Captain / Executive Officer Kathryn Christie

Please tell us who you are and what you do?

My name is Captain Kathryn Christie. I'm a supply officer in the Australian Army and at Australia's Federation Guard I'm Executive Officer - 2IC.

What is involved in your role as Executive Officer here?

I understudy the OC at Australia's Federation Guard, and make sure that our job works smoothly in all the ceremonial drill that we do.

What does Australia's Federation Guard do and what are some of its tasks?

Australia's Federation Guard is Australia's premier drill unit. We're a tri-service organization and we do all the drill and ceremony for all the major parades throughout Australia and abroad. The Federation Guard does overseas duties overseas with ANZAC Day and any other special occasions such as the burials in Fromelles or Papua New Guinea.

What is the best thing about your job and what do you find difficult?

The best thing about my job is definitely the travel and the variety that the job involves. I will be going to France for ANZAC Day this year and I am really looking forward to that. Probably the worst thing about being a member of the Defence Force is being away from family and friends but you also have a community within the Defence Force that becomes a new family and I love that aspect of it as well.

Are you conscious of the Spirit of ANZAC and what does it mean to you?

For me personally the Spirit of ANZAC has always meant something to me and was probably part of the reason why I was drawn to the Defence Force. Especially now that I'm a uniform member I love ANZAC Day and I love being part of the commemorations on that day.

Where would you like to be in ten years time?

In 10 years time I will almost likely be a Defence Force member again. I'm not sure what rank I'll be but I'll love to be part of it still.