Defence and Industry Study Course 2025

Overview

The Defence and Industry Study Course (DISC) aims to promote a better understanding and engagement of both Defence and industry to raise Australia’s Defence industry capability and national security. Course participants are exposed to key aspects of the environment in which Defence and industry must navigate, collaborate and partner in order to successfully deliver and sustain capability for armed forces. This is achieved through a series of industry and Defence base visits, as well as expert speakers.

DISC is designed to enhance the skills of current leaders, project managers, and senior executives working within businesses that supply the Australian Defence Force (ADF). The course is also targeted towards executives and senior managers seeking to expand their knowledge of Defence and industry.

The course provides a professional environment for forging lasting networks with cohort members, offering extensive networking opportunities with key decision-makers from within Defence, government and industry.

The course fee covers all costs associated with delivery of each module from the time the participant arrives at the departure airport until their return, including all accommodation, meals, access to venues, and transport.

Participants must commit to attending all modules in order to graduate from the course. Each module will require Sunday travel with days commencing at 7 am and finishing by approximately 9:30 pm.

Learning outcomes

Participants will be able to:

• Enhance the relationship between Defence and industry by promoting a shared understanding of capabilities and processes.
• Develop an informed understanding of the Defence structure, how the Groups/Services interact, and how Defence operates (industry attendees).
• Develop an informed appreciation of how businesses (at different levels in the sector) operate, interact and plan, including the different drivers and business motivations (defence or public sector attendees).
• Develop ongoing networks between Defence and industry peers to enhance the effectiveness and efficiency of interactions.
• Gain exposure to the functions and use of military equipment in the operating environment.
• Have access to Defence and industry sites and senior personnel to facilitate knowledge transfer and engagement, particularly on lessons learnt.

Syndicate work

Further to the structured program, syndicate work will be required during, and outside of course dates.

Participants will be allocated to a working group in order to develop a presentation on an assigned topic. Each syndicate topic is different and a mentor will also be assigned to assist and offer guidance.

The syndicate will present to senior Defence and industry executives during the final module of the course. This is followed by completion of a 3,000 to 3,500 word paper on the topic by the syndicate.

At each module, applicants should be aware that there will be course deliverables in the form of written submissions and/or presentations leading to the final paper.

Audience

The course is aimed at specific audiences.

• Managers, project managers or key members working in a position in a company that is currently engaged, or planning to be engaged, in business with Defence.
• Academics and researchers engaged in national security, innovation or technology readiness.
• Employees in Australian Federal Government and state and territory agencies, at an executive level.
• Members of the ADF (LTCOL-COL (E)) or a defence employee (Executive Level 1 – SES 1).

Enrolment

Applications open from Monday 3 February 2025 and the application form will be made available on this page from this date. Applications will close 5 pm AEDT on Friday 28 February 2025.

To be eligible for DISC you must be an Australian citizen.

Prior to lodging an application, prospective attendees must receive endorsement from their employer and acknowledge this in the application form.

Nominations will be considered by a selection panel.