13 Australian Army Cadets

Why would you want to join the Australian Army Cadets (AAC)? Well, there are lots of reasons! For a start, you get to go camping, abseiling, boating and learn to properly use firearms. Apart from getting involved in all kinds of action and adventures, you'll also make heaps of new friends. Joining the Army Cadets is your chance to experience a really awesome time by getting into some adventurous activities conducted in a military setting. There are more than 14,000 Army cadets based in 224 units around Australia, so there's sure to be a unit near you.

As a cadet, you'll learn to be confident, self sufficient and willing to 'have a go'. It's your opportunity to discover new challenges and have some unbelievable fun. You'll also learn to lead others and work as a member of a team. You'll be able to do things for yourself and help your friends learn too. Cadet life is physical but not risky - and you won't have to be a superwoman or superman. Qualified and experienced cadet officers will instruct you. Safety is always a top priority.

Youth who are 13 years of age anytime in the year are eligible to enrol in the AAC. Once enrolled, they may remain as a cadet until the end of the year in which they attain 18 years of age, or in special circumstances, until attaining 20 years of age. A cadet in the AAC is not a member of the Australian Defence Force.

The AAC is authorised under Section 62 of the Defence Act 1903. The AAC is an equal opportunity organisation that does not discriminate on the grounds of race, colour, sex or religion. The AAC has a no drugs policy and is committed to a zero tolerance of sexual and other forms of harassment. Adult personnel who have attained the appropriate age and who satisfy prescribed criteria may apply to join the adult staff of the AAC. Adult staff members will be offered initial and follow-on training to enable them to perform the duties of their appointment. Adult staff will also receive payment at the prescribed rate. An adult staff member appointed as an Officer or Instructor of Cadets in the AAC is not, by virtue of that appointment, a member of the Australian Defence Force.

Australian Army Cadets has strong links to the Australian Army, but cadets are not part of the Army. And there is absolutely no expectation for you to join the military or go to war.

“Australian Defence Force Cadets and cadet staff are drawn from a diverse range of unique backgrounds and experiences. All are committed to providing and enjoying a positive and safe youth development experience, respecting the value and dignity of all people, and recognising the particular rights and needs of young people.

ADF Cadets aim to be inclusive of all young people and staff, including those with disabilities, health conditions and allergies. All reasonable steps will be taken to include any person whose individual circumstances may necessitate special consideration in cadet unit activities, provided such steps do not jeopardize the safety or cadet experience of others.

Once certain age, citizenship, medical management and parental support requirements are met; all young people will have the opportunity join one of the three cadet organisations: Australian Navy Cadets, Australian Army Cadets or Australian Air Force Cadets.”