CODE OF CONDUCT
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Embrace the Inherent Requirements of ADO Service. Unique demands upon the Australian Defence Organisation (ADO) distinguish the Defence profession from other civilian employment. Your commitment to Defence will be hallmarked by your service, where you may be called upon to engage in or support direct or indirect action against adversaries as directed by the Government. You will be subject to command and discipline under civilian and Defence law. Further, you are subject to mastering specific Defence and trade skills. Depending on your area of employment, there will be expectations about medical and physical fitness, and dress and grooming standards. You should also expect some regulation of your lifestyle to conform to the community’s expectations of the ADO. Accept Personal Responsibility for What You Do and What You Say. The Nation has entrusted you to support those who bear arms and use lethal force – such trust demands respect for authority and the highest standards of integrity. Always be accountable for your behaviour. The consequences of your actions are attributable to only one person – you. Exercise judgement and be considered in your decisions, your actions and your words. Complete acceptance of responsibility for your actions and words reflects significant personal courage, fortitude, and strength of character and integrity. Responsibility also extends to ensuring security and maintenance of your personal and your organisation’s equipment. Embrace ADF’s Values as Your Own. All times behave in a way that reflects the institutional values of your Service and the ADF. The commitment to both APS and Defence Values is manifested in observance by Defence employees of the APS Code of Conduct. While the Values provide a philosophical foundation for Defence culture, the APS Code of Conduct has the force of law. Trust between team members is founded in each team member’s commitment, confidence and clarity of thought, willingness to take action and conviction to achieving the task at hand. Successful service in the ADO is built upon professionalism, loyalty, innovation, courage, integrity and teamwork, and relies on collective effort and camaraderie. Grow Your Personal Qualities. In the ADO – it is your strength of character that will transcend the challenges that will face you. Character is the bedrock upon which everything else is built. Situations will occur outside your control and that of your instructors – do not take everything personally. Build your courage and integrity upon truthfulness, honest and openness. Place value in maintaining loyalty to your peers, and be selfless in defending their safety and reputation. Avoid idle gossip and respect the need-to-know philosophy. Don’t stand by when the wrong thing is done. In the face of adversity, display your personal strength through exercising judgement and restraint; being dependable and consistent; and maintaining your sense of duty. To succeed under pressure and under scrutiny, you will require unwavering maturity, judgement and strength of character. Integrity is not face value or correctness – integrity is absolute honesty. Look, Listen, Learn and Take Notes. Remember that the most critical aspect of communication is listening. Listen to what others have to say; you will learn something from everyone. Be alert, accept performance counselling and avoid petulance. Demonstrate openness to new ideas and listen to other’s viewpoints. Observe and learn from good and bad role models. Get involved and fully participate in both class and field environments and always give your best. Carry a notebook to record facts that help develop knowledge and ideas that will assist in your personal development. Be Critical of Yourself and Hone Your Self-Discipline. Recognise your own strengths and weaknesses and be accountable to yourself, to your peers and superiors. Exercise self-control and learn from your mistakes. Develop your punctuality and effective use of time. Always complete study, tasks and responsibilities within directed timeframes. Alleviate stress by establishing a balance between study, physical fitness and personal administration. Maintain your pride and self-respect, and extend respect to others around you. Rise above any desire to use performance-enhancing substances. Understand that fraternisation or intimate relationships with instructional staff or other trainees will break down team cohesion and undermine trust. Alcohol consumption is not compulsory in the ADO and remains a personal choice on social occasions. The irresponsible consumption of alcohol is unprofessional and does not mitigate unacceptable behaviour. Be a Dedicated and Useful Member of Your Team. Your training will at times be difficult; don’t let the challenge defeat you. Apply yourself with persistence and determination; be mentally tough, muster personal courage, stamina, and selflessness. Expect to be taken out of your comfort zone; you must appreciate that you have to have mental strength to tap all of your physical strength. Work through adversity; you will achieve things beyond your expectations. Contribute to your team consistently and to the best of your ability. Work in a safe manner; avoid undue risk to yourself, others and your equipment. Maintain your personal preparedness for operations at the highest level. Be prepared to work hard and never quit. Maintain a Positive Attitude Towards Learning. Competence is more than just your individual technical mastery; it includes your knowledge and inter-personal skills. Defence training will assess your skills, knowledge, and attitude. Try your best to develop the skills that you are being taught – maintain a positive attitude towards learning – appreciate the serious nature of the subject matter. Build upon your competence through practice and experience. Never cheat or plagiarise or claim the work of others as your own. Things will not always go your way and it is easy to become frustrated - don’t take it out on others. Defend your convictions with intelligence not arrogance or stubbornness. Use your sense of humour to offset frustration. During training, it should be expected that you might fail one of the many skills taught and tested - do not be disheartened, this is normal; you will be retrained and retested. Seek and Accept Assistance. Sustain open and effective communications with your peers, your instructors and your family. Show personal courage by asking instructors for help with training that you are struggling to master, and seek assistance from welfare and medical support agencies if personal from instructors - they are there to help you succeed - no one wants you to fail! Throughout your training you will be guided, corrected and motivated by your instructors; they are trying to help you reach your potential and lift your performance to a higher standard - their goal is to make you the best you can be. Strive to Lead. In time, and with knowledge and experience, you will earn the opportunity to lead others. Prepare yourself well. Build your character and master your profession. Understand the military rank system and embrace the chain of command. Be prepared to earn the respect of others. Your true qualities are formed over time and will reflect in your personality, personal values, integrity and commitment. A robust character is the most important quality in a leader. |
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