The Australian Defence Force Academy
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Future Defence leaders rise to the challenge
Third-year cadets from the Australian Defence Force Academy (ADFA) have had their leadership skills put to the test in Jervis Bay this past week, onboard the tall ship James Craig.
Commandant of ADFA, Commodore Bruce Kafer, said more than 200 Midshipmen and Officer Cadets had been in Jervis Bay and Nowra for the past fortnight as part of Leadership Challenge Three – an exercise focused on developing their practical leadership experience in unfamiliar and arduous conditions.
“The trainees are expected to lead their teams through a variety of activities,” Commodore Kafer said.
“These include field training, rock climbing, escaping from a simulated helicopter crash into water, controlling the damage on a sinking ship simulator, surviving at sea, and physical training.”
Onboard the James Craig, the ADFA trainees received initial training by the ship’s crew and, under supervision, were required to crew the ship day and night for a 72-hour voyage. Cadets said the most challenging part of the experience was climbing to the top of the masts to trim the sails – particularly at night.
“Leadership Challenge Three is demanding, requiring cadets to function as an effective team and to lead their peers under high stress situations, with limited rest to prepare them for the challenges they may face in the future,” Commodore Kafer said.
“The Leadership Challenge exercise greatly assists in developing their leadership qualities and character as future leaders of the Australian Defence Force.”
The Australian Defence Force Academy, a military officer training establishment, prepares Midshipmen and Officer Cadets for the Navy, Army and Air Force. While studying for their undergraduate tertiary studies through the University of New South Wales, they also undertake training to develop the attributes, character and skills required to become an officer in the Australian Defence Force.
