After three and a half months of intense training, including demanding physical endurance activities, classes, marching drills, emergency scenarios, weapons training, combat survivability, flooding, fire, and highly structured discipline with all duties, Jasmine graduated Emms Division GE (General Entry) 328, from the RAN Recruit School at HMAS Cerberus on Friday, January 23.

The high school quiet achiever with a love the outdoors was just 17-years-old when she decided to pursue a career in the navy, following in the footsteps of her uncle, Robert Harwick, who is a Navy Petty Officer communications information systems operator.

Jasmine applied to the Defence Force Recruiting Centre at Wollongong early July 2014 and by the end of the month had attended a ‘YOU’ session. 

A lengthy day of assessments, including medical, psychological, aptitude tests and interview processes followed, and with successful assessment results, Jasmine attended one last task, the PFA (Physical Fitness Assessment) at Wollongong on August 25.

A week later a phone call confirmed Jasmine’s successful application results. 

On September 15 Jasmine headed to HMAS Cerberus following her enlistment ceremony and swearing in at Wollongong Recruiting Centre.

Jasmine’s first evening upon arrival included a general intake briefing from the division chief, with many more briefing sessions, introduction to drills and lessons with general RAN structure taught during the first four weeks while adjusting to recruit school.

“The training was difficult, especially the physical training,” Jasmine said.

“The early morning starts from 4.30am some days were tiring at times, that’s where you went to sleep early at night if not on duty.”

After completing the 35 course learning outcomes, Jasmine enjoyed a four-week holiday with her family in Ulladulla before returning for a final physical assessment, intense drill training and summer ceremonial uniform preparation in readiness for the graduation ceremony.

Jasmine said all the training, drill, duty, lessons, assessments and discipline was worth it when she got to graduation day. 

“That’s where it all comes together, to parade, enjoy the formalities of the graduation ceremony and be proud of all the hard work,” she said.

Jasmine was supported by her three younger brothers, Joshua, Andrew and Alex, and her mum Lisa Hardwick at her EMMS Division graduation day.  

It was a shining day for the family, with Joshua, who is a year 9 Ulladulla High School student, representing the Australian Navy Cadets and his training ship, TS Jervis Bay. 

LEUT ANC and then CO of TS Jervis Bay, Geoff King-Gee granted Josh permission to wear his ANC summer ceremonial uniform for this special occasion. 

The prestigious ceremony saw Jasmine and her division “march on” and perform a general salute before Reviewing Officer Vice Admiral Tim Barrett AO, CSC, RAN-Chief of Navy formally inspected the division.

The division then performed their “march past” before they were presented with their graduation certificates by Vice Admiral Barrett and dismissed for the final time as recruits. 

“It was such an honour to meet the Chief of Navy, Vice Admiral Tim Barrett AO, CSC - something I will never forget,” Jasmine said.

“I am now looking forward to future challenges, learning and working towards a career while at the same time representing our nation in the Royal Australian Navy.” 

Jasmine is now based in Sydney, where she will continue her training.