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TODAY is the first Anzac Day since Brandon Wood graduated from his army training. XANA BITTAR spoke to the young soldier and his family.
AT just 18, Swan Hill local Brandon Wood has graduated from his army training at Blamey Barracks, Kapooka.
From his group, Brandon was the youngest to continue on and train at Melbourne’s Simpson Barracks.
His parents Michelle and Ricky Wood are proud of his achievement, especially after being told by Brandon’s supervisor that it was rare to find a “a kid that really enjoys Kapooka”.
“You just can’t wipe the smile off his face,” Mr Wood said.
After graduating from Swan Hill College last year, Brandon said there wasn’t many opportunities for him in Swan Hill.
“It was just something a bit different, there wasn’t much going on in Swan Hill,” he said.
“I applied online went down to Melbourne for the interview and it all went really well.
“It feels really good to get this far.”
“None of our family have been involved in the army so it was a bit out of the blue. We are extremely proud of him, he has moved a long way…”
His parents both agreed it was a “shock” to them when Brandon said he wanted to join the army.
“He came up with it on his own and decided he wanted to have a crack at it,” Mr Wood said.
“None of our family have been involved in the army so it was a bit out of the blue.
“We are extremely proud of him, he has moved a long way.”
Brandon said he was enjoying his time there and there wasn’t much that had happened that he didn’t expect.
Mr Wood said his son “flew” through his initial recruitment.
“A lot of them don’t get through it, but he got in,” he said.
Among the 40 who apply, Mr Wood said only 10 graduate and continue on to Simpson Barracks.
“He is really excited about it and absolutely loves it,” Ms Wood said.
“I think it will be a great career for him.
“The group of friends he has made, they have become all very close in a very short amount of time.”
Brandon is now living at the Simpson Barracks where he will train for the next four years.
He said he was looking forward to his time with the army and advised anyone who is looking at joining up to give it a go.
Pick up a copy of Friday’s special Anzac Day 2014 commemorative edition of The Guardian.
