Photo By John Solomon | MARINE CORPS BASE HAWAII, Hawaii (July 22, 2022) Australian Army Soldier, Corporal...... read more read more
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Corporal Sonny Huynh is breaking the mold of what an administrative clerk’s career looks like. His role may sound like spreadsheets and computers, but he thrives in an operational environment, spending his seven-year career attached to combat units.
Growing up in northern suburbs of Melbourne, he always dreamt of one day being a pilot in the Navy, a dream he attributes to the movie Top Gun. Studying at Lalor Secondary School, he set his sights on law enforcement and pursued a bachelor of arts-law and upon graduation, returned to his childhood dream of joining the military, donning an Army uniform to pursue human resources.
“I just knew I wanted to leave a footprint behind and do my best to help others and serve,” Corporal Sonny Huynh said. “I love my job because I see directly how the results I push out make others happy. I do my job, so they can do theirs.”
Corporal Sonny Huynh looks at his first deployment to Afghanistan as a highlight, where he was attached to 3rd Battalion, the Royal Australian Regiment as the Operations Clerk.
“That one deployment showed me there are other ways of doing things than just the stereo-typical ‘Army’ way,” Corporal Sonny Huynh said. “By observing and being around amazing, professional people, I grew personally and professionally. I think I became a whole new person after that.
“I found that I really enjoy teaching people, I get a lot of pride out of seeing people develop and reach new achievements.”
It was his posting to the 2nd Commando Regiment as the Tactical Assault Group – East (TAG-E) clerk that he believes were the best three years of his career, a demanding and high-tempo environment where he flourished.
“Being there for three years was an adventure for me,” Corporal Sonny Huynh said. “I loved the people I worked with, they were very professional, they showed me how to be a better mentor and coach.”
He is now applying these leadership skills in his role as Administrative Clerk at 2nd Battalion, The Royal Australian Regiment where he supports leading an orderly room.
“I can see how much more effective it is to practice listening and understanding. They are happy at work, more engaged and learn better,” Corporal Sonny Huynh said.
Currently on Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) 2022 in Hawaii, he is well prepared for the responsibility that comes with the administrative requirements for a 350 strong multi-nation land force.
At United States Marine Corps Base Hawaii, he found time to watch the sequel of Top Gun alongside colleagues. It was a moment to reflect on his childhood dream and be proud of his career so far.
What is his advice for those looking to join the Army?
“It may sound counterintuitive but take a step in the dark and say yes to the opportunity in front of you, you never know where you will end up.”
Twenty-six nations, 38 ships, three submarines, more than 170 aircraft and 25,000 personnel are participating in RIMPAC from June 29 to Aug. 4 in and around the Hawaiian Islands and Southern California. The world's largest international maritime exercise, RIMPAC provides a unique training opportunity while fostering and sustaining cooperative relationships among participants critical to ensuring the safety of sea lanes and security on the world's oceans. RIMPAC 2022 is the 28th exercise in the series that began in 1971.
| Date Taken: | 07.22.2022 |
| Date Posted: | 07.28.2022 23:54 |
| Story ID: | 425757 |
| Location: | MARINE CORPS BASE HAWAII, HAWAII, US |
| Web Views: | 101 |
| Downloads: | 1 |
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