Features
Future fleet proves a strong drawcard
By Michael Brooke

Volume 50, No. 1, February 8, 2007
The Navy’s exciting fleet modernisation and development are among the many reasons why school leavers are choosing to join the RAN.

LCDR Adrian Lister, Senior Military Recruiting Officer, Defence Force Recruiting in Sydney, told Navy News that school leavers are joining the RAN because of their desire to serve their country in a meaningful team environment, the quest for travel and adventure, the high levels of responsibility and the excellent development opportunities.

“For many young Australians, joining the Navy allows them to serve their country and community while also reaping the benefits of a quality education package,” he said.

Five RAN officers were among a group of 58 high school graduates appointed to the Australian defence Force Academy at a ceremony at Victoria Barracks in Sydney on January 23.

Clare Randall, Lyon Ng, Ian Turner, Greg Payne, and Michael Whanslaw will complete the New Entry Officer Course (NEOC) at HMAS Creswell (CAPT Mark Sander) prior to commencing their studies at ADFA, that will mark the beginning of their careers.

LCDR Lister said these five are but a handful of the many school leavers nationwide who in 2007 will be appointed as officers in the RAN or enlist as sailors.

Director General of Defence Force Recruiting, Brigadier Simon Gould, said the young Australians joining the ADF are excited by the prospect of the modernisation programs that will see them involved with the new technologies.

“The RAN’s ADFA appointees are obviously very excited about the challenge of serving in, if not commanding, new Navy platforms such as the Hobart-class Air Warfare Destroyers and the new Canberra-Class LHDs that come on line early in the next decade,” he said.