How NORFORCE continues to inspire remote NT communities

Whether they know it or not, Australian Army personnel are inspiring the next generation of remote Territorians to join the ADF’s ranks and serve the nation. See what one squadron commander said.

Private Damon Hill, Sergeant Jon Moss, and Private Henry Jinjair with locals at Wadeye. Picture: Supplied.

Tasked to lead soldiers protecting the Top End, Major Grant Carter is also trying to find the right community candidates to join the ranks and deploy into critical operational environments across Northern Australia.

The NORFORCE squadron commander, who leads an Aboriginal-majority team, is completing his first year with the unit tasked with providing Canberra the eyes and ears necessary to monitor national security to the north.

Specialists in reconnaissance and surveillance, NORFORCE troops are capable of combating illegal fishing and smuggling, alongside their counterparts across the Royal Australian Navy, Border Force and local police.

Private Damon Hill and Sergeant Jon Moss with Thamarrurr Rangers in July 2024. Picture: Supplied.

Whether he is in Wadeye, Maningrida or elsewhere, Major Carter revealed he was regularly approached by locals keen to put on the uniform and become soldiers themselves.

“I have people as young as eight through to the their late-60s who demonstrate a desire to be a part of NORFORCE,” he said.

“I will go to a local shop and be bombarded with people who have either got stories to tell me about when they were in NORFORCE or stories of how they aspire to serve themselves.”

Members of NORFORCE continue to engage communities across the Top End.

Major Carter happens to be in a position to make those dreams come true, with senior officers throughout NORFORCE also responsible for recruiting locals.

With the consultation of local elders, Major Carter said he devoted time in the bush head-hunting potential leaders and soldiers capable of value-adding to defending the nation.

“We need to generate the right people at the right time and in the right locations,” he said.

“It’s about finding the right person who demonstrates characteristics aligned ADF values, but also someone who brings cultural aspects so they have potential within the community to deliver positive outputs.”

Major Grant Carter says he has enjoyed his experience with NORFORCE. Picture: Harry Brill.

With NORFORCE tracing their history back to the famous Nackeroos of WW2, some remote families have achieved four consecutive generations of military service in the Top End.

A 22-year veteran himself, Major Carter said serving with NORFORCE had been a unique experience.

“I am confident that I’ll walk away feeling like I’ve my done part in not only generating output, which is important, but having grown myself a human,” he said.

“And growing other humans in the right direction, to be good community members, to be good soldiers and officers.”

Originally published as How NORFORCE continues to inspire remote NT communities