The Australian Royal Military College (RMC), Duntroon, has declared Pakistani Army Cadet Sardar Arsam Abbas (PMA 152 Long Course) the “Overall Best Foreign Military Cadet” on the passing out parade held at RMC Duntroon, Canberra on 5 May 2026.
The award is conferred upon the highest performing foreign military cadet across all facets of training. This is a testament to the highest standards of professionalism, commitment and excellence demonstrated by the junior leadership of the Pakistan Army.
The commissioning parade was reviewed by the Australian Chief of Army Lieutenant General Simon Stuart, AO DSC. The event was witnessed by members of diplomatic corps including Pakistani High Commissioner in Canberra, families of graduating cadets and Australian Defence Force officials.
Pakistan & Australia share a longstanding military relationship. Since 2013,
7 officers of the Pakistan Army have served as platoon commanders on the faculty of RMC, while 46 Pakistani Army cadets have graduated from this prestigious institution since 2009.
This marks the 14th occasion on which a Pakistani Army Cadet has been declared the Overall Best Foreign Military Cadet “including Lieutenant Nasir Hussain Khalid Selhria Shaheed, Tamgha-e-Basalat, who embraced shahadat on 4 September 2020 in North Waziristan District. The name of Lieutenant Nasir Shaheed is also inscribed on the memorial stone at the RMC parade ground, symbolising the enduring legacy of courage sacrifice and honour of brave Pakistani Army Officers.
Australia appoints its first-ever female Chief of Army
Australia earlier appointed its first-ever female Chief of Army, marking a historic shift in the leadership of its defence forces.
Lieutenant General Susan Coyle, currently serving as Chief of Joint Capabilities, will assume the role in July, replacing Lieutenant General Simon Stuart, the government confirmed.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese described the move as a landmark moment in the army’s 125-year history, while Defence Minister Richard Marles called it “deeply historic.”
Coyle’s appointment comes as the Australian Defence Force works to increase female representation and address longstanding concerns over harassment and discrimination within its ranks. Women currently make up around 21 per cent of the force and 18.5 per cent of senior leadership, with a target of reaching 25 per cent participation by 2030.
Coyle, 55, joined the military in 1987 and has held several senior command roles. She will also become the first woman to lead any service branch of Australia’s military.
In a broader leadership reshuffle, Vice Admiral Mark Hammond has been appointed as the new head of the ADF, replacing Admiral David Johnston. Meanwhile, Rear Admiral Matthew Buckley will take over as head of the Navy.
The announcement comes amid ongoing scrutiny of the military following a lawsuit filed last year alleging systemic failures to protect female personnel from harassment and discrimination.
Also read: Pakistan was lucky to have Field Marshal Asim Munir leading army during war: Mansoor Ali Khan
