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 Major General Mick Ryan since January 2018. Each of the educational organisations is headed by a one-star officer, or civilian of equivalent status, titled Commandant / Principal of their organisation.

Officers from other countries are sponsored to attend the courses offered at each organisation. 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 organisations 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 ACSC, middle management officer Command and Staff training was conducted at separate single Service staff colleges:^[1]

• 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.

They are now under the Commander, Joint Education, Training and Warfare.

Centre for Defence and Strategic Studies (CDSS)

"Joint Services Staff College" is also the former name of the British Joint Service Defence College

The Centre for Defence and Strategic Studies (CDSS) – formerly known as the Australian College of Defence and Strategic Studies, and the Joint Services Staff College – opened in January 2001 as part of the reorganised Australian Defence College. The CDSS is intended for senior Service and civilian officers of mainly Colonel (equiv) rank.

The main course is an intensive Defence and Strategic Studies Course (DSSC), primarily using study modules from various Australian universities. The DSSC is intended to give officers of the Australian Defence Force, the Australian Public Service and overseas participants with the knowledge and skills required by senior leaders and managers operating in the national security environment. The DSSC concentrates on the Asia-Pacific region. The interconnected thematic core curriculum blocks that are:

• Development of Strategic Thought;
• Command, Strategic Leadership and Management;
• The Contemporary Strategic Setting;
• Future Strategic Settings;
• Australian Strategic policy – Past, Present and Future; and
• Higher Command and Staff Studies.

Successful completion of this course is considered necessary for promotion to Brigadier (equiv) rank in the Australian Defence Force.

Distinguished Guest lecturers are used to give the course a practical context. Visiting Fellows include prominent academics from overseas.

Australian Command and Staff College (ACSC)

The Australian Command and Staff College (ACSC) conducts courses intended to prepare field ranking officers (Major / Lieutenant Commander / Squadron Leader) and their Defence civilian equivalent for staff duties and subsequent promotion to command positions. Courses conducted are the:

• Australian Command and Staff Course
• Army Reserve Command and Staff Course
• RAN Staff Acquaint Course

Other courses are preparations for these:

• Overseas Course Member Orientation Period (OCMOP)
• ACSC Course Member Orientation Week
• Defence International Training Centre
• Australian Defence Force Peace Operations Training Centre Course

• Directing Staff Development Course (DSDP).

Australian Defence Force Academy

The Australian Defence Force Academy (ADFA) is the educational institution for cadet officers of the Australian Defence Force, offering three- and four-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 in Campbell, ACT, and is located between Russell, Campbell Park and Duntroon.

Current Commandant: Air Commodore Alan Clements

Rector: Professor Michael Frater

References and notes

External links

• Australian Defence College
• Centre for Defence & Strategic Studies
• Australian Command & Staff College
• Australian Defence Force Academy
• History of the College

Coordinates: 35°19′12″S 149°03′30″E / 35.320036°S 149.05823°E / -35.320036; 149.05823 (Australian Defence College)