For Recruit Amber Barlass, joining the Navy meant completing the family’s service triangle – with the other two sides being her brother in Air Force and her father in Army.
“It’s pretty cool having one family member in each force; it feels like we’re more connected,” she said.
“We have a lot more to talk about now, and there’s more banter between us.”
Nineteen-year-old Recruit Barlass said sharing recruit training experiences has become one of their favourite things.
“It was always fun listening to their stories, but I understand more now because I’ve been through a little bit,” she said.
“I understand the Defence jargon now and can join in on their jokes.”
Recruit Barlass joined the Navy as a cryptology analyst linguist due to her passion for languages and decoding communications.
Her brother, Leading Aircraftman Rhys Barlass, said he pointed her towards Air Force but she had more of an interest in Navy.
“She’s always had an interest in languages. I think she looked at me and thought that the Navy would be a better career choice for her,” he said.
Leading Aircraftman Barlass said having one family member in each service made them closer.
“Now that we are all in the Defence Force, we’re able to relate more with each other, however, there’s still rivalry between us as to who serves in the better service,” he said.
Their father, Warrant Officer Class One Vincent Barlass, has served for 41 years. He said he never imagined both his children would end up in different services.
“As a parent, you can guide your children, but ultimately, they make decisions themselves,” he said.
“You have your immediate family, and your Defence family.”
