Cadet life is physical but not risky – and you won’t have to be a wonder woman or superman. Safety is always a top priority and with more than 200 Cadet Units Australia-wide, there’s probably one near you.
WHAT’S IT ALL ABOUT?
The Australian Army Cadets is a leading national youth development organisation with the character and values of the Australian Army, founded on a strong community partnership, fostering and supporting an ongoing interest in the Australian Army. The organization has over 19,000 cadets and 1,300 adult staff members.
The Australian Army Cadets provides activities and experiences set in a military-like structure that develops skills and confidence in young people. It teaches young Australians the value of friendship, self-discipline, respect and a spirit of adventure. It also instils the Army values of courage, respect, integrity and excellence.
WHAT WILL I DO AND LEARN?
As an Army Cadet you’ll be offered challenging and inspiring experiences. You will learn valuable life and work skills.
As a Cadet you will:
- Have fun!
- Make new friends
- Be part of a team
- Learn to take responsibility
- Gain leadership skills
- Learn skills including firearms handling, military drill, communications, abseiling, first aid, fieldcraft, orienteering and map reading
- Undertake tough adventure training and go bush, use Defence firearms, complete obstacles courses and maybe attempt to qualify for the Duke of Edinburgh Award
- Visit Australian Defence Force bases and activities, attend annual camps and participate in challenging opportunities during the school holidays and on weekends
WHAT ABOUT UNIFORMS, EQUIPMENT AND FEES?
We provide uniforms and some equipment, and when you go on annual camp we provide the accommodation, food and travel. Each Cadet Unit has its own fee structure or charges for certain activities like weekend bivouacs.
Some of the equipment issued to cadets includes:
- Boots
- Disruptive Pattern Camouflage Uniform (DPCU)
- Basic bush camping gear
WHO WILL INSTRUCT ME?
Cadets learn from adult Officers of Cadets,as well as from senior Cadets, along with Army personnel who work hand in hand with the organisation to support Army Cadet activities. In some cases, civilian volunteers with special skills will be used to assist with the instruction of Cadets.
CAN I JOIN?
To join Cadets you must:
- Be an Australian Resident
- Be turning at least 13 this year
- Not have reached the age of 17 years
- Not be a member of the Australian Navy Cadets or the Australian Air Force Cadets
- Be available to attend the majority of the activities conducted by the Army Cadet Unit that you wish to join
- Agree to abide by the AAC Code of Conduct
- Submit an on-line Expression of Interest and then follow the direction of the responding Officer
- Be aware that a Parental interview is required as part of the enrolment process
- Have your application accepted by the Officer Commanding your Army Cadet Unit
HOW DO I JOIN?
You can find out more about the Army Cadets by going to the Army Cadet website at www.armycadets.gov.au and lodge an Expression of Interest for 513 ACU, Eastern Hills postcode 6082. Recruit intakes occur 1st 4 weeks of Term 1 and last 4 weeks of Term 2 each year. On-line processing can be commenced in the weeks prior to these times.
Contact details
513 (ACU) Army Cadet Unit
Eastern Hills
We parade every Wednesday night from 1540 h to 1930 h.
Ph: 0428 137 663
Email: Teresa.claxon@armycadets.gov.au
