Carl Murkun
Djambarruynu
Corporal
Arnhem Squadron
NORFORCE (North-West Mobile Force)
Regional Force Surveillance Group
Australian Army Reserve
Medals
Australian Operational Service Medal – Border Protection
Operational Service Badge
Soldiers Medallion
I enlisted in 2020 when I was 30 years old. At 16, when I was at school I was really eager to join, but they told me I had to wait until I was 18. Two years seems such a long time at that age, so, at 17, I thought maybe I should join the Police Force. They gave me an application form, but they told me I had to be eighteen too. I wasn’t going to be eighteen for another nine months and that also seemed a long time to wait. I was impatient and didn’t finish school. I ended up on drugs and drinking alcohol. I am happy to talk about this because now my life has changed and I want to show others, especially those using drugs or alcohol, that even after ten years, things can change for the better. I knew this was not my path. I could see my path, it was washed away a bit from the wind and water, but I still stayed on it. I realised drugs and alcohol were not good for me, I felt I was wasting my life. The Army washed all that away – but it’s funny that I still can’t stop smoking cigarettes! When I saw myself in uniform, I changed as a person. I was happier and my family were proud to see me wearing my uniform. I started as a private and worked my way through the ranks. I remember my Sergeant, (now Warrant Officer) Riyakurray Munyarryun OAM, saying to me, “Stay on this path, I’ve been on this path for thirty-five years.” Along with Private James Gengi, they both put be back on my path and gave me a better future. I am always looking forward. I don’t move backwards or even look back. I am always learning and I wish to follow in their footsteps and continue up the ranks.