Minister for Defence Personnel Darren Chester officially opened the Australian War College and Australian Defence Force Training Centre in Canberra today.
Speaking at the Australian Defence College Weston Creek, Mr Chester said it was a privilege to meet the staff dedicated to delivering post-graduate and vocational education and training not only for the Australian military, but also for many of Australia's regional neighbours.
"Our Australian Defence Force (ADF) personnel are world class and it is because of the skills, training and expertise they develop throughout their service," Mr Chester said.
"Here at the Australian Defence College, personnel undertake training to fully prepare them for contemporary and future operations, developing critical and decisive thinking.
"Defence must adapt to the ever changing way wars are fought and the Australian Defence College is doing an excellent job recognising this evolution and preparing our personnel for these challenges."
The War College is an amalgamation of the Australian Command and Staff College and the Centre for Defence Strategic Studies and will focus on joint education with training centralised in the Training Centre.
The Training Centre will lead the Australian Defence Force Warfare Training Centre, Peace Operations Training Centre, Defence Force Chaplains College, Defence International Training Centre, and Defence Force School of Languages to vocationally prepare personnel for current and emerging security challenges.
Mr Chester said the Coalition Government was focussed on making it easier for ADF personnel to get the most out of the training and education they received during their service.
"The importance of translating Defence training and education into civilian accreditation cannot be underestimated," Mr Chester said.
"ADF's new Defence Registered Training Organisation is doing some significant work in this area, making it easier for veterans to transition into work and civilian life after service.
"Over the past six months for example, 153 individuals have achieved a Certificate Three in Engineering Mechanical Trades, 279 individuals have now been accredited with a civilian construction white card and a further 81 individuals now hold qualifications in as Marine Engine Drivers.
"The recently launched transition website will help ADF personnel easily source information on how to get this recognition for training they have already undertaken."
