Gold Coast Graduates Start at ADFA

6 February 2007

326 high school graduates have recently commenced military training at ADFA, prior to starting university studies in March. They will study Defence issues, do fitness training and learn how to march, handle weapons, carry out first aid, and live in the field as part of a group.

Ryan Melville was born on the Gold Coast and until recently lived in Broadbeach. He has been interested in aviation since he was a young boy, and while he didn’t know what to expect when starting at ADFA, he’s been having a great time.

Ryan has previously flown commercial planes at Coolangatta airport, and is aiming high during his time at ADFA. “I’ve been getting to know what it’s like to be in the Air Force, and went on a Hercules and a Hawk for the first time today. I’ll be studying at ADFA for two years, and then flying training for about a year and a half, before hopefully going on to fast jets!” So far he’s making good friends and learning to live in a communal environment and looking forward to moving onto weapons training next week.

He says, “YOFT (Year One Familiarisation Training) has been challenging, and after YOFT will be great. I’ve been learning to iron – I can iron a dress shirt in 30 seconds, and I had the best hospital corners in the Division last night!

John Mellors, from Robina, has also just started at ADFA. He says, “I love planes, I love the military, and I always wanted to be in the Australian Defence Force – it’s the challenge.

“I really like the training. The staff push us to help us find new limits, which will help us balance academics and military training while we’re at ADFA, and also help us in the long run.

“Everyone at ADFA has a different background. They’re from different parts of Australia, and bring different stories, different experiences and different ways of thinking. The guys are top blokes, and I’m making friends already – every day there’s someone different to have a chat with.

John said, “I don’t want to be a pilot, I’m training to be an Air Combat Officer. I’ll be studying a Bachelor of Science, and completing the Chief of the Defence Force Program, and I’m looking forward to playing rugby with the ADFA teams.

“I definitely want to go overseas, and this way I get trained in a variety of roles, and a wider experiences. I miss my mates, the surf and the sun back home, but not enough to be worrying – I’m enjoying myself to much”.

ADFA is unique because it provides students with military and leadership training as well as a fully recognised degree from the University of New South Wales (UNSW).  As members of the ADF, cadets receive a salary while they study, as well as benefits such as a textbook allowance, subsidised accommodation, free healthcare, and uniforms. The ADF will also pay their tuition fees and guarantee them a career as an Officer in the Navy, Army or Air Force on graduation.

UNSW@ADFA offers a range of three and four year undergraduate degrees in Engineering (Mechanical, Electrical, Civil and Aeronautical), Technology, Science, Arts and Business. Lecturers and tutors are at the top of their relevant fields, and the Academy offers one of the best student to teacher ratios in the country, as well as access to an extensive library, modern laboratories and lecture theatres and the latest computer equipment.

For further information on study at ADFA and careers in the Australian Defence Force go to www.defencejobs.gov.au or call 13 19 01 and speak to someone today.

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