Air Force's Officer Training School (OTS) has been awarded the prestigious Sir Lawrence Wackett Innovation in Training Trophy for leadership and unity of the workforce in transforming officer training to meet the demands of a fifth-generation Air Force.
Commander Air Force Training Group Air Commodore David Strong and Group Warrant Officer Air Force Training Group Warrant Officer Brian Holdcroft presented the trophy during a ceremony at RAAF Base East Sale on July 9.
Awarded annually to the most innovative unit within Air Force Training Group, the Sir Lawrence Wackett Trophy celebrates outstanding achievements in education and training.
OTS earned this year's honour for its bold overhaul of the Initial Officer Course (IOC), successfully aligning training with the scale, pace and complexity of modern Air Force capability requirements.
Since 2023, OTS has delivered a redesigned IOC in a condensed 12-week format, reduced from 17 weeks, while maintaining high training standards.
This transformation enabled the graduation of more than 300 officers in a single year, an increase of nearly 60 from the previous highest number of annual graduates.
Air Commodore Strong praised OTS for "leading from the front in delivering future-focused training outcomes", and highlighted its critical role in building the next generation of Air Force leaders.
"The work OTS has done in reimagining how we shape and grow our junior leaders was nothing short of exceptional," Air Commodore Strong said.
"They developed an agile training model that was not only contemporary and engaging, but also deeply aligned with our values and warfighting requirements."
'This award was a proud moment for OTS. It acknowledged the professionalism, commitment and forward-thinking mindset of our team.'
Key recent initiatives include the integration of digital learning platforms and immersive technologies such as game-based simulations, interactive content, and competitive learning modules.
These enhancements helped trainees better engage with complex material, foster critical thinking and strengthen collaboration.
OTS also simplified its assessment processes, improving consistency in marking and allowing instructors to deliver timely, meaningful feedback. This reduced the administrative burden on staff and enhanced the overall learning experience for trainees.
Commanding Officer OTS Wing Commander Samantha Couper said the recognition reflected the dedication and innovation of the school's whole team, which has significantly enhanced the development of the Air Force's future leaders.
"This award was a proud moment for OTS," Wing Commander Couper said.
"It acknowledged the professionalism, commitment and forward-thinking mindset of our team, who ensure every officer graduate is prepared to lead with integrity, adaptability and confidence."
The Sir Lawrence Wackett Trophy honours the pioneering contributions of its namesake to Australia's aviation industry and continues to inspire excellence in Air Force training.
The perpetual trophy - featuring a model RE8 aircraft - is presented with an official certificate and remains with the recipient unit until the next award in 2026.
OTS's achievement stands as a testament to the critical importance of innovation in military education, and its role in shaping officers who are capable of leading in an increasingly complex and contested strategic environment.
