Will Bowes has built a diverse and distinguished career with multiple Defence forces, serving in the Royal Australian Air Force, the British Army and, more recently, the Australian Army Reserve. Over more than two decades of service, Will developed a strong foundation in leadership, discipline and strategic thinking – qualities that now underpin his role supporting Defence tenders within CPB Contractors.
Beginning his career as a civil engineer in the Royal Australian Air Force, Will served in the Northern Territory and New South Wales before joining the British Army as a Commonwealth officer. Over the next decade, he undertook postings throughout the United Kingdom and Germany, and was deployed on multiple operational tours to Middle East. In 2022, he rejoined the Australian Defence Force through the Army Reserve, where he has held roles at Brigade and Divisional headquarters and commanded an engineering Construction Squadron in Ipswich.
Will’s decision to serve was shaped by a deeply personal connection. Inspired by the stories of his grandfather’s service in World War II, he describes each time he enlisted as bringing a strong sense of responsibility and pride. Reflecting on his career, it is the people and shared experiences that stand out most.
“Of course, I am proud of having served on operations, my time on the ground in in other parts of the world and being tested under trying conditions. But when reflecting on my service, I always return to the teams that I have been part of – how collective experiences build bonds and friendships that last for the remainder of your life,” Will shares.
Throughout his service, Will developed key skills that continue to shape his approach today – discipline, the ability to remain calm under pressure, and maintaining perspective even in challenging situations. These attributes have translated seamlessly into the construction and infrastructure industry, where structured planning, risk awareness and teamwork are essential to delivering complex projects.
Since transitioning into civilian life, Will has built on his Defence experience with technical and commercial knowledge, supported by mentors who played a critical role in his development. Now working in precontracts, he supports regional business units in preparing and tendering Defence projects, bringing together his unique understanding of both Defence environments and construction delivery.
“Construction and the military have a lot in common. They both bring together teams to deliver tangible outcomes, requiring structure, organisation and planning at multiple levels,” he says.
For Will, the similarities between the two sectors extend beyond process – they are also about people. The opportunity to work alongside diverse teams and contribute to meaningful, lasting infrastructure is what he values most in his current role.
As someone who has experienced both worlds, Will recognises the significant value veterans bring to the workforce, including structured thinking, adaptability and resilience. He also highlights the importance of organisations actively supporting veteran employment, not only as recognition of service, but as a way to strengthen teams through diversity of experience.
Anzac Day remains a deeply personal time for reflection. Having served in operational deployments, Will uses the day to remember colleagues and reflect on the broader legacy of service.
“It is a day of reflection, and remembering colleagues that I served with. Though I consider myself lucky as I was very fortunate that I never lost a soldier on tour,” he reflects.
Will’s reflections are also shaped by visits to Australian cemeteries in northern France, including Fromelles and Tyne Cot – places that continue to resonate with him.
“Even though I visited those sites in the afternoon and not at dawn, there is something about the dawn services back home that takes me back there and the fields of headstones. It carries both the sadness and beauty those places represent.”
Stories like Will’s highlight the enduring contribution veterans continue to make beyond their service. Through experience, leadership and a strong sense of purpose, they play an important role in shaping industries like construction – building not only infrastructure, but stronger, more resilient teams.
CPB Contractors has a long-standing history of delivering effective and innovative Defence projects that enhance the capabilities of bases and operations across the Navy, Army and Air Force. Through our Veteran Strategy and Action Plan, CPB Contractors will continue to embed strategies that enhance recruitment, development, communication, and procurement from veteran-owned businesses in the construction industry.