Australian Army Cadets
The Australian Army Cadets shares the character and values of the Australian Army. These values guide our conduct and help prepare young Australians to be active, responsible, and capable citizens:
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.
Honours & awards
Australian Cadet Forces Service Medal
Instituted in 1999 to replace the Cadet Forces Medal, the Australian Cadet Forces Service Medal recognises long-term commitment from Officers and Instructors of Cadets. While not a Defence long service award, it is positioned alongside them to reflect the active sponsorship of the Australian Army Cadets (AAC) by the Australian Defence Force.
- Eligibility: Officers and Instructors of Cadets who completed 15 years of qualifying service on or after 14 February 1975. Clasps are awarded for each additional 5-year period.
- Applications: Current and former members must apply through State Headquarters. Former members may submit directly to Headquarters AAC.
- How to Apply: Ensure you complete form AC972 and submit to aac.hq.pers.inbox@defence.gov.au.
Australian Army Cadets Commendations
The AAC Commendation scheme provides a formal mechanism to recognise merit and achievement in support of the AAC. There are 4 levels, as covered below.
Gold Commendation
Awarded for superior achievement or devotion in the application of skills, judgement, or dedication to duty. Nominations must demonstrate a significant positive impact on the AAC.
Group Commendation
Awarded to a group of people recognising their shared effort to an outcome worthy of recognition.
Silver Commendation
Recognises excellent achievement in the application of skills, judgement, or devotion to duty with a clear benefit to the AAC or a specific region.
Bronze Commendation
Awarded for high or noteworthy achievement that demonstrates a positive impact within a local community or region.
Deputy Chief of Army Adventure Training Award
The Deputy Chief of Army (DCA) Adventure Training Award (ATA) is the pinnacle of physical and mental challenge in the AAC. Cadets who successfully complete this demanding field activity earn the prestigious "boomerang and torch" badge. Challenges include watermanship, roping, survival skills, and advanced day/night navigation.
Ready to take the challenge?
Participation is by selection. Cadets and Staff can obtain further details by contacting their relevant Regional Headquarters.
Chief of Army Cadet Team Challenge Badge
The Chief of Army Cadet Team Challenge Badge is awarded to teams that participate in the Chief of Army Cadet Team Challenge and achieve a certain level of performance in their assessment during the challenge, as covered below.
Chief of Army Cadet Team Challenge – Gold Badge
Awarded to teams which achieve a 'Superior' level from the assessment.
Chief of Army Cadet Team Challenge – Silver Badge
Awarded to teams which achieve an 'Excellent' level from the assessment.
Chief of Army Cadet Team Challenge – Bronze Badge
Awarded to teams which achieve a 'High' level from the assessment.
Regimental Sergeant Major – Army Drill Competition Badges
The Regimental Sergeant Major – Army (RSM-A) Badges are awarded to teams and individuals that achieve certain levels through the assessment. During the RSM-A Drill Competition activity, there are 3 separate competitions that are held:
- Team Drill Competition
- Sword Drill Competition – for Cadet Under Officers
- Pace Stick Drill Competition – for Cadet Warrant Officers
The different badges and their corresponding levels are covered below.
RSM-A Drill Competition – Gold Badge
Awarded to teams and individuals which achieve a 'Superior' level from the assessment.
RSM-A Drill Competition – Silver Badge
Awarded to teams and individuals which achieve an 'Excellent' level from the assessment.
RSM-A Drill Competition – Bronze Badge
Awarded to teams and individuals which achieve a 'High' level from the assessment.