00:02Marcus Moggridge grew up playing with toy soldiers. Today, he's one step closer to becoming a real one,
00:09graduating from the Army's Indigenous Development Program.
00:13Really special, honestly. Always wanted to join. Actually joining the Army, just, you know, it was just great.
00:19It's my baby.
00:21His mother, Michelle, making the two-day bus journey from Newman in Western Australia's remote Pilbara region for the occasion.
00:28I had to hold my crime, and I'm so proud, and I wouldn't have missed it for a while.
00:34I didn't care how far along what journey I do to get here.
00:39In the military eyes, he's a man, but in my eyes, he's still my baby.
00:44He's one of 21 people from across the country to complete this round of the Australian Defence Force's Closing the
00:51Gap initiative.
00:51The 17-week program giving Indigenous men and women the opportunity to gain basic work skills,
00:58each graduate leaving with a qualification, first aid certificate and a driver's licence.
01:03And, of course, discipline.
01:05We have the pleasure of watching people stand taller, lean out, get fitter, get faster, talk more confidently.
01:15Celebrations and well-earned sleep-ins for these new graduates will be short-lived,
01:19with 17 now off to Kapuka to start recruit training on Monday.
01:24Looking to continue earning their stripes.
01:26Try and devote myself as much as I can, provide some service. Hopefully I do the best I can.
01:31Serving the country while serving themselves.
