I would like to introduce you to a very close friend and a truly amazing person. He typifies everything these “I decided” podcasts are about.

Alan Clements started his working life as an Electrical Fitter Mechanic in Townsville.

He then joined the Air Force in 1985 as a trainee pilot. He subsequently served in the Royal Australian Air Force for over 35 years reaching the rank of Air Vice-Marshal. After his initial training in 1985 and tours as a transport pilot and basic flying instructor, he went on to several tours as a F/A-18 pilot/instructor and Squadron executive. His operational commands included 77 F/A-18 Fighter Squadron and “Number 78 Wing” responsible for lead-in fighter training and fast jet ground crew training.

Throughout his career, he undertook multiple roles in future capability/requirements development, Chief of Staff of Air Combat Group, Director of Defence Aviation and Air Force Safety.

His senior command appointment’s included:

• Director General of the Force Structure Review
• Commandant Australian Defence Force Academy
• Defence Attaché to the United States of America, and
• Deputy Commander of the COVID Task Force.

Leaving full-time service Air Force in 2020 Alan started a company HARD Consultants aimed at providing national security and strategic advice to various companies, institutions and universities.

He subsequently joined L3Harris in May 2021 and took over as Managing Director L3Harris Technologies Australia in July 2021.

Alan was awarded a Conspicuous Service Cross in the 2016 Queens Birthday honours list for his leadership at the Australian Defence Force Academy and was made a Member of the Order of Australia in the 2021 Queens Birthday honours.

He remains a member of the Air Force Reserves and is actively involved in flying vintage warbirds and competition aerobatics. He is married to Helene and they have two beautiful daughters.

We had a very insightful and enjoyable conversation, I hope you enjoy!