Dean Strautins

Dean Strautins is a former infantry soldier and SASR operative who dedicated over a decade to the Australian Defence Force. A qualified paratrooper with both Australian and British wings, he served in elite units including 3RAR and the Special Air Service Regiment. Following his military service, he transitioned into the private sector, underpinned by a belief in self-directed education and the pursuit of diverse life experiences. He is a proponent of international business as a means of national economic advancement.

Born in North Fremantle in 1967, Dean's early years were shaped by constant relocation and a home life that required significant self-reliance. His childhood journey took him from the farms of Armidale, New South Wales, to various suburbs in Perth, Adelaide, and Canberra. He found a sense of belonging in the outdoors, particularly during his time in Forrest, Canberra, where he spent his days exploring the suburbs and engaging in competitive sport. Despite a family background in teaching and engineering, Dean initially found little relevance in formal schooling, preferring the practical lessons learned from adventure and early entrepreneurial efforts like gardening and caddying. In his late teens, Dean sought a structured environment and a sense of purpose by joining the Australian Army on 23 September 1986. Following recruit training at Kapooka and infantry training at Singleton, he was posted to 3RAR in Sydney. This period marked the beginning of his journey towards self-education, as the security of military life allowed him the capacity to expand his horizons. He excelled in the physically demanding world of the paratroopers and eventually successfully undertook selection for the Special Air Service Regiment (SASR). In his fifties, demonstrating his lifelong commitment to acquiring new skills, he completed a refrigeration and air conditioning apprenticeship at Carlisle TAFE, proving that the drive for learning remains constant throughout his life.

Dean's adult achievements are characterised by physical excellence and a commitment to technical and academic growth: * **Paratrooper Qualification:** Successfully completed the Australian Parachute Course, earning his wings and the right to wear the maroon beret of 3RAR. * **Special Air Service Regiment (SASR):** Passed the selection course and served within the SASR, specialising in Water Operations and later Air Operations within G Troop, 2 Squadron. * **Military Parachuting:** Logged 178 parachute jumps during his military career. * **International Qualification:** Earned British parachute wings while serving with B Company, 3RAR in the United Kingdom. * **Physical Excellence:** Achieved a perfect fitness score and finished in the top three during his military promotional course. * **Academic Pursuits:** Commenced a degree at Curtin University in early 1994, seeking to transition his tactical experience into the business world. * **Trade Qualification:** Completed a Refrigeration and Air Conditioning apprenticeship in his fifties, showcasing mid-life career versatility.

Dean has been formally recognised through the awarding of his Australian Parachute Wings and the British Parachute Wings. He also earned the right to wear the maroon beret, the distinctive symbol of those serving in Australia’s parachute infantry units.

Beyond his formal military service, Dean has contributed to his community through various civic acts. As a child, he was active in the Cub Scouts and provided gardening services to his neighbours. In his adult life, he has supported the police community by volunteering his time with members of the Special Operations Group (SOG).

Dean's personal philosophy is rooted in the idea that life is the sum of one's experiences; he believes that seeking out new challenges informs better decision-making and increases one's capability. He is an avid traveller with a particular fondness for Europe, and finds joy in motorbike riding and the companionship of his pets. Above all, he values the discipline of self-education and is a devoted father to his four children, instilling in them the importance of respect and personal responsibility.