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Second cohort of students, including two US Army personnel, graduate from Air Defence Artillery Fire Control Officer training course.
The second cohort of students have graduated from the Air Defence Artillery Fire Control Officer (ADAFCO) course at RAAF Base Williamtown.
The ADAFCO course, which is facilitated by the Air Force’s Surveillance and Control Training Unit, aims to train army officers in critical control capabilities and manage ground and air missile defence systems. Throughout the course, students are taught the strategies and tactics needed to work alongside command and control agencies when employing land defence systems and fires.
In the most recent pool of class, two US Army personnel were among the graduates, which Major Talal Moutrage, the senior ADAFCO at Army Headquarters Land Capability Division, said is a demonstration of the strong proficiency of the Australian defence training and overall capabilities.
“[This] is a strategically important milestone for the ADF’s integrated air and missile defence capability, as it demonstrates the proficiency and standards of our training and tactical interoperability.
“This is something that is not earned easily. For the US to certify the Australian ADAFCO course and recognise our graduates demonstrates the hard work that has gone into this milestone,” he said.
Previously, ADAFCO training was entirely conducted by the US Army on the ground in the United States. Students who graduate from the Australian ADAFCO course are equipped to work interchangeably with the US Army. MAJ Moutrage said the integration of this course for Australian Army personnel is important to provide additional skills and knowledge to serving members.
“The US is our major coalition partner within the Indo-Pacific Command area of responsibility and the ability to be interoperable ensures that we are able to be more effective in how we execute command and control during operations,” MAJ Moutrage said.
“Conducting the training alongside [surveillance and control unit] ensures that our ADAFCO training and joint integration is standardised with RAAF as best practice.”
