ADFA Cadet Visit to France and the Netherlands

24 October 2008
By OCDT Tom Fisher, OCDT Tristan Deves, MIDN Claire Dempsey and OFFCDT Sam Baldock

On Friday 19 September four third-year ADFA cadets were fortunate enough to participate in a two week overseas trip to Europe as part of the inaugural Australian cadet visit to the Dutch Royal Military Academy (KMA), and the Special Military Academy St. Cyr in France.

During our trip we spent six days at KMA, which included a meeting with the Commandant, an introduction to Dutch military history, an explanation of the Cadet Senate of the KMA, and visits to the Naval Academy in Den Helder, the Infantry School at Amersfoot and the Delta works on the west coast. We also spent a morning undertaking physical training, centred on the challenging yet enjoyable obstacle course at KMA.

Later, we were hosted for a day at The Special Military School of St Cyr, which included a tour of the Schools extensive training facilities, a brief history and explanation of how the School functions, and introductions to some of the French Cadets and of course, French Cuisine.

Finally, we had the opportunity to visit a number of Australian Memorials on the Western Front in France and Belgium.

This purpose of the visit was to develop an appreciation of the Netherlands Defence Force, particularly the KMA, and the Special Military School St. Cyr, particularly the similarities and differences to the ADF and ADFA. It was also an invaluable opportunity to establish close relationships with cadets at the KMA and St. Cyr, which is especially pertinent in this current age of international affiliation and cooperation.

Over two weeks we were able to observe, and, to an extent, experience, the life of cadets at other academies, understanding the important differences and similarities between these academies and ADFA.  

In all, the trip represented a fantastic opportunity for the personal and professional development of all involved, and a chance to gain a greater appreciation for the military and academic training provided at ADFA.               


ADFA Cadet Visit to KMA and St. Cyr
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