Australian Army Cadets
Australian Army Cadets prepares cadets for success in their chosen way of life, increasing their awareness and understanding of the Army and the role Army plays in society by delivering enjoyable, well organised, Army- like activities in a challenging and safe environment.
Australian Army Cadets provides a challenging and stimulating contemporary Army cadet experience that develops and inspires young people within a safe environment.
The Australian Army Cadets creates an environment where young people, regardless of their background, can come together, learn new life skills, make new friends and reach their full potential.
Some key points for parents and guardians:
- The Army Cadets is sponsored by the Army, but there is absolutely no requirement for cadets to join any of the armed services at any time.
- Youth participation in Cadets is voluntary. Youth participants are not members of the Australian Defence Force and are not subject to the Defence Force Discipline Act.
- The minimum age to apply as a cadet is 12, where the cadet would turn 13 in the calendar year in which they would be accepted.
- Military-Like activities (MLA) are a distinguishing feature of the Army Cadets program. MLA are conducted as part of the Army cadet program however participation is voluntary.
- The Army cadets encourages participation by young people of all abilities, and will endeavour to facilitate involvement of people with special needs or health conditions provided a safe environment can be maintained.
- The Australian Army does not charge any fees for youth participation in the Australian Army Cadets.
- The Australian Army provides uniforms and most equipment, and when cadets go on annual camp the Army will provide the accommodation, food and travel.
- Units may levy a subscription fee to cover costs associated with their unit activities that may include elements additional to the AAC’s core curriculum.
Youth protection
The Australian Army recognise that we have a duty of care to safeguard and protect our cadets, and we do all that we can to promote their health, safety and wellbeing. The ADF Cadets Youth Protection and Safety Policy can be accessed here.
Australian Army Cadets staff, volunteers and cadets are protected from all forms of harm or discrimination through policies, processes and active management of any incidents.
Every volunteer undergoes screening when they join, before they can train and lead our cadets.
All our volunteers also complete Youth Protection training when they join the Army Cadets as well as regular refresher training.
Please click here to view Commander Australian Army Cadets Work Health and Youth Safety Statement.
Raising and reporting concerns
The Australian Army Cadets takes all concerns seriously.
If you have any concern relating to immediate risk or harm to one of our cadets, or any child or young person, please report it directly to the police on 000.
The fastest and easiest way to raise a concern is to speak to your local unit Army Cadet Staff.
Additionally, concerns can be reported to an Army Cadets HQ incident manager – aac.hq.incident.management@defence.gov.au
Or contact ADF Cadets:
Please use the YOUTH ConCERN form to provide information if you have a concern about your care or treatment within Defence or a Defence youth program.
A parent, guardian or other adult may submit this form on behalf of a person under 18.
When completing this form please provide as much information as possible and include your name and preferred contact details so we can contact you to discuss your concerns and send to: youth.protection@defence.gov.au