Good morning,

Brigadier Troy Francis, Commandant of the Australian Defence Force Academy; Professor Emma Sparks, Dean and Rector of the University of New South Wales – Canberra; Defence senior leaders; international attachés and advisers; and staff, midshipmen and officer cadets of the Australian Defence Force Academy.

I start by acknowledging the traditional owners of the land on which we meet, the Ngunnawal people, and pay my respects to their elders past, present and emerging. I also recognise the Indigenous Australians who have served or are serving today in our Defence Force.

I particularly welcome the families, partners and friends of those on parade, and thank you. This career brings challenges for those who serve and those who support them. It is important we recognise that.

And to the 374 first year midshipmen and officer cadets on parade, including 15 international students from 10 nations – congratulations on completing the initial phase of your training.

I know for most of you the last 5 weeks has involved a range of new experiences. Everyone in the ADF, including me, was once in a similar position to you, so let me offer you some reassurance about what lies ahead, including beyond your time at the academy.

I understand how some of you may be feeling – anxious, nervous, wondering ‘what am I doing?’ In my first few weeks I was wondering if the initial uniforms I received would ever fit me – I was assured I would ‘grow into them’.

Like you, my class was joining an organisation that stood for something greater than ourselves, making a commitment to serve our nation. This shared commitment binds us as a community, regardless of our uniform colour or rank, and it is something to take pride in.

Looking at the world in which you start your military service, there are many similarities with that experienced by your senior leaders.

In the late 1970s the Cold War was well underway. The Soviet Union became mired in a 9-year conflict in Afghanistan. Iran would undergo revolution. And there were ongoing territorial disputes in the South China Sea.

Today, the rules-based order is under pressure. Russia is mired in a 4-year conflict with Ukraine. There is conflict and uncertainty in the Middle East. And the territorial disputes in the South China Sea remain ongoing.

There are, however, important differences that reflect what we have learned.

The Defence Force you have joined is an integrated force, more connected than ever before. You will always belong to your Service, but you will work, train and, if needed, fight alongside people from across the Services.

In this demanding environment, our nation needs you to thrive as leaders and followers in the ADF. Your careers will involve some constants, including learning, adaptability, resilience and teamwork.

Which is why this period at the academy is an important and influential time in your lives. I encourage you to make the most of it.

Make new friends, particularly with our international partners, and form bonds with people you may train, deploy and rely on during your career. No matter how long you serve, this group of you at the academy will be a group that supports and encourages each other throughout your lives.

You are joining a Defence Force with a long and proud history, and each of you will leave your mark on it. That may sound daunting, but you have already started. How you respond to the challenges you face, and how you interact with your peers and the staff here establishes the foundation of your reputation. Keep this in mind and act in a manner your future self will be proud of.

Your journeys as stewards of our Defence Force starts here. I have faith in you, that you will continue the ADF’s legacy and improve our organisation for those who follow you.

If in doubt, turn to our values of Service, Courage, Respect, Integrity and Excellence for guidance.

I offer you my sincere best wishes and good luck, for both your studies here, and your future careers as leaders of our Defence Force.

Thank you.