Deanne with her Belgian Shepherd Albira, who she says has been a “big part of her life”. Photos: Deanne Vaggs.
Deanne Vaggs has always had one eye on a military career.
When most NSW kids were deciding what university courses they would apply for and facing a nervous wait for their ATAR, Deanne had her decision locked in.
She had already enlisted in the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF).
“My dad’s in the army, so he suggested a career in defence.
“It was one of the things I considered a couple of years ago, and every now and again I would still consider it.”
The lifelong dog lover found out about RAAF dog handlers by talking with her father’s colleagues, reading an Air Force newspaper and googling for more information.
“It’s such a community – you talk to people who do different things,” she said of the defence world.
For her first year in the RAAF, she’ll spend one year in security before she can apply for the dog handler role.
“As Air Force security, it would be similar to a police officer, but my sole purpose is do security stuff on the base, protect the assets, look out for the people and make sure there’s no threats.”
If she’s accepted as a dog handler, those duties will expand to include training and working with dogs (set to mostly be Belgian Shepherds like Albira).
“It’s really just what I’ll be doing as security, but with a dog,” she said.
“[That could include] jumping and how to attack someone and all that. … The goal is eventually to be one of those people who are constantly training the dogs.
“But at the start it would be more handling.”
For Deanne, a career with dogs always seemed a natural fit.
“I’ve always grown up with dogs. They’ve been a big part of my life.
“I used to watch dog training videos on YouTube … My dad said a good way to get into dog training would be through defence.”
Deanne plans to apply for a job as a RAAF dog handler, once she meets the service requirements. Photos: Deanne Vaggs.
Deanne is used to changing location on account of her dad’s military career, but has spent the past three years in Queanbeyan finishing high school.
“I’m definitely not worried about the moving aspect of it [a military career] because I’ve already been doing that.
“Since I was at that stage of high school, it was more important the we stayed in one place. They’re pretty lenient when it comes to that.”
Deanne said her mum and dad had been very supportive.
“My dad was very happy and he’s been answering all my questions along the way,” she said.
“My mum has been driving me to all my interviews. She’s been a big help through the whole application process.”
She has a few weeks’ break over the Christmas and new year period, before heading to the RAAF base in Wagga Wagga for basic training.
Further training in Queensland is set to follow, and she hopes to be posted to Townsville to be closer to family.
