Cadets learn from civilian Cadet Officers and Instructors who conduct senior instruction or directly instruct and supervise Cadets.  
Army Cadets is strongly supported by serving military personnel who work hand in hand with the organisation on cadet activities.  
In some cases, civilian volunteers with specialist skills help Cadet Officers and Instructors.

We provide uniforms and most equipment, and when you go on annual camp we provide the accommodation, food and travel.  Each Army Cadet Unit has its own fee structure or charges for certain activities like bivouacs.  Cadets are issued with some equipment including:

• Boots
• Disruptive Pattern Camouflage Uniform (DPCU)
• Basic bush camping gear.

As an Army Cadet they will be offered challenging and inspiring experiences. They will learn valuable life and work skills. As a cadet they will experience some or all of the following :

• Have fun;
• Make new friends;
• Wear a uniform similar to that of the Australian Army;
• Be part of a team;
• Learn to take responsibility;
• Gain leadership skills;
• Learn bush and camping skills like canoeing, communications, abseiling, fieldcraft, orienteering and map reading;
• Undertake tough adventure training and participate in bush camps;
• Learn to safely use civilian firearms and Defence weapons;
• Participate in the Duke of Edinburgh Award scheme;
• Visit Army bases, do activities with Army personnel, and use Army equipment; and
• Attend annual camps and participate in challenging opportunities during the school holidays and on weekends.

The Australian Army Cadets (AAC) is a Commonwealth national strategic youth development program for adolescents between the ages of 13 and 17 years. It is conducted in communities and schools across Australia by the Australian Army (with support from the Department of Defence) in partnership with these communities and schools.

The AAC optimally achieves the development of youth through:

1. their ongoing and regular participation in a continuum of activities and experiences;
2. set within a military-style hierarchical structure and environment (including the adoption of military uniforms, titles, ranks, customs and traditions);
3. sequentially building their skills through the stages of adolescence in their transition to adulthood (such as by providing graduated leadership opportunities and by using the more experienced cadets in the planning and conduct of activities and in senior advisory and representational roles).

Additionally, the AAC seeks to impart to young people the character and values of the Australian Army, while also fostering and supporting within them an ongoing interest in the Australian Army.

AAC activities and experiences are aimed at enhancing the individual, their local community, the Australian Army and, through all of this, the Australian nation.

 We do not tolerate unacceptable behaviour. All Cadets and Cadet Staff have basic rights and obligations to participate in Cadet activities free of discrimination and harassment.  

The AAC Code of Conduct sets out the behaviour expected of Cadets and Cadet Staff and reinforces our values and the importance of a non-discriminatory, fair and safe environment.

Our Behaviour Policy defines appropriate behaviour and provides guidelines for preventing, managing and reporting on breaches  of the policy. All Cadets and Cadet Staff sign up to the Code of Conduct.

Cadet safety is paramount. The Commander AAC has issued a work, heath and safety policy supported by a comprehensive training program to enhance safety awareness for Cadets and their Officers and Instructors. This ensures everyone is equipped with the appropriate skills to safely conduct and participate in the adventurous activities Cadets want to experience.

For further information found in 'Defence Youth Policy Manual'.

The Australian Army Cadets (AAC) is an inclusive youth development organisation. The AAC recognises that there are many varied health conditions that affect people in the community and actively encourages the participation of both young people and cadet staff diagnosed with such conditions. As a youth development organisation, young people should be encouraged and supported to manage their own health conditions. Parents are primarily responsible for ensuring their child is able to manage any health condition(s) they may have. Cadet staff have a responsibility to support cadets while in their care and to provide a safe environment for cadet.

For further information, please visit 'Our Policies'.

The Australian Army Cadets are sponsored and supported by the Army but are not part of it.  Cadets are not members of the Australian Defence Force.  Many ex-cadets do go on to join the Army, Navy or Air Force after finishing school but the decision to do so is made by the individual.  There is absolutely no requirement for anyone who has been a cadet to join the defence force unless they wish to do so.

 Australian Army Cadets and cadet staff are drawn from a diverse range of unique backgrounds and experiences. All are committed to providing and enjoying a positive and safe youth development experience, respecting the value and dignity of all people, and recognising the particular rights and needs of young people.

The AAC aims to be inclusive of all young people and staff, including those with disabilities, health conditions and allergies. All reasonable steps will be taken to include any person whose individual circumstances may necessitate special consideration in cadet unit activities, provided such steps do not jeopardize the safety or cadet experience of others.

Once certain age, citizenship, medical management and parental support requirements are met; all young people will have the opportunity join the AAC, subject to vacancies existing within their local unit.