Chief of the Defence Force Welcomes the ADF's Future Leaders

1 March 2010

The Chief of the Defence Force, Air Chief Marshal Angus Houston, today welcomed 330 midshipmen and officer cadets into the Australian Defence Force Academy at the annual Chief of the Defence Force Parade.

Speaking at the event, Air Chief Marshal Houston said the parade marked the completion of the initial intensive military training of the midshipmen and officer cadets and was a significant milestone in their progress.

"I congratulate all our first years on your determination and tenacity in the face of adversity, and the intense bonds of friendship you have already formed," Air Chief Marshal Houston said.

"I hope you have a sense of great achievement in what you have already been able to accomplish and an unwavering confidence that you do have what it takes to be an officer in the ADF.

"You join, and will inevitably go on to lead, some of the finest people in this country, and it is with great pride that I welcome you into the Academy, and into the wider Australian Defence Force (ADF) community.

"Over the next three to four years you will develop the leadership skills, and qualities of character, necessary to become future leaders of the ADF. These skills coupled with your undergraduate degree from the University of New South Wales, will prepare you to become the best leader you can be in your chosen service,"Air Chief Marshal Houston said.

Air Chief Marshal Houston also welcomed thirteen new midshipmen and officer cadets from Singapore, Pakistan, Thailand, Cambodia, Malaysia and the Philippines.

"Importantly, I know that the friendships you will make and the understanding you will gain of Australia, as well as all that you will share with us, will help to maintain and extend the close ties between our nations well into the future," Air Chief Marshal Houston said.

"The parade is also a time to acknowledge the love and encouragement of the families of our midshipmen and officer cadets. They have, and will continue to be, a great source of support for these young men and women as they embark on a career that is rewarding, challenging and very demanding.

"I congratulate the midshipmen and officer cadets on their achievements thus far, and look forward to hearing about their progress in the months ahead," Air Chief Marshal Houston said.