About the Australian Army Cadets

The Australian Army cadets is a community-based youth organisation that focuses on the Australian Defence customs, traditions and values. When you become a cadet you will have the opportunity to participate in activities and training that not many other people will do in everyday life. You can learn more about what you will do as a cadet, including learning leadership, team build and survival skills on the What We Do page.

Becoming a cadet

Due to some of the activities you can participate in as a cadet, there are a few requirements that must be met in order to join the Australian Army Cadets.

To join the Australian Army Cadets you must:

  • Be an Australian resident.
  • Be between the ages of 12 and a half and 18. As a cadet you can stay until the day before your 20th birthday.
  • Be able to provide a statement from your doctor confirming you can participate in cadet activities.
  • Not a member of another Cadet force or the Australian Defence Force.
  • Successfully complete a Cadet Enrollment package with parent/guardian permission.

The Cadet Enrollment package can be obtained from our website here, or alternatively it can be requested by attending the cadet unit for a recruitment session. After you have completed the recruitment session and the application forms have been returned. They will be assessed by the unit Commander, and you may be asked for a interview to discuss the activities that will be conducted and your commitment to the Cadet forces.

While there is no mandatory period of service for the Australian Army Cadets, it is expected that you will show some commitment by participating in regular cadet activities and parade nights. If you do find that cadets is not for you, you may choose to leave at any time.

Cadets are expected to show commitment by attending activities for a reasonable period of time. However, you can leave Cadets at any time.  Personal satisfaction is best achieved if you show a keen interest in progressing through the programs.

31 Army Cadet Unit holds monthly recruitment nights on the first Thursday of each month. However if you would like to grab further information, please feel free to contact us at any stage via our contact page.

Vision, Purpose and Values

From the Australian Army Cadet website.

Vision

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.

Purpose

The Australian Army Cadets is a personal development program for young people, conducted by the Australian Army in cooperation with the community, which is designed to benefit the nation by developing the individual, their community and the Australian Army.

Values

The Australian Army Cadets adopts the values of the Australian Army

  • Service. The selflessness of character to place the security and interests of our nation and its people ahead of my own.
  • Courage. The strength of character to say and do the right thing, always, especially in the face of adversity.
  • Respect. The humanity of character to value others and treat them with dignity.
  • Integrity. The consistency of character to align my thoughts, words and actions to do what is right.
  • Excellence. The willingness of character to strive each day to be the best I can be, both professionally and personally