To become an AAC Officer or Instructor, you must satisfy the following minimum prerequisites, as well as other specific requirements depending on the category you are seeking to be appointed to:

• complete a formal application, including a health declaration;
• undergo an interview process and check of your referees;
• undergo a national check of criminal charges and convictions, conducted by the Australian Federal Police;
• if you have previously served in the Australian Defence Force, undergo a check of your military conduct record;
• obtain a clearance to work with children from the relevant State / Territory child protection agency;
• Youth Safety Awareness Training Level 1;
• Youth Safety Awareness Training Level 2 (Once Introduced); and
• accept the Terms and Conditions of Acceptance as an OOC or IOC.

confirmed as suitable by the Cadet Unit host organisation and or management committee of a School-based Unit.

You will be required to attend regular training courses on a range of topics, including occupational health and safety, first aid and youth development.

Officers and Instructors participating in the Cadets program are drawn from a range of backgrounds and professions including:

• Parents and community members
• Members of community organisations
• Teachers
• Ex and current servicemen and women
• People who provide support on a continuing or as required basis
• Occupational health and safety consultants
• Specialist personnel such as HR, change or occupational health and safety managers, administrators or finance officers

Depending on the Cadet Unit that you join, you will need to commit to at least a few hours each week during school terms, either on a week night or weekend, and one annual five to seven day camp. The weekly commitment involves drill and ceremonial, lectures and administrative work.

Part-time OOC and IOC do not get paid a salary or wage for undertaking their duties in the AAC. However, unlike many other youth development organisations, the AAC provides some compensation to its OOC and IOC by paying a Cadet Forces Allowance, which is a daily rate based on your OOC / IOC rank, and paid up to a maximum number of days per year (usually 48 days per financial year).

Most OOC and IOC currently undertake more activities than they will receive CFA for. This is because OOC and IOC are volunteers, not employees. 

Cadet Staff are also eligible, in some specified and limited instances, for travelling, meal and or vehicle allowances.

The AAC provides to new OOC and IOC training in youth leadership and safety management,  training as well as teaching those without military experience the basics of you about bushcraft, fieldcraft skills,  and navigation, military dress and drill, to mention some of the activities that you and your cadets will have the opportunity to participate in.

Throughout your career as an OOC or IOC, you will have the opportunity to, and in some cases will be required to, attend regular training courses on a range of topics, including Work Health and Safety, First Aid, Youth Development and adolescent management, military skills, administration and general management.

Yes, each OOC and IOC holds a rank in the AAC according to your experience, level of training and the position that you hold.

Your OOC / IOC rank will vary from time-to-time as you change positions in the AAC. So you should expect that you rank in a new position may be higher or lower than your previous rank. Promotion is not automatic, and no OOC / IOC has a right to hold a particular rank.

AAC OOC and IOC are supplied with essential uniforms free, on loan from the Army. Uniforms include complete summer and winter ceremonial dress and working uniforms including items such as protective clothing. These items must be returned if you leave the AAC.

You will need to provide items such as underwear, cold and wet weather protection, a sleeping bag, and any other “comfort” items (for example, a camping stretcher if you desire to use one).