Royal Military College graduation

The next generation of Defence leaders have been celebrated today at the Royal Military College - Duntroon (RMC-D) graduation and commissioning ceremony.

Minister for Veterans’ Affairs and Defence Personnel, the Hon Matt Keogh MP, was there to congratulate the 183 Army and Air Force officers on their outstanding achievement.

“Each and every one of these graduates should be incredibly proud of the hard work and dedication they have displayed throughout their training at the college. Australia is fortunate to have these officers leading our service personnel into the future,” Minister Keogh said.  

“I have no doubt the role of defending Australia’s interests and the region is in good hands – and I thank these new officers for choosing to serve and for the courage to lead.”

The parade also marked the commencement of Brigadier Jason Groat, CSC, DSM tenure as Commandant Royal Military College – Australia.  

Brigadier Groat, who graduated from RMC-D in 1998, said the newly-appointed officers were graduating into a dynamic strategic environment.

“New challenges and threats require strong, empathetic and professional leaders of good character – qualities RMC-D has been instilling in its Staff Cadets for 110 years,” Brigadier Groat said.

“The connections and friendships they have formed throughout their time at the college will prove invaluable as they go on to lead teams both in Australia and overseas.”

The December 2022 graduating class represents a diverse group including 6 Royal Australian Air Force and 17 international Staff Cadets from New Zealand, Pakistan, Philippines, Papua New Guinea, Thailand, Vanuatu, Cambodia and Fiji.

Situated at the former Campbell homestead at Duntroon, the college was opened in 1911 to oversee the initial military training of all officers in the Australian Army and select RAAF and New Zealand Army officers.