Jonathan Church Good Soldiering Award Ceremony

On Army’s birthday, the recipients of the Jonathan Church Good Soldiering Award (JCGSA) and Instructor of the Year are announced. The JCGSA recognises soldiers and junior officers who embody Army’s values through compassionate, ethical soldiering. The Instructor of the Year Award honours instructors who demonstrate exceptional training delivery, mastery of skills, innovation, and outstanding communication.

Each year, JCGSA recipients take part in an Australian Army historical battle tour, designed to develop their professional knowledge, research skills, public speaking, planning, and teamwork. The award is named after Trooper Jonathan Church, whose empathy, bravery, and compassion – especially during his service in Rwanda in 1995 – remain a powerful example of the character and service to which all soldiers and junior leaders should aspire.