Australian Defence College

The Australian Defence College (ADC) comprises three tri-service educational organisations operated by the Australian Defence Force, in Canberra, Australian Capital Territory:
* the Centre for Defence and Strategic Studies (CDSS),
* the Australian Command and Staff College (ACSC) (both located at Weston Creek), and
* the Australian Defence Force Academy (ADFA).

The ADC is headed by a two-star officer, currently Rear Admiral James Goldrick AM, CSC, RAN. Each organisation is headed by a one-star officer or civilian of equivalent status, titled Commandant / Principal of their institution.

Officers from other countries are sponsored to attend the courses offered at each institution. Typically these people are paired with Defence 'foster' families in Canberra who can offer guidance and support during the visitor's stay.

The first two institutions are sited at a campus at Weston, ACT. This campus has been sold to private hands and leased back by Defence.

Both campuses maintain extensive libraries.

History of College

The current Australian Defence College has its origins in the report of the Defence Efficiency Review that was issued in May, 1997. The report recommended sweeping changes to officer education in the Australian Defence Force.

The ADC was officially opened on 18 January 1999 by the Hon Bruce Scott MP, Minister Assisting the Minister of Defence. The founding Commander of the ADC was Rear Admiral Raydon Gates CSM, RAN.

The first two courses that were run at the ADC in 1999 were the Defence Staff Course (DSC) and the Defence and Strategic Studies Course (DSSC). In 2000, these two courses were merged to form one course, the Defence and Strategic Studies Course, which is run by the Centre for Defence and Strategic Studies (CDSS).

On 14 March 2001 the then Governor–General, Sir William Deane, commemorated the establishment of the ADC, and officially opened the Australian Command and Staff College (ACSC). Prior to the establishment of the Australian Command and Staff College, middle management officer Command and Staff training was conducted at separate single Service staff colleges. The Army Command and Staff Course was conducted at Fort Queenscliff in Victoria, the RAAF Staff Course at RAAF Fairbairn in the Australian Capital Territory and the RAN Staff Course at HMAS Penguin in Sydney, New South Wales.

On 1 October 2007, the Australian Defence Force Warfare Centre (ADFWC) and the Australian Defence College merged under command of the Commander ADC, as part of the Vice Chief of the Defence Force Group.

Commanders

The following is a list of the Commanders, Australian Defence College.

Roof Collapse

At about 4.15pm on 30 January 2006, part of the roof collapsed into the top story class rooms used by the ACSC at the Geddes building. Several students had minor injuries. Classes were moved to the ADFA campus while restoration work was completed.

Australian Defence Force Academy (ADFA)

The Australian Defence Force Academy (ADFA) "(main entry)" is the educational institution for cadet officers of the Australian Defence Force, offering 3 and 4 year primary degrees, and postgraduate degrees.

ADFA is operated as a campus of the University of New South Wales (UNSW) and has academic and support staff employed by the university. Military staff maintain a separate training program in non-academic time.

The campus is at Campbell, ACT.

Commandant: Brigadier Wayne Goodman AM (Rector: Professor John Baird (UNSW))

External links

* [http://www.defence.gov.au/adc/ Australian Defence College]
* [http://www.defence.gov.au/adc/cdss_home.htm Centre for Defence & Strategic Studies]
* [http://www.defence.gov.au/adc/acsc_home.htm Australian Command & Staff College]
* [http://www.defence.gov.au/adfa/ Australian Defence Force Academy]
* [http://www.defence.gov.au/adc/docs/ADC/History%20of%20the%20ADC.pdf History of the College]