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Character

Aim: This first edition of ADF-P-0 Character in the Profession of Arms articulates the ADF's approach to character in the context of the development of ethical leaders. It is the principal text on character and character development in the ADF.

Audience: This doctrine is written for, and relevant to, all ranks.

Purpose: Character lies at the heart of leadership and underpins ethical conduct. ADF-P-0 Character in the Profession of Arms describes how ADF members can develop good habits of social and professional practice which represent the highest levels of civilised personal conduct. Through an emphasis on cultivating practical wisdom, this doctrine guides the behaviour of ADF members in critical public service, particularly in the exercise of lethal force.

This publication does not seek a narrow definition of 'character in the profession of arms', but rather applies and evolves the classical pursuit of virtuous conduct in the contemporary Australian military setting.

Download the Character Doctrine PDF

 

Videos - Stories of Character

 

SCDT Farida Dad contributed to ADF-P-0 Character in the ADF Philosophical Doctrine series. She shares her story about her time at Kapooka, her determination and her interaction with instructors of character that proved to be the catalyst to remaining in the Army.

Download transcript of Character Doctrine - Farida Dad

 

CPOET Gardam contributed to ADF-P-0 Character in the Profession of Arms, Philosophical Doctrine series. He shares his story about the personalities, environment and character challenges whilst supporting the community during the Lismore area flooding.

Download transcript of Character Doctrine - Luke Gardam

 

Listen to the Audio Book

Character is at the heart of leadership. It is a lifelong journey of development that requires daily decisions to do the right thing. ADF-P-0 Character in the Profession of Arms edition 1 describes how ADF members in practical terms can develop the good habits of social and professional mastery that underpin moral character. This is the 3rd publication in a series of Social Mastery doctrine produced by the Centre of Defence Leadership and Ethics.

Character in the Profession of Arms - full recording

Introduction

Preface

Chapter 1 - Character as a Moral Construct

Chapter 2 - Character and Self

Chapter 3 - Character and Others

Chapter 4 - Character in Practice

Acknowledgements

Doctrine Home Page

Content provided by

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Centre for Defence Leadership and Ethics (CDLE)
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The Centre for Defence Leadership and Ethics is responsible for providing specialist advice, education and research to advance command, leadership and ethics for the Department of Defence.

The Centre is located at the Australian Defence College, Weston Campus in the Australian Capital Territory.

The Centre delivers a range of specialist services for managing, developing and promoting command, leadership and ethics education, publications and doctrine. It guides the Joint Professional Military Education requirements in this area for single service, joint education and individual training environments.

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