Learning to Thrive at the Australian Defence Force Academy

Negotiating skills, healthy lifestyles, conflict resolution and equity and diversity training are a sample of the innovative subjects under-way for new recruits at the Australian Defence Force Academy in Canberra, in addition to the traditional military subjects such as drill and weapons instruction.

Three hundred and two officer cadets and midshipmen from across the country and overseas have recently arrived at the Academy to experience the new cadet familiarisation program, with a further 12 recruits expected.

Based on the concept of "thrive not survive" the officer cadets and midshipmen are learning to live and work in a military environment whilst being provided with a balanced and liberal academic education.

Commandant of the Academy, Commodore Brian Adams explained that the introductory weeks have been significantly revised from previous induction periods, hence the new term familiarisation program.

"Many reforms are now firmly in place at ADFA with the cadet familiarisation program clearly illustrating our commitment to changing the culture and operation of the Academy, whilst ensuring cadets continue to receive the skills they need to graduate from ADFA and develop as future leaders," Commodore Adams said.

"We have introduced a number of activity based and highly participative sessions where cadets will be encouraged to draw on their personal experiences to develop strategies to assist them to thrive in the Academy environment."

For the first time cadets would receive training in healthy lifestyle, conflict resolution, negotiating skills and equity and diversity.

"The equity and diversity training is of particular significance to the cadet training in 1999 and will provide Year 1 cadets with the skills to live, study and develop in a healthy academic and social environment," the Commodore said.

"It means that officer cadets and midshipmen will have a thorough understanding and respect for equity and diversity, and personal behaviour standards that are expected at ADFA, and also gives them the confidence and knowledge to know where to go for help if they need it."

The new Equity Diversity and Protective Behaviour Training Program had been developed by CIT Solutions, the consultancy arm of the Canberra Institute of Technology, to specifically meet the Academy's needs.

"The contract for $500,000 worth of training services over three years will mean that as well as all officer cadets receiving equity and diversity training, all military staff at the Academy will also complete the training," the Commodore said.

"Demanding but not damaging has been adopted as the slogan for the familiarisation program and as a result we have included activities that would only be a positive challenge for cadets, that would stretch and develop them, not damage them."

A four day leadership and team building course, "Exercise Discovery", is another new initiative that will provide cadets with the skills and confidence to thrive in the ADFA environment.

"Exercise Discovery simulates a demanding environment that the cadets and midshipmen would face as young officers, allowing them to develop essential leadership skills that will be required of them in the future," he said.

The Chief of Defence Force, Chief of Navy, Chief of Air Force and Deputy Chief of Army are all demonstrating their support to the Academy's familiarisation program and will each deliver a presentation to the year one cadets.

The 302 new recruits comprise 78 females and 224 males, and include 12 cadets from Thailand, New Zealand and Singapore.

Declan McGrath: 02 62653960, 041 944 8100

Issued by the Defence Public Affairs Organisation, Department of Defence, Canberra, ACT, 2600

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