Advancing the ADF Leader Development System for Contemporary Warfighting
How do we prepare leaders for the demands of contemporary warfighting?
That question sits at the heart of the Australian Defence Force Leadership Conference 2026, being delivered by the Australian Defence College on 17-18 November 2026 at the Adams Auditorium, Australian Defence Force Academy, Canberra.
Bringing together military leaders, Defence professionals, academics and external partners, the conference will explore how the ADF can continue to develop leaders capable of operating in an increasingly complex, contested and dynamic environment.
The conference theme, “Advancing the ADF leader development system for contemporary warfighting", directly supports the Chief of the Defence Force's Command Intent to “TRAIN, LEAD, COMMAND & COMMUNICATE as we intend to fight".
What to Expect
Across two days, attendees will hear from senior Defence leaders, international military representatives and academic experts as they examine the future of leadership in the profession of arms.
Conference highlights include:
- Release of the ADF Leadership Continuum (ADFLC).
- Discussion on international approaches to military leader development.
- Exploration of how Defence can best prepare leaders for contemporary warfighting.
- Insights from senior Defence leaders, including the Chief of the Defence Force and Commander Joint Operations.
- Contributions from partner nations and academia.
Day One: What Is Required of Australia's Warfighting Leaders?
The first day focuses on the demands placed on today's military leaders and the capabilities they will need in the future. Sessions include:
- The Chief of the Defence Force's expectations of ADF leaders.
- Chief of Joint Operations insight on future operations
- The contemporary operational environment and its implications for leadership.
- International perspectives on warfighting leadership.
- Leadership performance under pressure and the psychological demands of command.
- Lessons from the past and the enduring fundamentals of military leadership.
Day Two: How the ADF Will Prepare Its Leaders
The second day examines how Defence is building the leaders needed for future operations. Topics include:
- How the Services and Groups are developing leaders within their domains.
- The introduction and implementation of the ADF Leadership Continuum. (A link will be provided after the launch)
- The opportunities and benefits the ADFLC offers in supporting Defence's leader development system.
An invitation-only workshop will follow the conference, exploring the future development of the ADF's philosophical leadership doctrine, ADF-P-0 ADF Leadership.
Who Should Be Interested?
The conference is particularly relevant for personnel involved in leader education, training, development and performance across Defence. This includes those working in areas such as professional military education, culture, research, career management, recruiting, chaplaincy, health, wellbeing, resilience, legal services and workforce design.
It also provides a valuable opportunity for Defence partners, universities and think tanks to engage in discussions about the future of military leadership.
Looking Ahead
As Defence continues to evolve for the challenges of contemporary warfighting, leader development remains a fundamental capability. The Australian Defence College's leadership conference brings together senior leaders, military practitioners, academics and international partners to explore how the ADF can develop leaders ready for future operational environments.
For those unable to attend in person, The Forge will host conference recordings (link will be added once the videos are available) following the event, providing an opportunity to engage with the key presentations and ideas that will shape the future of ADF leader development.