These words keep Senior Under Officer Richard Mitchell calm and focused when dealing intimately with things that go bang.

Officer Mitchell was awarded the prestigious Sword of Honour at Royal Military College's latest graduation at Duntroon on Tuesday.

Routine, stability and culture drew him to pursue a military career in 2010 after working in sales and finance.

He developed a keen interest in ammunition through various military roles, and plans to become an Ammunition Technician Officer.

"If you think about Maria's quote, explosives are all good," Officer Mitchell said.

"The most amazing thing [about the army] is that when people are really, really down and you feel like you can't continue on, we are able to come together, support each other and keep pushing forward."

The Sword of Honour recognises soldier-like qualities such as exemplary conduct and performance of duty.

The Queen's Medal, which has a more academic focus, was awarded to Under Officer Emma Randall for being the leading student in the graduating class.

She also received The Staffordshire Regimental Cup Prize as a second year cadet for the best military skills and field leadership in middle class.

"It is a huge honour and makes all the hardship that I have gone through really worth it," Officer Randall said.

"Ever since I was a little girl some army people came into our school to show us what they did and I've just been inspired since then... I'm so proud I got here, it's great."

RMC holds biannual graduation parades and commissionings for the Australian Army to welcome its newest lieutenants. There were 96 cadets on Tuesday.

True to tradition, graduates proudly throw their hats into the air at the end of the parade, before attending a lunch with their families and college staff.

When the sun goes down, troops swap their military uniforms for suits and gowns to wrap up celebrations with a graduation ball at the National Convention Centre.