Sergeant Jagmeet Singh of 11 Squadron shares his desire to join the military and advocate for diversity and multiculturalism in Defence. This is his story as told to Flight Lieutenant Lily Lancaster.
I have always been surrounded by military personnel. My first school bag was actually a military backpack, matching my cousin, both in green. Back then, my uncle was serving in the Indian Army, both my grandfathers had served in World War 2 in Greece and my cousin is in the Army now.
I was in Year 5 and I remember saying “I am going to be in the military”. That was always part of the plan. Moving to Australia wasn’t in the plan; I am happy I did.
I moved to Australia in December 2006 and walked into Defence Force Recruiting in January 2007. I went back to India to meet and get married to my wonderful wife, Kiran. She moved to Australia, a place she had never been before, and four months later I was off to Wagga Wagga for basic training.
‘My first school bag was actually a military backpack, matching with my cousin, both in green.’
When I went to 1 Recruit Training Unit, they didn’t have a clue what to do. I was a Sikh man with a beard and a turban. I had to seek an exception up the chain of command just to be myself. I have always felt supported by my seniors, throughout training into today. I have never had a bad experience.
When I started my career, I felt like I stood out. I think I was the first to wear a turban in the Air Force. Since then, I have helped my instructor mates by teaching others how I wear the turban and position the badge. Defence has changed over the years; cultural diversity is better documented in policy and the Article of Faith is now included in the dress manual. I hope my efforts have paved the way for future generations. As an elder male, I feel it is my responsibility to do so.
Now, I am proud to be an advocate for diversity and multiculturalism. For example, I recently took part in a big LGBTQIA+ ally project. I participated because I knew what it is like to feel different from everyone else; I wanted everyone to feel included. When you look or identify differently from the majority, I can relate. I stand out all the time, if I am in a group of people, people see me.
‘It’s a great feeling to be a link between two countries, helping break down cultural and language barriers. Breaking down the spice levels was an important one.’
Representing the Air Force in India on Indo-Pacific Endeavour 23 was one of my career highlights. To come back to my birth country, wearing the flag I serve, I just felt very proud. I wasn’t just doing my logistics role, I took on an informal role as a linguist and the local guide. It’s a great feeling to be a link between two countries, helping break down cultural and language barriers.
Breaking down the spice levels was an important one. It was fun to get amongst the local kids there and play street cricket, just like we would at home in Australia.
It was really good talking to the Indian Navy over there, sharing my experience and learning from their experiences. Our nations operate differently but towards the same goal. It was my first opportunity to work in India since joining 15 years ago, but the Indian Navy made it feel like home. I felt proud to be a part of that community and my Air Force community.
Both my kids love the military too. My oldest son just joined Air Force cadets and wants to follow in my footsteps. They ask “Where are we going next Papa?” – they want to move around and get new experiences. When they see me in uniform, they are so proud.
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