Warrant Officer Class 2 Richard Cartwright returned to the regular Australian Army last year after leaving in 2001. Having originally enlisted in 1982, Richard is delighted to be back and enthusiastic about the changes that have taken place.

"I initially left because I'd gone as far as I could and I wasn't where I wanted to be. I missed the Army though. The friendship, the professionalism, the goal, the purpose - I missed everything about it, and although I did have concerns about coming back, I was greeted with open arms."

Richard believes the Australian Army has a great deal to offer as an employer and is unequalled in its organisational structure.

"The Australian Army has changed on so many levels since 1982. I think we've fallen more into line with community expectations of the Defence Force. The career prospects are amazing now. The training is much more efficient for the soldier, very specific these days and very technical. The Army's also taken a proactive role in developing soldiers early to take up leadership positions."

"For anyone that's left the Army, it's definitely time to come back and have a look what else the Australian Army can offer."

Click on the link to hear more on why Richard is so glad to be back in the Australian Army and the changes he believes have taken place.