BRIGADE

224 Army Unit (Canberra) Cadet Precinct, HMAS Harman, Canberra Avenue, HARMAN ACT 2600

Telephone 612 768 65 (Monday parade nights 6.30-9.30 p.m.)

RECRUITING INFORMATION - 224 ARMY CADET UNIT (CANBERRA) 2015

THE CADETS The Australian Defence Force Cadets (ADFC) is a community-based organisation made up of some 27,000 youth and 2000 adult staff in more than 430 units throughout . The ADFC aspires to be Australia’s leading youth development organisation recognised by the community as developing youth with a sense of purpose, responsibility, respect of self and others, leadership ability and a commitment to voluntary service. As an ADFC Cadet, young Australians are able to take part in adventurous, fulfilling and educational activities in a military setting. The Australian Defence Force Cadets (ADFC) comprises the (ANC), the (AAC) and the Australian Air Force Cadets (AAFC) The opportunities provided through the ADFC are made possible because of the thousands of qualified adult volunteer officers and instructors operating in cadet units all over Australia. The ADFC is strongly supported by the Australian Defence Force (ADF). Serving military personnel work hand in hand with the Navy, Army and Air Force Cadets to support ADFC activities. For many young people, participation in the ADF Cadets is the first voluntary step towards recruitment in the permanent forces or reserve forces. For those who choose to pursue non-military careers, they leave Cadets with skills and attributes that set them up for life. CHARTER OF THE ADFC The ADFC is a training and development organization for Australian youth. Its purpose is to provide a unique opportunity to experience aspects of life within the Australian Defence Force (ADF), by participating in activities undertaken within a military framework. Cadet training provides progressive, interesting and challenging training intended to encourage the development of positive personal and team characteristics. Cadet training encourages the achievement of success in life with a spirit of service to Australia through commitment within the local community, and it provides an understanding of the ADF, specifically its place within the community, and its career options. WHAT IS THE AUSTRALIAN ARMY CADETS (AAC)? The Australian Army Cadets (AAC) is a youth development organisation sponsored by the Australian Defence Force, dedicated to providing opportunities for all young Australians to obtain comprehensive personal challenges and growth, enhanced self-esteem and self-discipline, and adventurous enjoyment in a military setting. The AAC is actually the oldest youth organization in Australia, cadet units having been set up towards the end of the 19 th century. Since then there have been many changes in the AAC. The AAC’s members are not actually members of the Army despite the close connection and the uniform. The Australian Army Cadets (AAC) is controlled by the Directorate of Army Cadets, based at Army Headquarters in Canberra. Discipline is similar to school in some ways, but a lot different in others, and we exert a lot more discipline than in the schools. This is because we try to reflect the Army environment and hence Army discipline. So far as is possible given the circumstances, we try to run our Unit like an Army Unit, within the great limitations imposed on us. Of course, we do take into account the age of our cadets when doing this. Cadets have to conduct themselves at the Unit, and in public when in AAC uniform, in such a way as to reflect credit on the AAC. Our rules on appearance for cadets are essentially the same as the Army’s rules. We wear a uniform which is very much like the Army uniform. Male cadets must have their hair cut in keeping with Army style – that is, neat, trimmed, short and tidy at all times. Female cadets have to either have short hair or wear it pinned up. Unusual haircuts are not permitted to be worn when you are in uniform. Male cadets are NOT permitted to wear earrings or visible body piercings while in uniform. Female cadets are permitted only to wear one single keeper earring of gold or silver stud type with an orb not greater than 5 mm in diameter in the lobe of each ear. No other type of earring or visible body piercing may be worn whilst in uniform. UNIT IDENTIFICATION. The local unit is 224 Army Cadet Unit (Canberra), or ‘224ACU’ for short. 224 ACU belongs to the New South Wales Army Cadet Brigade, which has its Headquarters in Sydney. There is only one AAC unit in Canberra, which has an establishment of 7 Army Cadet Staff, and some 100-120 cadets, including senior cadets. Our ACS include personnel with extensive Australian Regular Army and Australian Army General Reserve experience as well as long experience with cadets. Our Sponsor Unit is 8 Signal Regiment, which provides assistance from time to time with 224ACU unit activities. 2

AIM OF MILITARY TRAINING WITHIN THE AAC. The aim is to develop and interest in the Army and its traditions, to encourage cadets to continue military or community service, to give cadets a foundation of military knowledge and discipline, to develop the qualities of leadership, self-discipline, self-reliance and initiative, and to provide training that may contribute to Army common induction training ENABLING LEGISLATION FOR THE AAC AND OTHER POLICIES. The AAC is authorised under Section 62 of the Defence Act 1903. It is subject to the Cadet Forces Regulations, Australian Army Cadet Corps Policy Manual, Training Management Program (TMP) and the Army/AAC Standing Orders on Dress. EQUITY, DIVERSITY AND SOCILA ISSUES The Australian Army Cadets (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 (this includes tobacco and alcohol) and is committed to a zero tolerance of sexual and other forms of harassment. There is a strict no-fraternisation rule whilst on AAC activities. ELIGIBILITY/ REQUIREMENTS FOR ENROLMENT. The AAC is open to boys and girls. You must have either reached the age of 13 years, or will reach the age of 13 years during the calendar year of enrolment, but not yet at the age of 18 years. Recruiting intakes are on the first three Monday evenings of first and third school terms, that is, in February and July/August. You need to be physically fit enough to undertake normal activities such as marching, camping and strenuous outdoor activities such as cross-country navigation. You must be an Australian citizen or hold permanent resident status. You need to complete an application for enrolment form, and a next of kin details and medical statement form. Further information on medical requirements is under the heading ‘HOW DO YOU JOIN THE AAC. 4. Medical’, below. You must not already be a member of the AAFC or ANC or a member of the Australian Defence Force. RELATIONSHIP OF THE AAC WITH THE ARMY. The AAC is affiliated with the Australian Army, although, as stated above, AAC members are NOT members of the Army. The Army sponsors AAC units, although we have to meet some of our own costs. If you join the AAC, there is no obligation whatever to join any branch of the ADF such as the Army. You may resign from the AAC whenever you wish. [If you do resign, you must return ALL items of uniform and equipment, and you must be up-to-date with your dues.] Conversely, being in the AAC does NOT entitle you to a place in the Army or any other branch of the ADF. However, we feel that service in the AAC will place you at a distinct advantage if you apply for the ADF, because you will have some knowledge of how the ADF works (especially the Army) and will be better able to give informed and confident answers at the interview.

OBLIGATIONS AND COMMITMENTS. As a cadet in the AAC, you have the following obligations and commitments: 1. to attend all weekly parades during school terms. 2. to attend a minimum two weekend bivouacs per year. 3. to apply for all leave, giving reasons if unable to attend for exceptional circumstances, or illness, or school examinations. Apply in advance if possible. If not, telephone on the night of the parade and submit a completed leave form on your return. 4. to ensure that cadet participation does not affect school achievements. 5. to pay your dues on time (or make special arrangements for payment). 6. to obey lawful orders and commands. 7. to attend the 8-day annual camp (October school holidays each year). 8. to undertake the tests (exams) in each subject in the Cadet training syllabus. 9. to wear the uniform correctly and in such a way as to bring credit upon the AAC 10. to keep appearance (such as hair styles, etc) within Army rules whilst in uniform 11. to NOT wear or use items of AAC equipment or uniform for non-AAC purposes. 12. TO RETURN ALL UNIFORMS AND EQUIPMENT WHEN YOU LEAVE. NOTE: It is expected that you will return the uniform & equipment automatically without us having to follow you up to ask you to do so. TRAINING AND SYLLABUS There is a standard AAC syllabus throughout Australia, which we call the Training Management Program, or TMP. Although there is some flexibility in extra subjects offered, we have to teach the core syllabus or TMP. The training program is arranged in 6-month segments. This is followed by more specialised training, and after completing promotion training and obtaining sufficient experience and expertise, a few cadets can take on duties as instructors themselves. At the end of each subject, there is a test (exam).. These subjects are covered in the classroom or on the parade ground during Monday night parades. It DOES involve a fair amount of ‘classroom’ learning as it is important to understand the theory behind what we do. The modern Army is getting very technological, but it is not always realised that even some of the basic, essential soldier skills such as navigation require a good theoretical knowledge. We cannot do physical, field activities on Monday night 3 parades because of the built-up environment, and also as you will appreciate, in the cold months of the year trying to do outside physical activities at night is far too cold!! WEEKLY TRAINING. Apart from foot drill on the parade ground, our major activities at this stage are classroom lessons. There is a lot of theory to learn, especially in the early stages, and this knowledge must be imparted through classroom teaching. WEEKEND SPECIALIST TRAINING. The practical training and application of training occurs during the two weekend bivouacs, one in first term and the other in third or fourth term, which is why attending them is so important, and indeed is mandatory. We also run occasional one-day Saturday or weekend training for such things as drill, practice for Anzac Day and graduation parades, fieldcraft and NCO training. These particular activities are voluntary but we encourage cadets to attend. BIVOUACS. Bivouacs are weekend camps where we live out in the bush as a unit. Bivouacs are physically demanding and much tougher than most other camping you will do. Cross-country navigation through bush is one of the major activities, and we also cover survival skills, radio communications and leadership. Senior cadets actually lead the cadets in the field, under careful staff supervision. When we are on bivouacs, by law we are not allowed to conduct ‘war-games’, and we are not allowed to take weapons out into the bush, so we have to utilise military-type skills in other ways to achieve our training objectives in a legally-acceptable way. ANNUAL CAMPS. These are compulsory 8-day camps for AAC cadets run at the various locations such as the Army Base at Singleton NSW during the October school holidays each year. At present these camps are predominantly free although cadets but may in some cases incur costs of up to $40 for additional necessities. These camps include activities such as navigation, Steyr rifle shooting, and when facilities are available may also include watercraft training, obstacle course training and abseiling. Some camps can include Adventure Training. RANKS AND PROMOTION. If competitively selected to do so, cadets can also undertake promotion courses. The New South Wales AAC Brigade runs promotion courses for promotion to Junior Non-Commissioned Officer (JNCO), Senior Non-Commissioned Officer (SNCO), Warrant Officer (CSM) and Cadet Under Officer (CUO). We undertake a certain amount of pre-promotion training to assist cadets who are about to undertake promotion courses. THERE IS NO GUARANTEE THAT YOU WILL ATTEND A PROMOTION COURSE, AND ATTENDANCE AT A COURSE IS NOT A GUARANTEE THAT YOU WILL BE PROMOTED. Promotion is NOT automatic and cadets must successfully complete a formal promotion course, then compete for promotion within the Unit. The cadet ranks within the AAC are: Cadets: Recruit (REC) – starting rank, Cadet (CDT) – after successful completion of Recruit stage., Junior Non-Commissioned Officers (JNCOs): Cadet Lance Corporal, Cadet Corporal Senior Non-Commissioned Officers (SNCOs): Cadet Sergeant, Cadet Staff Sergeant, Warrant Officers: Cadet Warrant Officer Class 1 and 2 Cadet Officer: Cadet Under Officer

HOW IS THE AAC DIFFERENT TO OTHER ORGANIZATIONS? Our affiliation with the Army, and our emphasis on Service-type training and discipline, and that we are primarily a training and development organization, are probably the major differences between us and other youth groups. The closest types of organizations to us are the AAFC and the ANC, although they run a different type of syllabus, with more emphasis on the technicalities of aviation and of maritime activities. We say to cadets that we encourage them to go out and participate in community life, to undertake sporting activities and so on, and perhaps even to join another youth organization if they wish. There are many very worthwhile groups out there, such as Scouts, Guides, YMCA, St John Ambulance Cadets, sporting teams, music groups, debating teams etc. We try to do the things we do well, but we are not trying to compete against other community groups. We cannot be ‘all things to all people’ and so will not plan activities to use up all of the cadets’ spare time. Also, we do not try to duplicate what other youth organizations do. COSTS. The Army strongly supports the AAC, and in particular sponsors us with the supply of free uniforms, and some equipment, the use of this Depot, and the provision of annual camps. However, we still have to raise funds to support some of our activities and to pay for some equipment and administrative materials, training materials, stationery, and various running expenses. We also have to pay an annual fee per cadet to our Headquarters, to pay for personal and public liability insurances. DUES This money we raise by charging dues of a once-only initial joining fee ($65) which will pay amongst other things for name tags, a navigation textbook, and a first aid textbook; and dues $65 per semester (i.e. every 6 months), payable in advance ( thus a total of $130 when first joining). Thereafter the cost is $65 at the beginning of every 6 months. We can accept cash or cheques, but do not have credit or EFTPOS facilities. 4 If you have very difficult personal financial circumstances, you can approach our Administration Officer to discuss the matter confidentially. In such cases we may be able to arrange, for example payment of dues in two parts, at the beginning of the semester and the middle of the semester. However, what needs to be remembered is that as we do not actually get Unit funds from other sources – the Army does not give us a unit budget - so if you do not pay dues, other cadets are in effect subsidising you. We will always issue the cadet with a written receipt, so please make sure that you get the receipt from your son or daughter the same day the dues are paid, just in case! Additional costs. There will be some costs associated with food, first aid, safety communications, provision of portaloos and other expenses at bivouacs, of which there are a minimum of two per annum, (of the order of approximately $50-$60 per cadet per bivouac). In addition, there may from time to time be a bus/coach fare to bivouacs (of the order of $25 - $40 per cadet per bivouac), although in recent years this has not been payable as parents have used their own transport to get cadets to and from bivouacs within the Canberra area. All in all, bivouacs could thus usually add about $120 to the cost of membership each year. In addition you may have to provide some items for bivouacs but we can advise you on how to obtain bivouac gear most economically. There will sometimes be a small cost to each cadet for attendance at promotion courses (such as Junior Leaders’ (JNCO) and Senior Leaders’ (SNCO) courses) and Adventurous Training Award (ATA), of the order of $50 to $90 per course, if your son/daughter/ward is selected and chooses to attend. We also have a small canteen here, which sells confectionery and drinks to the cadets on Monday parade nights. The profits from the canteen go towards Unit funds. We are required to account for our funds, keep proper records, and have them audited each year. Staff do not receive any of your money from dues or the joining fee. Petty Cash expenditures out of our own pockets for the Unit require a Petty Cash Claim Form and the reimbursement is noted in the Unit financial records. STAFF. Before a person can be appointed as an Officer of Cadets (OOC) or Instructor of Cadets (IOC), he or she has to undergo a detailed selection process which includes a Police Check and a Child Protection Clearance. Before being finally appointed as an OOC or IOC, the applicant has to spend time as a Unit Assistant (UA) to enable the applicant to consider his or her future employment in the AAC, and to gain experience and further training. Enrolled OOC/IOC staff are paid a limited, fully-taxable amount by the Army, based on actual attendance at approved AAC activities; this is paid direct by Defence Pay Accounting, and does NOT come out of dues. Other staff may be volunteers from the Regular Army, Army Reserve, other Services, or adult helpers who are not paid for their volunteer cadet work. All such volunteers must have a police check and a child protection clearance. PARENT SUPPORT. A Parent Support Group is permitted by the AAC Policy Manual (which specifies that its only role is fundraising), and is in essence to raise funds for specific projects, and also to help out from time to time in such things as cooking of meals in some circumstances. I would encourage parents to give serious consideration to assist if they can. We do have parents who help out from time to time in such things as food preparation at bivouacs, assisting with unit administration, and running the canteen. There may be several projects which could be the basis for future fundraising efforts if a more formal fundraising group could be formed. HOW DO YOU JOIN THE AAC? You must join at the time of the recruit intakes at the beginning three or four weeks of Term 1 or Term 3 each year (i.e. We do NOT accept enrolments outside of those intakes, because otherwise it interferes with training. 1. Complete the Application Form. If you do decide at the end of this information session that you do wish to join, you will be given an AAC application folder which will contain the necessary forms. It is important that you complete these forms, sign them and have them witnessed as indicated on the form. 2. Complete the Undertaking to Return Uniform and Equipment. One of the forms which you must complete and sign before we can process the application is an undertaking to return all items of uniform and equipment. 3. Produce a Copy of the Applicant’s Birth Certificate or Extract of Birth Entry. You will need to show us the ORIGINAL of your Birth Certificate or Extract of Birth Entry in order to prove your age. We must see the originals of these certificates. We are not allowed to accept baptismal certificates or any other form of documentation, nor are we allowed to accept photocopies, even if they are certified. We do NOT RETAIN these certificates. We just require to see them, then they are given back. We will not hold on to them, so as to avoid the risk of losing them! 4. Medical. There is no longer a requirement to have a medical conducted by a doctor prior to enrolment of a cadet in the AAC. However, the AAC will collect health condition information on cadets on a regular basis and in a number of other ways, including: a. A ‘Health Declaration’ to be completed before enrolment / appointment by the cadet applicant’s parents/carers or by the ACS applicant. This declaration will provide adequate information to enable the AAC to make any determinations regarding the individual’s capacity to join the organisation and participate in AAC activities. The Health Declaration Record is only to be used during the enrolment / initial appointment process and is to be retained on the Cadet / ACS personnel file held in ACU / 5 Regional HQ. b. A ‘Health Management Plan’ required for those cadets and ACS who have a health condition, as

described in the AAC policy on the Management of Health Conditions. c. Completion of NOK / Medical Statements by all members prior to attendance at each AAC activity (other than Monday night parades). The AAC reserves the right for a commander at ACU level or above to request that an applicant, appointed ACS or enrolled cadet provides a certificate of medical suitability from their General Practitioner / Specialist and/or attend a medical appointment with an ADF doctor. This action will be taken when the commander has concerns regarding that person’s ability to participate in the AAC program without risk to themselves or other members of the AAC. In particular, this enables ACU Officers Commanding, Battalion Commanding Officers and Regional Commanders to seek further information from an applicant and/or the applicant’s doctor if they are not satisfied with the information provided in the ‘Health Declaration’ or ‘Health Management Plan’. 5. Return the Forms to our Administration Officer 6. Pay the Joining Fee and the Annual Dues The once-only Joining Fee is $65 and six months’ dues are $65. The total is $130. After that, the fee is $65 each six months. WHEN CAN YOU COMMENCE TRAINING? Once you have completed the necessary forms and paid your dues, you can commence training. Following the information nights, unless otherwise advised, the initial recruit training starts on the fourth Monday of school Term 1 or school Term 3, whichever is sooner, at 1830 hours (6.30 p.m.) sharp until 2130 hours (9.30 p.m.) at this Depot. UNIFORMS You will get your uniform some weeks into the course, after each recruiting intake has been completed, at this Depot. The AAC uniform and equipment are issued free of charge. If you grow out of it or wear it out through fair wear and tear, you can get a free replacement. If it is not fair wear and tear, or you lose it, you may have to pay for damaged or lost items. Trousers, hat, shirt, jumper, socks and boots, pack and field equipment will be issued. It is a condition of entry to the AAC that you MUST return all items of AAC uniform clothing and equipment issued to you when you leave, otherwise you will be invoiced for them. The uniform and equipment, including books and training manuals, continue to remain the property of the Commonwealth and/or the Unit. EQUIPMENT. Some items of equipment issued on temporary loan to cadets, such as prismatic compasses and military protractors, are expensive and have to be purchased out of unit funds. If you lose an item of equipment, damage it, or have it stolen due to insufficient care, you may have to pay the full or partial cost of the items.

LEAVING THE AAC. You may resign at your own request at any time. You must leave on reaching your 18th birthday (note – a small number of very senior cadets such as CUOs can serve until they turn 20). You must leave if you become medically unfit, or if misconduct is proven, or due to irregular attendance or absence without leave for more than 3 week, or if you move to a place where there is no AAC unit. If you join the RAAF, Army, Navy, or their Reserves, or if you join the AAFC or ANC. you must leave the AAC. [NOTE: ARA, RAAF and RAN (and Reserve) personnel can, however, serve in the AAC as staff. For example, some of our staff have also been in the Regular Army or the Army Reserve whilst serving as OOCs.] PARENTS. We welcome enquiries from parents to become Volunteer Adult Staff (non-uniformed). We are also looking for suitably qualified people to become Adult Cadet Staff (uniformed), for which there is a selection process and, once appointed, a training program. Please contact our staff at the information evening for further details. CONTACTING THE UNIT. All staff members are part-time volunteers, with family and work commitments outside the AAC. If you need to contact the Unit or a particular staff member, please DO NOT telephone staff at home or wok unless specifically requested by us to do so beforehand. There are very few if any emergencies which could not wait until the parade night, when you can get us on telephone number 612 768 65 between the hours of 7 p.m. and 9.30 p.m. on Monday parade nights. We are part-timers, so please do NOT try to contact us at the Multi-User Depot outside those hours as we do not staff the office here outside of Monday evenings. Instead, if the matter is sufficiently genuinely urgent, you can telephone Lieutenant (AAC) Cherilyn Carey during the week on telephone no. 0457 723 865.