Jun 8, 2026
G’day and welcome back to True Blue Conversations — where we sit
down with
Australians who’ve dedicated their lives to service, leadership,
and shaping the
nation we’re proud to call home.
Today’s guest is Major Damien Batty, a retired Australian Army
Officer who served
with distinction for more than 26 years in the Royal Australian
Army Medical Corps
and broader Defence organisation. Appointed in 1996 and
commissioned in 1997, he
built a career defined by leadership, professionalism, operational
service, and
unwavering dedication to the soldiers and units under his
command.
Throughout his career, Major Batty served across a broad range
of operational,
instructional, logistical, and Special Operations appointments,
including postings to
1st Field Hospital, 1st Health Support Battalion, Special
Operations Headquarters,
Army School of Health, Army School of Logistic Operations, and
Headquarters 17th
Sustainment Brigade. His service reflected a rare blend of
operational experience,
strategic capability, and commitment to mentoring and developing
others.
Major Batty deployed on multiple operations, including Operation
BEL ISI, Operation
ANODE, Operation SLIPPER in Afghanistan, and Operation COVID
ASSIST.
His honours and awards include the Afghanistan Medal, Australian
Active Service
Medal, Australian Service Medal, Army Combat Badge, NATO ISAF
Medal, and the
Meritorious Unit Citation for service with Special Operations Task
Groups.
Widely respected for his integrity, loyalty, and devotion to
duty, Major Batty’s career
stands firmly in the finest traditions of the Australian Army. It’s
a raw and honest
conversation about service, sacrifice, and the bonds that are
forged when people
rely on each other in life-and-death moments and finding purpose
after service.
Presenter: Adam Blum
Guest: Damo Batty
Editor: Kyle Watkins