Parade marks the end of the beginning for officer aspirants

Five weeks isn’t a long time, but for more than 350 of the Australian Defence Force Academy’s (ADFA) newest trainee officers it was the beginning of a lifetime as they navigated the start of their ADF careers during their Year One Familiarisation Training.

CAPTION: Reviewing Officer, Chief of the Defence Force (CDF) General Angus Campbell, inspects the parade, band, pipes and drums at the 2024 CDF Parade. Story by Lieutenant Colonel Sandra Turner. Photos by Thomas Lucraft.

ADFA’s first-year Midshipmen and Officer Cadets have experienced the breadth of physical training, field activities, weapons training, marching and room inspections.

Time spent in the field has allowed the trainee officers to learn basic fieldcraft required through their military careers, coupled with classroom lessons ranging from administration processes to leadership and ethics.

The intense training sets a baseline for the future; builds resilience, mateship and loyalty; and helps instil discipline and respect. Friendships developed in these first few weeks with other trainee officers will remain throughout their military careers.

On February 24, the first-year trainee officers joined their second- and third-year counterparts for the Chief of the Defence Force (CDF) Parade at ADFA. The CDF Parade is the final activity before they commence academic studies through the University of NSW, Canberra, and is an opportunity to showcase their parade skills in front of the CDF, as well as their parents and friends.

CDF General Angus Campbell reviewed the parade, and in his address he noted he was impressed with the level of ability shown by the new trainee officers.

“Today’s parade marks the end of your initial military training and the outset of your combined military and academic journey over the next three years,” General Campbell said.

“You are the officers of the future and what you have learnt here at ADFA will allow you to lead with skill and determination. You will also have the lasting friendships built here to support you along the way.”

After the CDF Parade, first-year midshipmen and officer cadets spent time with family and friends before they commence their university studies and ongoing military training.

CAPTION: The parade marches past in quick time at the 2024 Chief of the Defence Force Parade.

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