252ACU
Australian Army Cadet Unit
Cadets have been in existence in Australia for over 100 years. The first unit was established in Australia in 1866, at St Mark's Collegiate School, NSW. This unit subsequently became the King's School Cadet Corps in 1869.
Why would our students want to join the Australian Army Cadets (AAC)? Well, there are lots of reasons! For a start, you get to go camping, abseiling, boating etc. Apart from getting involved in all kinds of action and adventures, you'll also make heaps of new friends. Joining the Army Cadets is your chance to experience a really awesome time by getting into some adventurous activities conducted in a military setting. There are more than 14,000 Army cadets based in 224 units around Australia.
As a cadet, you'll learn to be confident, self sufficient and willing to 'have a go'. It's an opportunity to discover new challenges and have some unbelievable fun. Cadets learn how to lead others and work as a member of a team. You'll be able to do things for yourself and help your friends learn too. Cadet life is physical but not risky - and you won't have to be a superwoman or superman. Qualified and experienced cadet officers will instruct you. Safety is always a top priority.
Youth who are 13 years of age anytime in the year are eligible to enrol in the AAC. Once enrolled, they may remain as a cadet until the end of the year in which they attain 18 years of age, or in special circumstances, until attaining 20 years of age. A cadet in the AAC is not a member of the Australian Defence Force.
Australian Army Cadets has strong links to the Australian Army, but cadets are not part of the Army and there are no expectations that cadets join the Army after Year 12.
ADF Cadets aim 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.
For further information regarding joining cadets please visit the Australian Army Cadet website here:
https://www.armycadets.gov.au/how-to-join/information-for-cadets/