Chief of the Defence Force welcomes ADFA's newest members

The Australian Defence Force Academy's (ADFA) newest Midshipmen and Officer Cadets marked the successful completion of their initial military training program at the Chief of the Defence Force Parade in Canberra today.

Chief of the Defence Force, General David Hurley congratulated the 320 Year One Cadets on reaching their first career milestone.

"There is a great sense of pride in marching onto the parade ground in uniform for the first time having successfully completed the first six weeks of training," said General Hurley.

In his address, General Hurley told parents and guests many of the Officers who have served with distinction in the Navy, Army and Air Force on overseas operations over the past 10 years learnt to lead at ADFA.

"Like them, our current ADFA cadets will learn the professional skills and develop the personal characteristics we expect of officers in the Australian Defence Force.

"Their time at ADFA will challenge their thinking, shape their decision making skills, develop their ability to communicate and teach them to lead."

General Hurley described life as a leader as both exhilarating and tough

"I urge today's Midshipmen and Officer Cadets to exploit the wealth of experience, knowledge and diversity around them and to dedicate themselves to the pursuit of excellence."

ADFA is a unique military institution which combines military education and training with study for an undergraduate degree. Next week the Midshipmen and Officer Cadets will begin their academy program through the University of New South Wales Canberra.

High resolution imagery will be made available at: http://images.defence.gov.au/C130081

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Defence Media Operations (02) 6127 1999