Test of skills as leaders

ADFA Midshipman Sean Frost, Army Officer Cadet Emma Grigson and Air Force Officer Cadet Marija Jovanovich contend with “protesters” in an excercise.

By Jo Button
AIR Force cadets are among 182 third-year cadets at the Australian Defence Force Academy (ADFA) who have just survived the hardest and most exhausting test of their career so far – the Leadership Challenge III.

Held in the freezing area of Wee Jasper and Bondo State Forest in NSW, the Leadership Challenge III tested the ability of cadets to lead a team in realistic scenarios of conflicts and UN humanitarian operations.

Aged 19-21, the cadets participated in 10 exercises over five days while carrying a 24kg pack, 4kg rifle and 4kg webbing. Starting at 5.30am and finishing at 6.30pm, the Leadership Challenge III was designed to test their brains as well as their brawn.

In this year’s Leadership Challenge III, the Bondoan Government had requested Australia’s assistance with rebuilding basic infrastructure and restoring the peace after damage by members of the Melos, another faction on Bondo Island, who had formed a militia. The cadets had to assume the roles of Australian ambassadors in Bondo, taking into consideration the strategic and diplomatic consequences of their actions.

In one exercise scenario, cadets had to set up a vehicle checkpoint around the Australian headquarters in Bondo, while trying to contend with war protesters and negotiate with locals who had information for the commander.

In another scenario, cadets had to negotiate with non-English speaking villagers in a marketplace to locate two missing rifles and other military equipment and uniforms. In an already chaotic situation with multiple distractions, the team leader was further tested when a vehicle carrying humanitarian aid arrived. The cadets had to deal with the surge of villagers who ran, swarmed and climbed on the vehicle.

Each cadet was assessed by their peers and ADFA staff on their ability to lead, control and motivate their team, as well as their application of leadership principles learned in 45 theory lessons during three years at ADFA.

 

 

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