More than 160 future Defence leaders graduated from the Australian Command and Staff Course - Joint (ACSC(J)) today in a ceremony attended by the Chief of the Defence Force Air Chief Marshal Mark Binskin AC, the Secretary of the Department of Defence Dennis Richardson AO and senior Australian National University (ANU) representatives.
ACSC(J) marks one of the most important transitions in an officer’s career. It prepares Major-equivalent personnel to be commanding officers or key staff to senior leaders in the increasingly complex contemporary and future security environments.
Commander Australian Defence College, Major General Simone Wilkie AM said ACSC(J) builds the capacity for leaders to be innovative thinkers, able to operate in dynamic civil-military environments, with multiple government and non-government stakeholders..
“The course prepares officers to work outside their specialisation,” MAJGEN Wilkie said.
“They are challenged by world class lecturers and are exposed to a broad cross section of perspectives from other course members which includes a sizeable international contingent.”
ACSC(J) is a crucial element of the Australian Defence College’s career-long officer development pathway - Joint Professional Military Education (JPME). ACSC(J) is delivered in partnership with ANU. Most of the 168 course members were awarded qualifications from both the Australian Defence College and ANU.
ACSC(J) is an 11-month intensive course which includes strategic policy, leadership and ethics, joint operations, single service studies and capability development components. The class of 2014 included members from 26 countries and three Australian Public Servants.
“I congratulate today’s graduates on your achievements this year and wish you well for your future careers,” MAJGEN Wilkie said.
Media note:
Imagery will be available at: http://images.defence.gov.au/S20143716
Media contact:
Defence Media Operations (02) 6127 1999
