3RAR officer finds her footing in whirlwind first six months

A young Townsville Lieutenant has been thrown on a whirlwind journey in the ADF after taking on three major deployments in her first six months.

Australian Army officer Lieutenant Samantha May, from the 3rd Battalion, The Royal Australian Regiment, takes a sight picture during Exercise Wantok Warrior in Wewak, Papua New Guinea.

A young officer has thrown herself into the deep end, experiencing three major exercises in her first six months in Townsville.

Lieutenant Samantha May grew up in Logan, Queensland and sought out a career which would continuously challenge her.

She decided to enter the Australian Defence Force and after completing her Bachelor of Business at the ADF academy she was moved to the Royal Military College-Duntroon.

After graduating in 2022 she received her posting to the 3rd Brigade in Townsville at 3RAR where her career aspirations shifted.

“Initially, my intentions were to become a cavalry officer but after being exposed to the infantry and everything it stood for, I realised my values aligned more with the regiment,” she said.

Australian Army officer Lieutenant Samantha May, from the 3rd Battalion, The Royal Australian Regiment, during Exercise Wantok Warrior in Wewak, Papua New Guinea.

This decision led her into three major exercises including Talisman Sabre, Brolga Sprint and a deployment to Papua New Guinea.

Her time in PNG stood out to her the most after being welcomed warmly into the country and meeting members of the community.

Australian Army officer Lieutenant Samantha May from the 3rd Battalion, The Royal Australian Regiment, with local community members during Exercise Wantok Warrior 2023, Papua New Guinea.

“PNG is such a vibrant community,” Lt May said.

“It was beautiful; they made shelters for us when they saw we were treating scenario casualties and POWs in the sun and brought over fresh coconuts,” she said.

These major exercises created strong bonds between her and her fellow soldiers after they endured tough tasks side by side.

“It’s been a big year, but it has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life, and it’s definitely not what I thought my first year as a lieutenant would be like.”

“I feel privileged to be here in this role at this regiment, and I’m pretty proud.”

Originally published as 3RAR officer finds her footing in whirlwind first six months