The Australian Defence College in Canberra hosted 130 personnel from Navy, Army and Air Force for the Chief of the Defence Force Non‑Commissioned Officer (NCO) Leadership Forum for three days in April.

During the event, participants engaged directly with senior ADF leaders to explore the theme, ‘Integrated Identity: A Shared Endeavour’. 

The NCOs engaged in meaningful conversations and activities, examining how strong single-service identity underpins operational effectiveness while contributing to a unified, integrated Defence mindset.

The forum provided a rare opportunity for NCOs to contribute directly to leadership discussions, collaborate across services, and propose solutions to shared challenges affecting the ADF workforce.

Leading Seaman Samuel Baker, posted to HMAS Arunta in Sydney, said the forum was a valuable chance for junior leaders to engage with seniors in ways not often available during their careers.

“It was a great opportunity for junior NCOs to really sit down and hash out some issues with senior leadership. I’ve been to a few forums in the past, but never been in a space like this where I was able to connect with so many senior ranks,” Leading Seaman Baker said.

“It was also a really good opportunity to meet other people of an equivalent rank from other services that you may not encounter otherwise – networking and learning skills with them.”

'Conversations like these matter because Defence is strongest when we listen at every level.'

The forum combined open sessions with senior leaders, followed by syndicate-based discussions that encouraged collaboration and practical leadership development.

A key highlight for participants was hearing directly from the Chief of the Defence Force (CDF) on strategic and geopolitical issues affecting the ADF. 

CDF Admiral David Johnston highlighted the importance of open dialogue across all ranks, emphasising the critical role NCOs play in Defence.

“Conversations like these matter because Defence is strongest when we listen at every level,” Admiral Johnston said. 

“When our NCOs are empowered to engage, challenge and contribute, we become a more agile, trusted and integrated force.”

The forum also helped bridge perceived gaps between junior ranks and senior leadership, reinforcing trust and shared purpose across the organisation.

Leading Seaman Baker said one of the most powerful outcomes of the forum was recognising the shared values and motivations across the ADF.

“As different as we all are in Navy, Army and Air Force, the forum showed me that we are all similar people, doing the same thing, for the same reasons. I think that was the most important takeaway [from] the three days,” he said.