Mar 23, 2026
On this week’s podcast, I speak with Captain Jonathan Finch,
whose 27year journey
in the Australian Defence Force reflects the evolution of a
peacetime organisation
into one operating at an intense operational tempo around the
world. Finchy began
his career in 1999, enlisting in the Army Reserve as a cook—just as
the ADF was
transitioning into an era marked by frequent deployments and
complex missions
abroad.
Over the years, Finchy’s adaptability, professionalism, and
appetite for challenge
saw him rise through the Australian Army Catering Corps to the rank
of Sergeant
before commissioning as a logistics officer within the Royal
Australian Corps of
Transport. His career has carried him across the IndoPacific and
throughout
Australia on a wide variety of operations, humanitarian tasks, and
training
commitments. From remote community support to international
deployments, his
service has spanned nearly every corner of the Army’s contemporary
mission set.
Today, CAPT Finch continues to serve with enthusiasm, contributing
his extensive
experience to capability development, junior leader mentoring, and
operational
planning. Beyond Defence, he remains engaged in community
organisations,
bringing the same energy and dedication to local initiatives as he
does to his military
career.
Presenter: Adam Blum
Guest: Jonathan Finch
Editor: Kyle Watkins