Major Thomas Basan enlisted to the Australian Army in January 1980. As a soldier and non-commissioned officer, Major Basan served in the 2nd/4th Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment and the Special Air Service Regiment. On commissioning, Major Basan commanded paratroopers in the 3rd Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment (Parachute) at platoon, specialist platoon, and company. Major Basan is a graduate of the Australian Command and Staff College and the Army Technical Staff Officer Course. He has also gained a master’s degree in systems engineering. In later years, Major Basan served in Future Land Warfare at Army Headquarters, Land Development, and the Australian Defence Test and Evaluation Organisation's Capability Development Group, as well as 13 Brigade and Preparedness and Land Capability Development at Army Headquarters. MAJ Basan has retired from the Regular Army after 40 years of service but remains in the Reserves and is currently working with Army Lessons.