ADFA welcomes newest leaders

Joint media release

• Assistant Defence Minister and Minister for International Development and the Pacific, the Hon Alex Hawke MP

The Australian Defence Force’s newest leaders have graduated from the Australian Defence Force Academy.

289 midshipmen and officer cadets took to the ADFA Parade Ground for the final time as they were farewelled by peers, staff, friends and family.

Minister for Defence, Senator the Hon Linda Reynolds CSC congratulated the graduating class on this significant milestone in their young careers.

“These midshipmen and officer cadets have been given the tools to serve and lead with courage, humility, integrity, and respect,” Minister Reynolds said.

“As these future leaders take the next steps in their careers, today is a time to reflect on how far they have come.

“Leadership is a vital skill for ADF officers and ADFA has guided them on their initial journey.”

Assistant Defence Minister and Minister for International Development and the Pacific, the Hon Alex Hawke MP, acknowledged the graduating class, including its international students.

“Amongst the 289 midshipmen and officer cadets, I was pleased to see 13 ADFA graduates who are international students from eight countries and who will return home to serve as leaders in their own military forces,” he said.

“Today’s graduates have chosen to risk their lives in the service of their countries and in the defence of their values. In the course of their careers they will find themselves doing so in increasingly complex and demanding environments. For this, I commend them all.”

Today’s parade marks the culmination of three years of study for an Undergraduate Degree, while also conducting military training and education.

The graduates will be posted to single-service establishments to continue their initial officer training or commence operational duties.

Imagery is available at: http://images.defence.gov.au/S20193148