RMC wants leaders

From left: 2Lt Helder Da Costa, Lt-Col Pedro Klamar Fuik, operations and plans officer, ETDF, 2Lt Mario Baptista, Deputy Commander of the ETDF Col Lere Anan, and CA Lt-Gen Peter Cosgrove at RMC recently. The two second lieutenants were the first ETDF personnel to be trained at RMC.

Soldiers who want to be leaders should apply to RMC, according to its new Commandant.

Brig Mike Paramor has taken the reigns of Duntroon from Brig Maurie McNarn, who left after two very successful years at the college.

Brig Paramor said RMC was a national institution recognised as delivering high-grade, professional and confident officers as junior leaders, able to deploy on operational tasks throughout the world.

"We have an institution with an improving capacity and capability to deliver first-class results," he said.

He said it was his responsibility to provide cadets with the opportunity to be the best they can be and to equip them with the knowledge they require to face challenges once they are commissioned, whether they were part- or full-time members of the ADF.

"My personal objective is to create an environment where cadets can excel in the development of their professional skills.

"I am looking for an engagement between cadets, staff and an affinity with the college itself, so young officers understand they are graduates of a first-rate institution which is a national icon."

He encouraged young soldiers interested in a career as a leader to consider applying for RMC.

"The privilege of leading Australian soldiers is given to very few - one must earn that privilege."

"For those who are successful, the rewards are enormous. RMC is the gateway to a career in Army leadership."

Brig Paramor said he applauded the efforts of the staff and acknowledged the support from the many families affiliated with RMC.

"I think many people, civilians and serving soldiers, have the opportunity and skills to succeed in this rigorous and demanding course of instruction.

"RMC graduates are currently serving throughout Australia and the world with distinction, receiving acclaim and bringing great honour upon themselves, their Army and Duntroon."

Brig Paramor said East Timor had now joined other nations from across the Pacific and Asia, such as New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, Fiji, United Arab Emirates, The Philippines, Tonga, Thailand, Singapore, Brunei, and Malaysia, in using RMC for pre-commissioning training.

The first two East Timorese officers to attend RMC recently completed their training.

He said that, as an RMC graduate, he was both honoured and delighted to be given the opportunity to command the institution that prepared him for a challenging and rewarding career.

"I have terrific memories of my time here and it's a delight to be back as Commandant of this wonderful college," he said.

By Pte Alisha Carr