What’s happening?
An aviation operations specialist posted to Oakey is reflecting on how motherhood has shaped her leadership in the Australian Defence Force ahead of International Women’s Day.
Trooper Justine Gatti joined the Australian Defence Force nearly eight years ago. She now serves in a role supporting aviation operations and mission planning.
For Trooper Gatti, International Women’s Day is a moment to recognise strength in many forms, including the quiet resilience that often goes unseen.
“It’s not about choosing between who I am for my country and who I am for my family,” Trooper Gatti said.
“It’s about being fully both.”
In her role, she supports flying operations by reviewing flight programs, monitoring weather conditions and preparing planning products for aircrew.
Why it matters?
Trooper Gatti says women contribute strong capability and compassion across Defence roles.
She believes balancing family life with military duties has strengthened her leadership approach.
Motherhood has also influenced how she understands responsibility and the impact of decisions on others.
“With the right support, we absolutely can,” she said.
“We serve, lead and contribute just as much as anyone in uniform, while also being there for our families.”
By the numbers
-
Eight years of service have been completed by Trooper Gatti since joining the Australian Defence Force, where she now works in aviation operations.
-
One aviation operations role supports each mission cycle through planning, communications setup and real-time tracking of aircraft.
-
Multiple mission stages are supported in her job, including planning, preparation, communications setup and tracking from launch to safe return.
Zoom in
Trooper Gatti says the most rewarding part of her job is seeing a mission succeed from beginning to end.
“Because I am involved in the planning, preparation, communications set-up, and real-time tracking, I can see the direct impact of the work that goes into each sortie,” she said.
“When the aircraft returns safely and the mission has been achieved as planned, it’s a clear reflection of effective coordination and attention to detail across the entire team.”
“Knowing that my contribution helps enable safe and successful aviation operations is extremely satisfying.”
Zoom out
Balancing operational opportunities with family responsibilities has been one of her biggest challenges.
Trooper Gatti said deployments and large exercises require careful planning when raising children.
“It has taught me strong prioritisation and time-management skills, and I find other ways to add value to exercises through planning support, operational coordination and mission preparation,” she said.
Local impact
Based at Oakey, Trooper Gatti’s experience reflects the dual commitment many Defence families manage.
Her role supports aviation missions while also showing how military careers can continue alongside parenthood.
What to look for next
As International Women’s Day approaches, stories like Trooper Gatti’s highlight the evolving role of women and parents across Defence services.