Australian Army Cadets
Getting started
The AAC is more than just an after-school activity; it is a partnership between the Australian Army and your local community. Here is what you need to know about your child's journey with us.
Safety & Duty of Care
Safety is our highest priority. All activities are conducted within a strict safety framework and supervised by qualified Army Cadet Staff (ACS)—adult volunteers who undergo rigorous national police checks and Working with Children clearances. We maintain a "Challenge in Safety" approach, ensuring activities are demanding but always controlled.
Costs & Equipment
We strive to keep the AAC accessible to all families. Uniforms are issued on loan at no cost to the cadet. While some units may charge a small term fee to cover local administrative costs or meals, major training activities and camps are significantly subsidised by the Australian Army.
Time Commitment
Most units "parade" one night a week during the school term (usually 6:30 pm to 9:00 pm). There are also weekend activities (bivouacs) and an annual week-long camp. These activities are designed to complement, not hinder, your child’s school commitments.
Not a Recruitment Tool
It is important to note that cadets are not members of the Australian Defence Force. There is no obligation for your child to join the Army later in life. Our goal is to develop youth, not soldiers.
The cadet advantage
The Australian Army Cadets provides a structured environment where young Australians develop the "edge" needed to succeed. We focus on building tangible life skills that translate directly to school, work, and community leadership.
Leadership & Command
Master the ability to lead others toward an objective. You will learn to create actionable plans, communicate them clearly, and motivate your team to succeed under pressure.
Resilience & Character
Build the mental toughness to persist when things go wrong. Our program fosters the personal confidence to handle different situations and interact with diverse groups of people.
Communication Skills
Learn to communicate with precision to diverse audiences. From formal presentations to technical briefings, you will develop professional interview and discussion skills.
Essential Information
Age Requirements
The minimum age is 12, provided you turn 13 in that calendar year. Initial enrolment must occur before your 17th birthday. Cadets age out at the end of the year they turn 18.
Costs & Funding
Participation is free of charge. Uniforms and equipment are provided on loan by the Army. While units may have small local levies for specific activities, major camps are fully subsidised.
Choosing Your Unit
The Australian Army Cadets operates through two distinct types of units. While the training and opportunities are identical, the enrolment process depends on the unit's location and affiliation.
School-Based Units
These units are established within a specific school and are reserved exclusively for students enrolled at that institution. They often parade during school hours or immediately after school as part of the co-curricular program.
Community-Based Units
Open to all eligible youth in the local area. These units operate from Defence facilities, community halls, or local schools, providing a diverse environment where you can meet people from across your region.
Health, Fitness & Wellbeing
The AAC is an inclusive organisation. We actively encourage participation from young people with varied health conditions and support them in managing their own needs in a safe environment.
Our Commitment to Inclusion
- Accessibility: We make all reasonably practicable adjustments to facilitate involvement for those with health needs.
- Management Plans: Where required, we work with parents to document support via Health or Individual Management Plans (HMP/IMP).
- Privacy: Strict privacy provisions apply to all health information provided during the registration process.
Standards of Behaviour
We are committed to the wellbeing of our youth and protecting them from unacceptable behaviours. Every cadet is expected to maintain a high standard of personal conduct, balancing individual choices with the responsibilities of being part of a team.