RAA Liaison Letter – 2025 / 2026 Edition 35 promoted to Warrant Officer Class One and has since been appointed Master Gunner Joint Proof and Experimental Unit and Master Gunner 4th Regt RAA. Two appointments that were extremely diverse but rewarding from a professional and personal perspective. In 2026, Warrant Officer Windridge takes up his appointment as Regimental Sergeant Major, 1st Regt RAA. In addition to his many years within the Combat Brigades his career has also included instructional and training positions at 1st Recruit Training Battalion (Recruit Instructor) and the School of Artillery (Sergeant Major Instructor Gunnery). Warrant Officer Windridge has operational experience as a forward observer with Reconstruction Task Force 3 on Operation SLIPPER, where he worked with NATO partners including the Dutch and American Armies. He has also deployed twice as part of Rifle Company Butterworth as both a section commander and platoon sergeant working with the Malaysian and Thai Armies. Warrant Officer Windridge is married to Wendi and they have two children Quintin and Vida. They enjoy spending time together and conducting outdoor activities such as camping, paddle boarding, and mountain bike riding. Warrant Officer Windridge is also an avid reader of military history. WARRANT OFFICER CLASS ONE JAMES WILSON 8th/12th Regiment RAA Warrant Officer Class One Wilson commenced his current appointment as the Regimental Sergeant Major of 8th/12th Regiment in January 2026. Warrant Officer Wilson’s Regimental service has provided him with deep experience at the tactical level of combined arms warfare and an extensive technical and tactical understanding of Joint Fires. These experiences have reinforced his focus on realistic and synchronised training. Warrant Officer Wilson has been fortunate to see operational service in the Southwest-Pacific, Middle East and at home in support of Domestic Operations. Across each deployment, Warrant Officer Wilson has gained significant exposure to the full spectrum of operations at the tactical and operational level. His training experience includes a posting to the Royal Military College - Duntroon, where he was responsible for the instruction of foundation warfighting and soldier skills to enable the next generation of Army’s junior leaders. Warrant Officer Wilson has also undertaken instructional roles at the School of Artillery, where he served as an instructor within Fire Support Wing. Providing instruction to both the RAAs newest and senior Gunners on IET and Career Courses. Warrant Officer Wilson was also fortunate to represent the RAA on Exchange Program Long Look at the Royal School of Artillery, Larkhill, United Kingdom. Where he served as an Instructor within Guns and Ammo Wing, on both towed and self-propelled systems. Warrant Officer Wilson has fulfilled technical roles at Headquarters 1st Australian Division, within the Joint Fires and Effects Coordination Centre. A posting that saw him intimately involved in the planning, coordination and execution of the live fire firepower demonstrations, involving multiple nations and platforms. Prior to his current appointment, Warrant Officer Wilson was honoured to be the Regimental Sergeant Major of the Australian Contingent on Operation MAZURKA, deployed to the Greater Middle East Area of Operations in support of the Multinational Forces & Observers. Through two decades of service, whether in leadership, training, or Regimental appointments, Warrant Officer Wilson has developed a strong commitment to the professional development and welfare of those around him; with a focus on junior officer and solider mentorship. Warrant Officer Wilson’s passion for service is demonstrated by his unwavering commitment to the development of foundation trade and soldier skills and the development and maintenance of unit morale. Warrant Officer Wilson is engaged to his long term partner, Kathryn and together they raise their three teenaged children. As a family, they enjoy outdoor pursuits and entertaining with friends and family. Together they are looking forward to the future challenges and opportunities presented with Warrant Officer Wilson’s continued service.
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