air, land, sea and Country.
My Heritage is Torres Strait Islander from the islands of Erub and Mer and Maori descent from the Maori iwi of Ngati Whatua. I am married to Kayla who is also a current serving member of the RAAF. We have two daughters – Chanelle and Ariana. Sports in general is a big part of me, however I favour Rugby Union, Touch Football and Volley ball. Outside of work I enjoy spending time with family and friends and exploring my current posting locality.