DPR 94/97 Friday, July 11, 1997
SENIOR OFFICERS LOOK TO ARMY'S FUTURE LEADERS
Senior military and departmental officers, academics and a wide range of other participants will discuss the preparation of its future leaders at a three-day conference in Canberra next week (Jul;y 15-17).
The annual Chief of Army's Exercise will bring together senior commanders and staff officers from around Australia and guests from the armed forces of nearly 20 mainly regional, Pacific and Pacific Rim nations.
Theme for the exercise is 'Preparing Future Leaders - Officer Education and Training for the 21st Century'.
The Minister for Defence, Mr Ian McLachlan, will give the opening address on Tuesday morning (July 15) outlining the expectations of the Australian Government and people.
Other speakers will include senior Army and defence officers; Vice Chancellor of the University of Canberra, Professor Don Aitkin; former Human Rights and Equal Opportunities Commissioner, Ms Sue Walpole; and Corporate General Manager Human Resources for BHP, Mr Craig Mudge. Overseas perspectives will be provided by speakers from the US, Singapore, Germany and New Zealand.
Lieutenant General Sanderson said today the exercise would cover three main areas - organisational ethos, organising and training for change. "The impact of change in society, demography, education systems, individual expectations, technology and strategic circumstances already is being felt," he said. "The implications all of these will have on recruiting, educating and retraining and further developing officers in the future must be looked at now."
Lieutenant General Sanderson said individual and collective, joint and combined training, the use of simulation and the training of part time officers were important aspects which will be studied at the exercise.
The exercise was held in Darwin last year and previously at Canungra, Townsville, Brisbane and in Canberra.
Further information:
Lieutenant Colonel Ian Edwardson (06) 265 4065 (bh)
CoS, NEWS Eds, PIC Eds: The exercise will be open to Media and requests
for interviews will be passed to speakers or other participants. In some
cases audio visual requirements may limit the opportunity for photography
or filming sessions. However, arrangements can be made for brief access
at the start of presentations and during forum discussions. Point of contact
for the exercise is LTCOL Edwardson.