Australian Army Cadets
The Cadet Development Continuum has been designed as a national model that supports all levels of the AAC to deliver a youth development program that complements the levels of adolescent development. It provides a pathway for development of increasingly specialist knowledge and skills that can be tailored to delivery mechanisms, venues and available time. It is essentially built on four levels, each building upon the experiences of the previous levels across three functional areas:
Core
These provide the core knowledge and skills that underpin a cadets ability to participate within the AAC and include – safety, wearing of uniform, living in the field, first aid, drill, radio communications.
I really enjoy the Army training. In the bush we don’t live in tents. We live under a hutchie and light our own fires to cook our rations. I did the survival training that showed me some basic skills on hunting and fishing. On the last day we had an indigenous ranger show us some bush tucker. (Dan, 15)
Electives
Cadets can choose electives based upon their interests and ability. Electives can include: Traditional military-like skills: Advanced radio communications, Command Post Operations, Introduction to Survival techniques, Weapons Safety and Marksmanship; and STEM Based: Robotics, Cyber, Multi-Rotor Unattended Aerial Systems
On the camp this year we did abseiling. I was very scared and my legs were shaking. One of the Cadet volunteers was really good and talked me through everything. I couldn’t believe that I went over the edge and made it to the bottom. After my first go I thought it was great and I went up another 10 times. On my last go I went down facing forwards, which was still scary but I knew I could do it. (Jennifer, 15)
Leading and Instruction
Within these Activity packages cadets develop technical leadership and instructional skills. These allow them to plan and direct activities, which prepares them to fill appointments and conduct instruction within their Army cadet Unit.
When I moved town I didn’t know anyone so I got into cadets. Since then I’ve made a great bunch of friends and I enjoy going away on the promotion courses and the camps. I’ve also learnt how to plan and give orders, so it has made it much easier to organise activities at cadets, but also in my other clubs as well. (Richard, 16)
Other activities
The Cadet Development Continuum describes the formal courses and activities undertaken by cadets. These may be done as standalone courses, or conducted over a period of time. Most Army Cadet Units parade once per week and may do an overnight activity once per month. Each Region will also undertake an Annual Field Exercise where cadets are able to put their skills and knowledge into practice with cadets from across their Region.
I joined cadets this year. It was hard because of COVID. I was able to parade at the Unit so I could do most of the recruit training, but I’ve had to do a lot of lessons online. This has been good as it has kept me in touch with other people who have a similar interest. We have all signed up for the next promotion course which means we should all be able to travel to the course and meet with cadets from other units. I’m thinking I might like the drone elective, but some of my friends have said the survival elective is a lot of fun too. (Dani, 13)
Chief of Army Cadet Team Challenge
Each Region selects a team of 10 cadets to come to Canberra to compete in the Chief of Army cadet Team Challenge, which is a series of challenges designed to test teamwork and skills.
I’ve been in cadets for four years. This year I was an instructor on the junior leader’s course. I really enjoyed instructing and I gained a lot of confidence being in front of a large group of cadets. I was a bit nervous as I did not know most of the cadets, however we have really good access to material and some of the other senior cadets at my unit were really helpful. (Steve 17)
Adventure Training Award
Each Region selects a group of cadets who participate in the Adventure Training Award at a central location. This is an arduous activity undertaken by senior cadets and often tests fitness, resilience and teamwork. Successful participants receive the Adventure Training Award.
I have participated in Exercise Cyber Taipan for the last two years as part of a cadet team. It has helped to build my understanding of cyber defence against hacking and because I have an interest in computer networking, I found the activities to be really worthwhile. Our team did really well this year, and we’re hopeful to submit a team in 2022. (Paul, 16)
Regimental Sergeant Major of the Army Drill Competition
Each Region has a team that is assessed by an Army Regimental Sergeant Major with the winning Region awarded the Regimental Sergeant major of the Army’s Drill prize.