Chief of Army, Lieutenant General Rick Burr, AO, DSC, MVO, celebrated the graduation and Commissioning of Army’s next generation of leaders at Royal Military College – Duntroon (RMC-D) on Tuesday.
The Chief and the Corps of Staff Cadets were joined by foreign dignitaries, Army leaders, as well as family and friends to help mark the achievements of the 94 graduates.
The Chief took the opportunity to congratulate and address the graduates who face a very different strategic landscape compared to what a younger, Staff Cadet Burr faced in the ’80s.
“I have attended many graduations during my 40 years’ service, but I still find each one exciting because we welcome Army’s next generation of leaders,” Lieutenant General Burr (class of 1985) said.
“The global situation and character of warfare are changing rapidly – faster than what we’ve seen before. The leadership skills you have developed during your time at the College will prepare you for whatever challenges the Joint Force must face tomorrow.
“Our Army and Defence more broadly is being asked to do more things, in more places, more often – as we have seen in recent times through bushfires, floods, COVID-19, deployments to Kabul, Solomon Islands and Tonga.
“Through your dedication, professionalism, and leadership, Army is in good hands.”
The Commandant of the Royal Military College of Australia, Brigadier Ana Duncan, AM CSC (class of 1996), said the graduation parade is the culmination of a trainee’s time at the College.
“Our Staff Cadets on parade today have worked exceptionally hard over the course of 12-18 months. This is but part of their journey in the profession of arms, as they commit to careers as learning leaders. The Royal Military College Duntroon has ingrained that ethos into its graduands for over 100 years,” Brigadier Duncan said.
Brigadier Duncan said that the June 2022 cohort was representative of how Army must operate: as part of a Joint and Partnered force.
“I am pleased to see such a diverse cohort comprising both Australian Army and Royal Australian Air Force graduates as well as 10 international students from Malaysia, Fiji, Papua New Guinea, New Zealand, Vanuatu and Iraq, demonstrating the value we place on strengthening ties in the region.
“The international friendships made at RMC-D are formative, enhancing connectedness and improving the way we operate between our nations’ armed forces.”
Situated at the former Campbell homestead at Duntroon, the college was opened in 1911 to oversee the initial military training of all officers in the Australian Army.
