20 December 2007
A young Gisborne man has won the Chief of Army prize at the Australian Defence Force Academy (ADFA) graduation held in Canberra last week.
Officer Cadet Nathan Williams commenced at the ADFA in 2005 as one of two officer cadets selected to represent the NZ Army on a four-year scholarship based at ADFA and Royal Military College, Duntroon.
“One of the appeals of the Army was the chance to travel, which is something I love. So when I was offered the chance to live in another country within two weeks of joining up, I leapt at it,” OCDT Williams says.
The former Campion College student completed a Bachelor of Arts majoring in History and Politics, in which he maintained a distinction average. He also won three other academic and military prizes at the awards ceremony.
“Attending ADFA offered me a great chance early on in my career to work with another defence force, to learn how they operate, and to establish contacts from all around our region. Also, I wanted to experience life at a military academy, as opposed to a civilian university, and that is not something that we have in New Zealand.”
“Graduating from ADFA is a very proud moment for me. I’ve had to work hard to get to where I am, which makes it all the more rewarding. I am also grateful that my family could come over from New Zealand to see me graduate.”
Over Christmas OCDT Williams is returning to New Zealand to see family and friends.
“I can’t wait to get back home to spend Christmas with my family. It will be great to get back to Wainui, where I can surf and run every day.
In 2008, OCDT Williams will undertake a further year of Army Officer training as an Officer Cadet at the Military College, prior to being commissioned as a Lieutenant in the New Zealand Army.
“Ultimately, gaining my commission and having the honour of leading New Zealand troops on operations is what it’s all about."
The NZ Army regularly sends officer cadets to Australia to attend a four-year residential degree and commissioning programme.
222 Navy Midshipmen and Army and Air Force Officer Cadets graduated from the Australian ceremony.
ENDS
For further information please contact Bas Bolyn, Army Public Relations on 04 496 0285 or 021 478 574.
Photo courtesy of Australian Defence Force Academy.Further images also available.