ADFA welcomes newest leaders

Joint media release

• Minister for Veteran Affairs and Minister for Defence Personnel, the Hon Darren Chester MP

The Australian Defence Force’s newest leaders have today graduated from the Australian Defence Force Academy (ADFA).

316 Navy, Army and Air Force trainee officers, as well as 24 international graduates from 11 countries, took to the ADFA Parade Ground for the final time as the culmination of their three years at the Academy.

Minister for Defence, Senator the Hon Linda Reynolds CSC congratulated the graduating class on this significant career milestone.

“As these future leaders take the next steps in their professional development, today is a time to reflect on how far they have come,” Minister Reynolds said.

“ADFA training develops foundational leadership skills vital for ADF officers as they progress through their careers and pursue the exciting range of opportunities offered by Defence. 

“These midshipman and officer cadets have not been immune to the challenges all Australians have faced this year, from bushfires to COVID-19.

“ADFA played an active role in Operation Bushfire Assist, providing respite accommodation for firefighters battling blazes in the ACT and southern New South Wales.

“With the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, ADFA moved its education and training online – a test that was met with commitment and ingenuity by the graduating class.

“Overcoming challenges, being adaptable and showing resilience in the face of adversity are the hallmarks of an outstanding leader. Today’s graduating class have demonstrated these qualities, and a determination to go from strength to strength.”

Minister for Defence Personnel Darren Chester said today would be a proud moment for the Navy midshipmen and Army and Air Force officer cadets graduating, and their families.

“Those graduating today are the future of our Australian Defence Force. They can be proud of what they have achieved so far and can look forward to the experiences that lie ahead,’ Mr Chester said.

“To those families who cannot be here today to see your loved ones graduate, I have no doubt this will be a proud day for you too — a culmination of three years of their hard work coming to fruition.

“As our future leaders, I know you will lead by example and do us all proud.”

Trainee officers at ADFA combine military training with university studies delivered by the University of New South Wales Canberra.

ADFA trainee officers are paid while they obtain a degree in the fields of Arts, Business, Science, Engineering or Technology. ADFA’s trainee officers benefit from the best university teacher-to-student ratio in the country, with a guaranteed job on the completion of their degree.

Graduates will be posted to establishments across Australia to either continue their training, or commence operational duties.

Media note:

Imagery is available at: http://images.defence.gov.au/S20203825