Australian Army Cadets
The Australian Army Cadets delivers well-organised, "military-like" activities designed to increase a young person's resilience and awareness of the Army's role in society. Here are the essential points every parent and guardian should know:
Safety & Voluntary Commitment
- Not Recruitment: While sponsored by the Army, there is absolutely no requirement for cadets to join the armed services at any time.
- Voluntary Participation: Involvement is entirely voluntary. Cadets are not members of the Australian Defence Force and are not subject to military law (Defence Force Discipline Act).
- Inclusive Environment: We encourage participation from young people of all abilities and endeavour to facilitate involvement for those with special needs or health conditions, provided a safe environment is maintained.
Eligibility & Costs
- Age: Youth can apply from age 12, provided they turn 13 within that same calendar year.
- No Joining Fees: The Australian Army does not charge any fees for youth participation in the program.
- Equipment Provided: Uniforms and most equipment are provided on loan. For annual camps, the Army provides accommodation, food, and travel at no cost to the family.
- Unit Levies: Local units may charge a small subscription fee to cover specific administrative costs or activities outside the core curriculum.
Military-Like Activities (MLA)
These activities are a distinguishing feature of our program, designed to provide a challenging and safe environment for growth. While MLA are core to the experience, participation in specific activities remains voluntary to ensure every cadet feels comfortable and safe.
Youth protection
The Australian Army recognises a fundamental duty of care to safeguard and protect every cadet. We are dedicated to promoting a culture where the health, safety, and wellbeing of young people are at the forefront of everything we do.
Policy & Governance
Our operations are governed by the comprehensive ADF Cadets Youth Protection and Safety Policy. This framework ensures that all staff, volunteers, and cadets are protected from all forms of harm or discrimination through rigorous policy management and active incident oversight.
Access the ADF Cadets Youth Protection & Safety PolicyRigorous Screening & Training
- Mandatory Screening: Every volunteer undergoes exhaustive background and security screening before they are permitted to train or lead cadets.
- Continuous Training: All adult staff complete dedicated Youth Protection training upon joining, followed by regular mandatory refresher courses to stay current with best practices.
- Work Health & Safety: We maintain strict adherence to national safety standards to ensure all activities are conducted in a secure, controlled environment.
Reporting concerns
The Australian Army Cadets takes every concern seriously. We are committed to a transparent and responsive reporting process to ensure the safety of all participants.
Immediate Risk or Harm
If you believe a cadet or young person is in immediate danger, contact the Police on 000 without delay.
1. Local Unit Staff
The fastest way to resolve a concern is to speak directly with your local unit Army Cadet Staff (ACS). They are trained to handle issues promptly and according to policy.
2. HQ Incident Management
If a local resolution isn't appropriate, concerns can be escalated to an Army Cadets HQ Incident Manager via email:
ADF Cadets — Youth Concern Form
If you have a concern regarding care or treatment within any Defence youth program, you can submit a formal Youth Concern Form. This can be submitted by the youth participant or by a parent/guardian on their behalf.
Please provide as much detail as possible, including your contact information, and email the completed form to: