DEFENCE MEDIA RELEASE
Issued by Coordination and Public Affairs, Department of Defence, Canberra, ACT
Phone: 02 6265 3343, Fax: 02 62656946
CPA 207/08
Wednesday, 2 July 2008
CHIEF OF AIR FORCE REVIEWS HIS FINAL GRADUATION PARADE
The Chief of Air Force, Air Marshal Geoff Shepherd, AO, received the salute at his
final Graduation Parade today at RAAF Base East Sale, before Air Marshal Mark
Binskin AM assumes command of the Air Force on 4 July.
Fourteen women and 39 men completed their Initial Officers Course, the third course
conducted at the new Officers’ Training School (OTS) at RAAF East Sale.
Air Marshal Shepherd congratulated the graduates and, reflecting on his career,
expressed confidence that they will find challenging and fulfilling roles in Air Force.
“The conclusion of your studies here at OTS today sees you qualify as officers in the
Royal Australian Air Force. Ahead of you is additional training to become specialists
in your chosen fields, but today marks an important milestone and a great
achievement,” Air Marshal Shepherd said.
“This is one of my last official duties as Chief. As I prepare for tomorrow’s change of
Command parade, it is great to see the next generation of Officers starting their
careers. It is clear that Air Force continues to attract very high quality people,” Air
Marshal Shepherd said.
The OTS 16-week course includes demanding leadership, air power and core military
skills training.
The graduates’ future careers will be as diverse as Air Combat Officers, Air Traffic
Control, Pilots, Pharmacy and Radiography.
Flying Officer Josh Borg, a Logistics Officer, won the Leadership and Military
Qualities Award. The Officers’ Training School Student of Merit was Officer Cadet
Mark Eves and the Physical Training Student of Merit was Pilot Officer Scott
MacCallum.
Media contact: Defence Media Liaison (02) 6265 3343 or 0408 498 664
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