Finding their place at Point Cook

One hundred and forty first-year Air Force officer cadets from ADFA recently traced a century of history through the inaugural Australia and Air Power Primary Course.

Delivered by the specialist staff from History and Heritage Branch – Air Force, the three-day program brought officer cadets to the birthplace of Australian military aviation, providing a unique opportunity to explore the development and application of air power within an integrated force.

OCDT Jonathan Fernando said a highlight of the program, which will soon be rolled out across all initial training avenues across Air Force, was the opportunity to explore Australia’s oldest operational base.

“As an ADFA first-year officer cadet, this has been one of the first times we have travelled outside of a training environment as part of our Single Service Training,” OCDT Fernando said.

“Travelling between RAAF Base Laverton and Point Cook, we’ve been able to see Air Force’s history first hand, which helped to conceptualise what we’ve been learning.

“We’ve been able to meet a range of instructors and presenters from across the bases, who have all been so passionate about what they do and in sharing their experiences with us. It’s certainly helped us to feel like we are a part of the Air Force.”

Along with a walking tour of RAAF Base Point Cook and a visit to the hangar and maintenance facilities of 100SQN, officer cadets were also treated with a visit to the RAAF Museum.

OIC of the RAAF Museum, WGCDR Michelle McPhail, said it was particularly special to get to welcome Air Force’s newest generation of aviators to RAAF Base Williams.

“Point Cook is every aviator’s North Star,” WGCDR McPhail said.

“It’s where our story began. It is a place that shaped Air Force and so many of our core values. Visits like this help us to ensure the next generation understands that this history belongs to them too.

“Whether returning with their family and friends, later in their careers or eventually as Air Force leaders, Point Cook will always be part of their story, and we want them always to think of this place as home.”

GPCAPT Benjamin Graves, Deputy Commander of Air Force Training Group, said that bringing together expertise from across Australia ensures that the next generation of Air Force leaders understand the importance of air power, heritage and purpose.

“As Air Force continues to develop and deliver the Australian and Air Power Primary Course, it is clear that its success is founded on a genuine partnership between ADFA, AFTG and the History and Heritage Branch,” GPCAPT Graves said.

“It is essential that our Air Force leaders commence their careers not only as future aviators and officers, but as informed, educated and passionate advocates for Air Force and the contribution of air power to national defence.”

The inaugural course provided officer cadets with a foundation in Air Force history, heritage and culture while exploring how lessons from previous generations continue to inform contemporary operations, capability development and future force design.