Here - Department of Defence

2
From the Commander ADC
2012 is rushing by and we are now into the last half of the year.
For those who arrived at ADFA six months ago, I’m sure you
have now come to grips with the challenges of your new career
and the standards and expectations we have of you.
Our profession is a tough one that demands high standards
and your personal commitment to excellence - we can
accept no less. The first years of your military career build the
foundation for your future success. My aim is to ensure that
you get the academic and military education you need to
provide you the foundation for your future success in the ADF. I
also want you to build the personal networks that will see you
through your life, both in the ADF and after your military career.
For those of you who are working through your second and
third years, you are no doubt seeing significant changes in your
approach to life. Your military skill levels are increasing, your
levels of responsibility should be increasing, and the demands
on your academic performance are also increasing. One of your
challenges will be to maintain your focus and commitment as
you become more comfortable at ADFA and with your chosen
career. This is an important time for you as you have the choice
to keep the accelerator firmly pressed to the floor with your
commitment and application, or you can choose to back off
and maybe ease back. That is your decision.
However, to fulfil your potential you need to keep pushing,
keep working, keep trying and discipline yourself so that
excellence becomes part of your DNA.
The end state of ADFA is not a degree and subsequently a
commission into the ADF. The end state is to be a leader to the
men and women in the ADF. Our soldiers, sailors and air men
and women are remarkable people who do incredible things
both at home and around the world. They deserve nothing
less than the best leaders we can provide. You are those
future leaders. So my message to you is to keep working hard
and develop yourself to be the best leaders you can be. Our
profession is about service and commitment. It’s not about you
– it’s about the people you will lead. They deserve nothing less.
World’s Greatest Shave
By MIDN Claire Hodge
On 16 March 2012, Midshipmen and Officer Cadets at ADFA packed into the Mess
to watch the Commandant, CDRE Bruce Kafer have his head shaved. Why, may
you ask was such a thing occurring? Not because the Commandant needed a
haircut, but because the previous day over 80 Midshipmen and Officer Cadets
had participated in the Leukaemia Foundation’s ‘World’s Greatest Shave’ and raised
more than $5000, the price placed on the Commandant’s lovely locks.
To encourage participation, this event was run as a squadron activity and various
ADFA personalities agreed to shave off their beards, moustaches or hair, for a price.
It was fantastic to see all squadrons strive towards those targets. The support from
the Academy was fantastic with people getting involved either by participating
or supporting their mates. Overall the academy raised over $8700 to help support
people with Leukaemia, Lymphoma, Myeloma and other blood-related disorders.
We wish to thank Commodore Bruce Kafer, Commander Shane Craig, Major Mark
Griffiths, CPO Lloyd Johnson and CPO Paul Wetherspoon for getting into the spirit
of the day and parting with their hair for World’s Greatest Shave.
Getting into the spirit, Commodore Bruce Kafer allowed his head to be shaved by Officer
Cadet James White during breakfast