The Chief of Navy, VADM David Shackleton, has called for a status report on present officer development processes.

He has also asked for a broad plan for the future of officer development.

VADM Shackleton said the RAN had produced many fine officers who had performed well at sea and ashore in command and non-command appointments. Navy officer development processes had evolved over the years to ensure continued production of such officers.

"The Navy's capacity to do so will be influenced in the future by many features of the environment in which it operates including, in particular, resource constraints, changing strategic circumstances, an increasingly demanding leadership and human resource management environment and changes in the ADF command philosophy and organisation.

"I indicated in my leadership issues document of July 3 1999 I view command as being one of the most important responsibilities an officer can be given. The quality of commanding officers has an extraordinary impact on all officers and sailors. Different areas of the Navy and Defence organisation are currently engaged in work that will directly or indirectly influence the way in which RAN officers are developed in the future."

VADM Shackleton said this work is now being centrally coordinated and not all of it is apparent to Navy's leadership

"As part of the 'Tomorrow's Navy' re-invigoration processes, and in pursuit of the broad goals the Navy's leadership team has recently adopted, I want to develop a better understanding of the current status of RAN officer development processes and how they may need enhancement to meet future needs.

"I therefore wish to have prepared for consideration by Navy's Leadership Team a description of both the current state of RAN officer development processes and a broad plan for the future."

He said CDRE Brian Adams was to undertake the work.

"The aim of the work is to recommend to CN's senior advisory committee an action plan which will help its members ensure the effectiveness of future RAN officer development processes."

He said CDRE Adams is to present to him by June 15 a report which:

• described the current state of RAN officer development processes with particular focus on development of officers for command appointments;
• described the strengths and deficiencies of current processes;
• identified alternative approaches for the future;
• recommended specific actions required to ensure that RAN officers of the future would be well prepared for their duties.

He said CDRE Adams will consult widely within Australia.

CN said NHQ would support CDRE Adams and said submissions to the review were welcomed and encouraged.

"They should be sent, preferably by May 1, to CDRE B.L Adams at R1-4-CO20 Russell Offices.

"CDRE Adams may be contacted by email through SO CN, by mail at the above address or by telephone on 0410 626302," he said.