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Patrick Johnson took part in the annual Chief of the Defence Force Parade at the Australian Defence Force Academy (ADFA) after building up his military skills over the past five weeks.

The 19-year-old finished high school in Canberra last year and said he was excited about the opportunity of being involved in his first serious military parade.

“I was rearing to go,” he said.

“Of course, I wanted to see family and loved ones ... It was my first real serious parade and I was keen to have a crack and see what happened.”

The past five weeks prepared Officer Cadet Johnson for the parade but he was also able to gain military experience through a wide range of activities.

This included basic skills, marching and drill training as well as learning elements of military law.

Mr Johnson said the skills he learnt would be required for a career in the defence force and he had taken up leadership opportunities during his training.

“The whole experience has been really enjoyable and really exciting,” he said.

“Just to see my division, who they are now, they've changed astronomically and we've really grown as a team.”

The attraction of a leadership position, a structured career and a physical lifestyle enticed Mr Johnson to join the army.

He will also undertake a Bachelor of Arts degree through the University of NSW at ADFA and has already decided on what areas he wants to study, which include history, politics and Indonesian.

The infantry or armed corp appeals most to Mr Johnson who is currently studying to become a general service officer.

After completing his studies, the officer cadet will leave the Royal Military College and be posted abroad, which he is excited about. “I would love to be posted overseas. In a funny way, I'm actually looking forward to my first deployment,” he said.