First Class of Duntroon Soldiers Nears Graduation Under ADF’s Revised 12-Month Officer Commissioning Program
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The first cohort of soldiers to complete the Australian Defence Force’s (ADF) streamlined 12-month Officer Commissioning Program (OCP) at the Royal Military College Duntroon is nearing graduation. This new approach, launched in January 2024, condenses the training period from 18 months to 12 while maintaining the rigorous standards expected of Army officers. This marks a major step in the ADF’s two-year trial initiative to modernize and enhance its officer training curriculum.
Brigadier Jason Groat, Commandant of the Land Combat College, confirmed that the program is on track to meet all graduation standards, with the current class set to complete their final training module in early December. “Throughout the year, I’ve provided updates on how the trial 12-month OCP is tracking, and where we’ve made some adjustments to improve training outcomes and develop combat behaviours,” Brigadier Groat said. He commended the cohort for meeting all the training objectives, qualifications, and essential combat behaviours that defined previous classes under the longer 18-month model.
As part of the trial, the program includes the same critical modules and exercises found in the traditional OCP, such as the challenging Foundation Command and Foundational Leadership modules. The latter includes Exercise Shaggy Ridge, a mentally and physically demanding experience that tests leadership skills and character under intense conditions.
Additional adjustments have been incorporated into the 12-month format to better prepare cadets for the realities of field command. These include an added week in the Foundation Warfighting module, designed to enhance tactical field platoon command skills, and an increased investment in simulation exercises to build decision-making experience for post H Hour scenarios. Further, the curriculum has been updated to align with the ADF’s new planning doctrine, ensuring that cadets are trained under the most current military strategies.
Brigadier Groat expressed pride in the cohort’s accomplishments as they approach graduation, emphasizing the significance of this milestone not only for the graduates and their families but also for the Army as a whole. “The first Duntroon class to undertake the full 12-month Officer Commissioning Program is due to graduate in December. This is an important occasion for the graduates and their families, and for Army. It will also be my final parade as commandant of the Land Combat College,” he said.
Following their graduation, the new lieutenants will join their respective units, where they will continue their professional development in their designated corps or specialization. Brigadier Groat noted that the progress of these new officers would be closely monitored, and further program refinements would be made as needed.
The success of this inaugural 12-month OCP class is a promising indicator for the ADF’s future training frameworks, potentially setting a new standard for officer development within the Army. The two-year trial of the revised OCP aims to make military training both effective and efficient, with potential long-term implications for how the ADF equips its future leaders.
