The Chief of the Defence Force Parade took on added significance today as the Australian Defence Force Academy (ADFA) marked 30 years since the first trainee officers marched in.
Traditionally, the first parade of the year acknowledges the achievements of the Midshipmen and Officer Cadets who have successfully completed their initial military training.
Today's parade also provided an opportunity to reflect on ADFA's history.
Chief of the Defence Force, Air Chief Marshal Mark Binskin identified a number of similarities between the original class and ADFA's newest cadets.
"In 1986, Defence was preparing to deliver a White Paper and a $25 billion defence force development program was under consideration. This week we delivered a White Paper that outlines a $195 billion investment in new defence capabilities,” Air Chief Marshal Binskin said.
"It is no accident that we chose ADFA to launch the new White Paper this week. Like the first trainee officer class, today's Midshipmen and Officer Cadets will take ownership of these future capabilities; but more importantly, they will take responsibility for the men and women who operate them.
"It's an exciting time to be in the Australian Defence Force"
Over the past 30 years, ADFA has produced more than 6,550 officers who have gone on to serve in the Australian Navy, Army, and Air Force as well as a number of international cadets who served with our allies.
"Almost one third of the original Midshipmen and Officer Cadets continue to serve in the ADF. These men and women laid the foundations for ADFA's reputation for excellence" Air Chief Marshal Binskin said.
There are around 300 Year One Midshipmen and Officer Cadets, including 17 international students from Cambodia, Malaysia, Pakistan, Papua New Guinea, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Tonga, the United States, and Vietnam.
Next week, the Midshipmen and Officer Cadets will begin their academic program through the University of New South Wales, Canberra.