Publication:Sea Talk Summer 2006/The RANSAC graduation finale for 2006
By LCDR Stephen Daws
On Friday October 20, 11 students (including one Army Reserve officer) graduated from RANSAC at the Australian Command and Staff College in Canberra.
DCN RADM Russ Crane delivered the keynote address, awarded graduation certificates and also presented the Lonsdale Medal for the dux of the course to LCDR Bruce Christensen.
This award acknowledges his performance on the RANSAC in a combination of academic endeavour and achievement of course outcomes, together with sporting participation and social interaction that collectively most effectively epitomise the image of the professional military officer.
In his address, DCN reinforced the importance of recruiting and keeping the right people for Navy while supporting a flexible, modern and relevant workforce.
He reminded graduates of the importance of an integrated workforce (comprising personnel from the PNF, RAN Reserves, civilian and contractors) to seamlessly achieve Navy requirements.
GPCAPT Wayne Knight, representing ACRES, also gave an interesting presentation to the graduates, reminding them that Defence is clearly progressing:
- Better use of Reserve support;
- Integration of Reserves into the workforce;
- Increase in the attractiveness of Reserve opportunities; and
- Introduction of more flexibility regarding the engagement of Reservists.
The overwhelming message from both speakers is that there are more possibilities now than ever before for Reservists; and that the Naval Reserves is increasingly valuable to Defence.
The RANSAC graduation day culminated in a very enjoyable mess dinner held in the HMAS Harman wardroom.
