In Afghanistan, Corporal Nunes was a highly valued team member who performed his duties to an exceptionally high standard, displaying an excellent commitment to duty. Corporal Nunes was recognised by his team as someone who could be relied upon to maintain his composure in highly stressful situations and apply initiative to achieve favourable results to assist in the accomplishment of tasks. Corporal Nunes used his skills as a Combat First Aider on several occasions throughout the tour and was faultless in the conduct of his duties.

Recently, Corporal Nunes deployed on Exercise HAMEL 2012, Army’s largest exercise in Shoalwater Bay. He went as a digger, filling the role of Section Commander. His performance was outstanding and saw him promoted to the rank of corporal in the field. Corporal Nunes proved himself as an outstanding junior leader and a highly competent Section Commander throughout the period and is now our most reliable junior non-commissioned officer.

In a short space of time, Corporal Nunes built a highly effective leadership style which achieved excellent results whilst on exercise in Shoalwater Bay. Corporal Nunes developed a highly effective team which could be relied upon to complete varied and complex tasks with no requirement for supervision. Corporal Nunes conducted independent section tasks including standing patrols, observation posts, and ambushes and had the capacity to provide very detailed and effective back briefs to staff, value adding to the combat team organisation’s success.

Corporal Nunes’ enthusiasm for his job coupled with his maturity make him a very effective mentor to junior soldiers. He achieves levels of performance and professionalism that can be expected of an experienced corporal, a commendable achievement for an individual who was promoted into this position in the field. Corporal Nunes provides an excellent example to junior soldiers within the company, expecting high standards of battle discipline from himself and his section. Corporal Nunes has earned the respect and confidence of his section, platoon and company members through his actions and observed performance.

Corporal Nunes maintains a very good level of battle fitness and is highly skilled on the soccer field, a sport he has played since childhood. Corporal Nunes is an active participant in all physical training sessions and actively encourages other platoon members to achieve higher levels of physical fitness at every opportunity. Corporal Nunes is physically and mentally robust, setting the bar high and challenging other to aspire to his level of competence. Corporal Nunes maintains excellent dress and bearing, providing soldiers with a sound example of how a junior non-commissioned officer should look and carry himself. He projects self-confidence, authority and the enthusiasm needed to face the toughest leadership challenges. He has achieved a lot in a very short space of time.

Corporal Nunes’ commitment to duty and love for soldiering make him an excellent role model for all ranks in the Battalion. Corporal Nunes’ courage, initiative and teamwork are in keeping with the finest traditions of the Royal Australian Regiment. Corporal Nunes is the 2012 recipient of the Battalion’s Warr-Khan Trophy for leadership.