News and Events

Remarkable Women

We were recently very pleased to welcome Air Commodore Margaret Staib, AM, CSC, Commandant of the Australian Defence Force Academy (ADFA), together with Old Girl ('05) and ADFA graduate Jacqueline Killian, who both gave inspiring presentations to students in Years 11 and 12 about ADFA and life in the armed services.

They were joined by Professor John Baird from UNSW who deliver the ADFA degree program. Professor Baird spoke about the entry requirements of the University and ADFA and some of the advantages of studying through the defence forces from financial benefits and small class sizes to the many course and career options available.

Air Commodore Staib discussed the different career pathways offered by the Army, Navy and Air Force and the unique personality of each particular service. She also spoke about the vital role our defence forces play, not only in combat situations, but more importantly in areas such as disaster relief and rebuilding communities affected by war and other civil and environmental tragedies.

Principal Fran Reddan said it was encouraging to see the focus on leadership, emotional intelligence and ethics across the ADFA training program and that there was a real synergy with the leadership training we provide to encourage our Mentone girls to be quality thinkers and strong, confident, compassionate leaders.  

Jacqueline spoke enthusiastically and passionately about her undergraduate studies at ADFA and her training program in the RAAF School of Air Warfare. She provided a fascinating insight into the life of a cadet and the training involved in becoming an Air Combat Officer. This includes ground school, simulation and airborne training, as well as the development of critical skills such as mission systems management and mission command expertise. Jacqueline also said that one of the best things about studying at ADFA was the strong sense of camaraderie and friendship that comes with living, studying and working with the people in your class, as well as the many extra-curricular activities including sport and drama that bring people together.

Both of these remarkable women spoke about the acceptance of women in the military and the overall sense of mateship that is developed regardless of gender. Jacqueline said she was the only female in her training class and that she did not feel in any way disadvantaged or singled out.

"At the end of the day, what's important is knowing that whatever you are doing, or whatever situation you are in that you have people around who have the knowledge and training to support you, it's really about looking after your mates," said Jacqueline.

Air Commodore Staib also said that the defence forces as a whole worked very hard to retain women with programs to enable women to effectively manage both the demands of a career in the armed services and a family.