Heroes in waiting from Ready Battle Group in awe of those who served before

THIS is the face of the next generation of Australia’s soldiers – strong, intelligent and ready to fight at a moment’s notice.

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THIS is the face of the next generation of Australia’s soldiers – strong, intelligent and ready to fight at a moment’s notice.

Scott Gray, 23, sits, stands and salutes with purpose, an attitude that will serve him well in his new role in the Australian Defence Force.

The young private and his peers from the 6th Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment will form the Ready Battle Group, a highly trained group of infantrymen, poised for immediate deployment anywhere, any time.

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The team comes trained in urban and conventional warfare and humanitarian missions and could be sent anywhere in the world from as early as June.

Pte Gray was the first in his family to join the army but said he felt the calling from a young age.

“I was always keen to have a job with a purpose, I wanted to do something more,” Pte Gray said.

After joining the Army Reserve in 2011 he transferred to the proud Delta Company full-time in 2013.

For the next 12 months Pte Gray will be placed “online” and on call for short-notice missions.

But as quickly as he must embrace each mission, Pte Gray must be just as quick to leave behind his family, his fiancee and his home.

“If we get the phone call we have two hours to get to work and could be deployed in a few days,” Pte Gray said.

He said the transition from the home front to the front line would be “tricky” but he was not afraid.

“I don’t dwell on it, you have to adopt that mindset and have your affairs in order,” he said.

“We train for this and we know we’re capable and ready to do it.”

According to Pte Gray, this Anzac Day is more special than most.

“I have always been proud to be a part of the Anzac Day celebrations but now that I’m in the army, it is so much more special,” he said.

“It’s a wonderful day to think back on all the fallen Diggers who paid the ultimate sacrifice and to celebrate the everyday soldier.”

As he faces a daunting new chapter in his life, Pte Gray said he modelled himself on those who bravely served their country before him.

“It all links back to the Anzacs, those lads didn’t know what they were getting themselves into when they set off to the shores of Gallipoli,” he said.

“That’s very similar to us, we have our phones on waiting and whatever happens, happens.”

Originally published as Heroes in waiting from Ready Battle Group in awe of those who served before