The Australian Defence Force (ADF) has rolled out an online training package to support Defence personnel who may be deployed as part of Defence’s response to COVID-19.

The training courses are designed to quickly prepare ADF personnel, who do not have a medical background, to conduct medical support tasks and other duties as part of Operation COVID-19 Assist.

The Chief of the Defence Force, General Angus Campbell AO, DSC, said to date over 52,000 Defence personnel had enrolled in the training courses.

“The courses cover a range of topics, from general awareness about COVID-19 to the skills required to support federal, state and territory authorities, whether that is working in health facilities as orderlies or supporting quarantine compliance measures,” General Campbell said.

“Over the course of Operation COVID-19 Assist, many ADF members will find themselves performing tasks outside their normal duties.

“With these online training courses, ADF personnel will have the necessary skills and knowledge to enable them to assist in whatever tasks they may be called upon to support.”

Following the rollout of the training program to Defence personnel, the courses will now also be made available to Australia’s international military partners.

“The ADF has a proud history of supporting our international partners in times of need,” General Campbell said.

Further information on Operation COVID-19 Assist can be found at: https://news.defence.gov.au/national/daily-update-defence-response-covid-19

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Kym Bergmann
Kym Bergmann has more than 35 years of experience in journalism and Australian and international defence industry. After graduating with Honors from the Australian National University, he joined Capital 7 television, holding several positions including foreign news editor and chief political correspondent. After 2 years on the staff of a Federal Minister, he moved to the defence sector and held senior positions in several companies, including Blohm+Voss, Thales, Celsius and Saab. In 1997 he was one of 2 Australians selected for the Thomson CSF 'Preparation for Senior Management' MBA course, the other being Chris Jenkins - formerly the CEO of Thales Australia. He has also worked as a consultant for a number of companies, including Raytheon, Tenix (now part of BAES) and Martin Marrietta (now part of Lockheed Martin). He had several board appointments, including Thomson Sintra Pacific (1994 - 96) and Saab Pacific (1998 - 2003). He retains good personal links with senior figures in Government, as well as in industry and the media. He decided to return to journalism in May 2008, and holds the position of editor for Asia Pacific Defence Reporter (APDR) and Defence Review Asia (DRA). He is also a podcaster and commentator on defence and national security issues.

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