ADFA open day well attended

Prospective students, trainee officers, friends, families and the local Canberra community experienced the vibrancy of the Australian Defence Force Academy (ADFA) at its open day.

CAPTION: Lieutenant Commander Siobhan Sturdy guides Midshipman Kane Kasemchainan through a virtual training demonstrator at the Australian Defence Force Academy open day. Story by Lieutenant Yvette Goldberg. Photo by Petty Officer Bradley Darvill.

ADFA offers world-class tertiary education through the University of New South Wales (UNSW) for Navy, Army and Air Force trainee officers with a military and leadership component integrated into academic studies.

Director General Navy People, Commodore Eric Young, said ADFA provided leadership and personal development training for Navy officer trainees with a guaranteed leadership position in the Navy on completion of their degree.

“Navy is growing its workforce, expanding further into fascinating technical roles, so it is an exciting and important time to be part of Navy,” Commodore Young said.

“ADFA is a great way to enter the workforce, starting with a salary while undertaking full-time study for a UNSW degree, while also getting leadership training, and knowing you’ll have a guaranteed job at the end of it, in a role that really makes a difference to the nation.

“I strongly recommend ADFA as an outstanding head start in life, speaking not only as the Director General Navy People, but also as a father who has watched my own son reap the benefits of studying at the academy.”

The open day highlighted the UNSW academic program and the course opportunities that are evolving in technology, cyber and the use of simulation training.

Current ADFA Navy training officer, Midshipman Mark Gapanov, was surprised to discover the Navy would pay for his electrical engineering degree at ADFA and allow him to follow his dream career.

“I look forward to starting study in 2023. My engineering degree at ADFA will include studies in explosive ordnance, hypersonic missiles and nuclear-powered submarines, and that’s so cool,” he said.

ADFA is adding to its 2023 syllabus, offering new electives embedded into the UNSW degrees.

Subjects include a 1st year basics course in nuclear science and applications, and a 4th year engineering course in nuclear propulsion and assurance.

Bachelor of science student Midshipman Rachael Emmett said there were many benefits of studying at ADFA, the key being that she wouldn’t have a HELP debt after finishing her degree.

“You get an annual salary while studying, increasing each year. We have free access to great recreational facilities and sports clubs and receive free medical and dental care. Our food and accommodation are subsidised too,” she said.

The Navy showcased its capabilities at the open day, including future Navy warfare, hydrography and meteorology, submariner mentoring and development, nuclear-powered submarines, and clearance diving stands.

Visitors were wowed with demonstrations by fast roping teams, rotary wing helicopter and inflatable vessels, merchandise and the popular Navy Band performances.

CAPTION: Members of the public visit the display stands and simulators at the 2022 ADFA Open Day. Photo by Petty Officer Bradley Darvill.

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