His parents, Anne and Brian, along with Ms Moore’s mother Ruth Hunter, attended his Marching Out Parade last Friday at Kapooka, and if they were already proud of Private Moore they were in a wonderful surprise at the ceremony.

Private Moore was awarded the Most Outstanding Solider, RAAOC 4 Platoon 1 Section 2014, at the ceremony attended by several dignitaries, including the Governor General Sir Peter Cosgrove.

“He knew a week before, but he never said anything to us,” Mr Moore said.

“Three platoon members were called up for awards and I got a shock when I realised Blake was getting up, I didn’t recognise him at first as he’s become very lean during training and they all looked quite similar in their uniforms.

“It was obviously a very happy moment for us as parents, but also we just feel very proud and pleased for Blake because he’s wanted to do this for a long time.

“He told me that receiving the award was the proudest moment of his life.”

All full-time soldiers in the Australian Army must first complete intensive 80-day course soldier training at the Army Recruit Training Centre in Kapooka.

The training encompasses first aid, physical training, weapon training and drill and field craft.

Mr Moore said Blake, 25, first expressed an interest in joining the defence forces when he was 15.

He did not pursue that career path initially after completing Bega High School, instead moving to Canberra to work for Cricket ACT and ACT Health.

Mr Moore said his son’s time with Cricket ACT, where he travelled to India four times to mentor young cricketers, set him on his current path.

“He spent time in some impoverished towns during his trips to India and I think it opened his eyes to the world, and also acting as a mentor made him think a bit about what it takes to have leadership qualities,” he said.

Private Moore’s leadership qualities were identified as one of the many reasons he was awarded Most Outstanding Solider.

He is now off to barracks in Bandiana in Victoria until the end of March for another Australian Army training course before being posted to a base in Australia.

“It’s incredible to see the focus he has put towards this and he now intends this to be his career, and we are very proud of him,” Mr Moore said.

“I think it’s also an inspiration for young people in Bega to see what can be achieved in your life and career.”