Australian Army Cadets
The Australian Army Cadets’ all female leadership team focuses on equity for all
The theme of International Women’s Day 2022 was “Break the Bias”. Based on the recent appointment of an all-female leadership team in the Australian Army Cadets (AAC), the program is making positive moves in this direction and the strong and capable team of four have already made their leadership presence felt.
Four outstanding leaders from across four states make up the National Cadet Leadership Team. Amelia Bau from South Australia – National Cadet Under Officer, Emily Flude from Tasmania – National Cadet Regimental Sergeant Major, Kasey Yates from NSW – National Cadet Training Officer and Tessa Zangalis from Victoria – National Cadet Adjutant were recently appointed to represent Army cadets across Australia.
The first all-female leadership team is building on the theme of ‘equity for all’ and is focused on enhancing programs and structures that cater to the broad diversity of over 18,000 Army Cadets from over 250 units around the country to support their growth as leaders in their communities.
The AAC is the youth development program of the Australian Army and focuses on building resilience and leadership capability through professional training and skills development.
Army Cadets National Assistant Commander, Colonel (AAC) David Hill has been extremely pleased with the appointment of the four new Cadet leaders.
“These young people have the responsibility of representing and shaping all of our cadets to be their best selves,” Colonel Hill said.
Army Cadets provides opportunities for youth across Australia to learn and develop life skills that are not always taught in the contemporary classroom. The curriculum caters to a wide array of interests such as Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM)-focused activities, including technology, first aid skills, engineering and survival, and provides an opportunity for youth from diverse backgrounds to connect, resulting in a community of individuals focused on excellence.
Colonel Hill said AAC strives to operate in a respectful, supportive and mature environment to bring out the best in youth, not just within the organisation, but in the communities they serve.
“Our Cadet leaders have demonstrated a maturity and commitment to our Army Cadets values of Service, Courage, Respect, Integrity and Excellence in the best possible way,” Colonel Hill said.
According to National Cadet Under Officer Amelia Bau, the AAC program is far more than just the surface image of weekend bivouacs and practising marksmanship. The Cadets Program is an opportunity for young people to become exceptional leaders whilst developing their technical skills. “The more you apply yourself, the more opportunities you will be presented with,” she says. “The more opportunities you are presented with, the more you will improve and develop. Through the program I have been able to create connections with cadets from across my state, and across the country. Being in the Senior Cadet Leadership Group for the past three years means I have had the privilege of working with other senior appointed cadets from different brigades. This has allowed me to better understand the program from multiple perspectives, as well as develop a network of hard working individuals I can rely on.”
National Cadet Regimental Sergeant Major Emily Flude believes the opportunities that are offered through or in conjunction with the AAC are endless. “I like to take up every opportunity that is presented to me, but even I can’t keep up with all the different opportunities that are offered,” she says. “They range from participating in activities with the other Cadet programs to travelling around Australia for various activities. As this year’s Leadership Team is located around Australia, we hope to make a difference by having open lines of communication, and integration between the different States and Regions so that we can have a successful year despite the challenges posed, especially by COVID.”
According to National Cadet Training Officer Kasey Yates, the AAC program offers a safe and diverse space that helps young individuals to shape our future. “On entering the Cadets, I was surprised at the amazing opportunities it presented, such as participating in the NSW Adventure Training Award which allowed me to network and create unbreakable friendships throughout all NSW,” said Kasey. “I am really proud to be currently working with both the National Cadet team and the CDC team through the process of the Learning to Learn initiative. This will help to improve learning and inclusion for all Cadets nation-wide.”
National Cadet Adjutant Tessa Zangalis found the leadership opportunities are a surprising but added bonus to the full complement of activities and experiences available to her since joining Army Cadets.
“What surprised me the most about Army Cadets was the leadership opportunities available, and for me, it has been the most valuable aspect of cadets,” she said.
“Being able to run activities and shape other cadets to be their best selves is something I never would have expected but am forever grateful for. I remember one of my first parade nights as a recruit, and I was stunned by the maturity of the Non Commissioned Officers who were not much older than me. The emphasis on respect and discipline was a welcome surprise, for sure.”
If you would like to know more about the Australian Army Cadets, or are interested in joining, you can find your local unit and contacts at www.armycadets.gov.au
(Main Picture) National Cadet Adjutant Tessa Zangalis (front, centre) participating in the AAC Adventure Training Awards in the Victorian Grampians - one of the many opportunities provided through the Australian Army Cadet Program.
National Cadet Under Officer Amelia Bau as Dining President at the 2021 South Australian Tri-Service Cadets’ Ball.
National Cadet Training Officer Kasey Yates a the 26 ACU Wollongong NSW, 2021 dining in night, alongside Captain (AAC) Wade Priestly.
Cadet Warrant Officer Emily Flude receiving her Pace Stick from COL (AAC) David Hill when appointed as the National Cadet Regimental Sergeant Major.
Fri, 24 Jun 2022 15:36:50 GMT