Personal Recollections by

Kerri Cronin (nee Hiam) 2005

The Green Beret by Kerri Cronin

I was 18 when I was awarded the Green Beret (1981). At the time of the award, I had been a member of 126 Signal Squadron for approximately12 months working as a radio operator, using Morse code. At that time no female soldier had ever received the Green Beret or even had the opportunity to compete for it.

My training was aimed at being as fit and as capable as any other member of 126 Signal Squadron. I started running around 3km in boots and webbing, doing much the same course everyday along the dirt roads in my hometown of Doreen on the outskirts of Melbourne. I then started to do the occasional 5km run and rope climb with my boyfriend John Cronin who was a full time private soldier at 126. We made use of the facilities at Watsonia Barracks. Once I learned that the female soldiers of 126 would be allowed to compete for the Green Beret, I increased my training intensity, doing more long jogs and practicing rope climbing. I also practiced the fireman's carry with members of my family at home. The Green Beret testing started with a nine mile run in boots, webbing and rifle. We then did a two mile run, fireman's carry and rope climbing with rifle and webbing at the barracks which all had to be done within specific time frames.

I remember the Green Beret's being presented to members of the squadron who passed the tests on a very sunny Melbourne morning in the garden out the front of the original 126 Signal Squadron buildings. They were presented by the OC of 126 Signal Squadron at the time, Major Henry Lawson Baker. We celebrated with a few drinks at 126 and then continued to celebrate after training the next parade night.

The Melbourne Herald Newspaper came out to the squadron and interviewed Captain Tony Webster and myself. My picture was on the front page of the Herald the next week. A few weeks later I was interviewed on a Melbourne television program 'Good Morning Australia' while training at Swan Island, where we were filmed abseiling from Helicopters.

I left 126 Signal Squadron to join the regular army about six months later. Married John Cronin and had three children. I left the army after having children but John still continues to serve. He is a LTCOL in Infantry, has been the Commanding Officer of Land Command Battle School and is currently serving in the Middle East on Operation Enduring Freedom.

The time I had at 126 Signal Squadron and receiving the Green Beret was one of my life's great highlights. I am very proud and honored to have had a chance to be a part of a great army unit.

Kerri Cronin.