Drone Racing Course at Holsworthy

Over the last weekend, five cadets from our MLCSACU had the privilege of attending the Drone Racing 1 course at Holsworthy Barracks, which provided us with the unique opportunity to experience activities that are not part of our usual cadet activities. Throughout the weekend, we were taught how to fly drones that are often used in drone racing through FPV (first-person view). Additionally, we participated in a live fire activity using EF88 rifles, while also experiencing life on the barracks and working alongside cadets from other units. The course offered a valuable opportunity to develop new skills, work with other cadets, and build confidence in a new environment.

The lessons on drones were extremely in-depth and taught us how to operate the racing drones using a controller. At first, controlling the drones was very difficult, but after many lessons, advice from professional drone racers, and practice using the online drone simulation VelociDrone, we were able to direct the drones through obstacles using FPV goggles. Being taught how to use these drones was extremely interesting and definitely pushed us to challenge ourselves. We all hope that these skills we have learnt will come to good use in future drone racing opportunities.

Being able to participate in a live fire activity with the EF88 was extremely interesting and an amazing experience. Learning how the rifles were used in field conditions, how they manoeuvre, and the mechanics behind the weapon was really insightful, and we had the opportunity to talk to specialists in the area. It was an amazing experience, and we were all very grateful to be able to take part in it.

A major part of our experience at the course was meeting cadets from different units. Some of us had never met any cadets outside of our own MLCSACU, and it was interesting being exposed to the different conduct each unit follows and learning how they are contrastingly organised. The course introduced us to new people and allowed us to socialise with a variety of cadets across Sydney.

Overall, the Drone Racing 1 course was an incredibly valuable and memorable experience. From learning how to operate racing drones to participating in the live fire activity and meeting cadets from different units, the weekend allowed us to experience new opportunities outside of our usual cadet activities. We were able to challenge ourselves, develop new skills, and gain a better understanding of the different experiences available within cadets. We are all extremely grateful to have been given the opportunity to attend the course and hope to use what we have learnt in future cadet opportunities.

– LCPL Megan Kuit (Year 10), LCPL Bentley-Lampe (Year 10), LCPL Natalia Gardiner (Year 10), LCPL Veronica Pan, LCPL Dinuli Fernando (Year 10)