Australian Army Cadets
Ready to find your edge?
The Cadet Development Continuum is designed to grow with you. Every challenge you complete and every badge you earn is a step toward becoming a more confident, capable leader.
Join the AACThe Cadet Development Continuum is a national model designed to challenge, inspire, and empower. It provides a structured pathway for youth to master new skills and lead their peers.
The Three Pillars of Development
- Core Knowledge: Fieldcraft, first aid, and navigation essentials.
- Elective Skills: Specialisation in STEM, Cyber, and Robotics.
- Leadership: Mentoring junior cadets and commanding exercises.
Explore the levels of our program below.
Core
This is the foundation of the Cadet experience. You will master the essential skills that underpin everything we do—from wearing the uniform with pride to living in the field. Core training includes navigation, first aid, radio communications, and fieldcraft, giving you the tools to operate effectively in any environment.
The survival training was a game-changer. We didn't just learn about the bush; we lived it, learning to hunt, fish, and cook our own rations. It’s real-world skill building you just don’t get anywhere else. — 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
The Chief of Army Cadet Team Challenge is the ultimate team challenge available and is a culmination of cadets training and experiences. Each region selects a team of 10 cadets who meet physical and knowledge testing requirements. The exercise provides a positively controlled, range of physical and mental challenges which is designed to test the cadets’ leadership and teamwork.
Cadets are eligible to apply if they:
- Pass pre-selection requirements
- Meet the minimum health and wellbeing standards.
In 2025, the Chief of Army Cadet Team Challenge will take place in Canungra, Queensland from the 07-12 July.
Contact your unit staff partake in pre-selection testing. Pre-selection closes 31 January 2025.
For more information on the activity, contact your regional RSM or National Cadets.
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)
Deputy Chief of Army Adventure Training Award
The Deputy Chief of Army Adventure Training Award provide cadets an opportunity to participate in a range of continuous adventurous activities, including environmental features that induce a perception of risk, where cadets engage in a physically active, adventurous skills-based activity that requires them to interact with the environment over an extended period, in a military-like scenario. Each region selects a team of 10 cadets who meet physical and knowledge testing requirements.
Successful participants receive the Adventure Training Award.
Cadets are eligible to apply if they:
- Will be 16-18 years old at the time of the activity
- Are LAI-CPL or above qualified
- Pass pre-selection requirements
- Meet the minimum health and wellbeing standards.
In 2025, the Deputy Chief of Army Adventure Training Award will take place at Lake Barrington, Tasmania from the 06-11 April.
Contact your unit staff partake in pre-selection testing. Pre-selection closes 31 January 2025.
For more information on the activity, contact your regional RSM or National Cadets.
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
The Regimental Sergeant Major–Army Drill Competition is a series of military drill activities designed to enable cadets to display excellence through the highest precision of self-discipline, alertness and pride that provide opportunities for consistent appraisal of each team's performance in conducting elements of high-profile ceremonies of significance, with rankings competitively determined.
The winning Region awarded the Regimental Sergeant major of the Army’s Drill prize.
Cadets are eligible to apply if they:
- Pass pre-selection requirements
- Meet the minimum health and wellbeing standards.
Contact your unit staff partake in pre-selection testing. Pre-selection closes 31 January 2025.
For more information on the activity, contact your regional RSM or National Cadets.
Keep an eye out for the 2025 location and dates!
National Drone Racing Championships
The National Drone Racing Championships provides cadets the opportunity to showcase their skills in building, flying and repairing drones. Cadet drone racers compete on an outdoor race track to get their fastest time over consecutive laps, with the opportunity to represent the Australian Army Cadets at the Australian Drone Racing Nationals.
Keep an eye out for the 2025 location and dates!
Outside of cadets I've had no previous experience with drones. When I first heard about the opportunity I thought it would be a great way to further my STEM skills. (Zac, 17)