Cadets
Deputy Chief of Army – Adventure Training Award (ATA)
Midway through Term 1, I was fortunate enough to be nominated by the Pymble Ladies’ College Cadet Unit, to participate in the Australian Army Cadets National Adventure Training Award (ATA). The ATA program was held at Lake Barrington, Tasmania.
The ATA is designed to be the “most physically challenging and demanding field activity”, that an Australian Army Cadet can undertake. I was keen for the challenge, and determined to give my all, to potentially earn the highest accolade a cadet can receive – the prized Boomerang and Torch badge.
The preparation and barrier testing that needed to be achieved in order to qualify as an ATA candidate is very high and of exacting standard.
This included a pack march, carrying approximately 21kg, over a distance of 7.5 km, within a time constraint of 90 minutes. I also needed to pass a swimming test, BEEP test, written knowledge assessment of navigation, first aid, communications, as well as having already attained the promotional rank of Corporal.
On day one of ATA, I arrived at Sydney domestic airport to coordinate with 23 other cadets from NSW. We flew into Launceston airport, and were then transported by bus to our first designated area at Lake Barrington. There were 81 cadets in total, from cadet units across Australia, as well as numerous support personnel and staff from the Australian Defence Force (ADF).
At the base camp, we changed from civilian attire, into our Australian Multicam Camouflage Uniform (AMCU), loaded up our packs (also called “Battle Prep”) and awaited instructions.
Using head torches, we received our first instructions, were allocated Syndicates, travelled by bus, reaching our night location at 1.00am. We set up our hutchies, unrolled sleeping bags onto the cold ground, and tried to grab some rest.
My allocated syndicate was Charlie 2, comprising a group of nine cadets, that we were to stay with for the duration of the challenge. There were eight other syndicates of nine cadets.
First instruction to Charlie 2 was to hike up Mt Roland, a distance of 20km located 1223m above sea level. The hike took several hours in duration to arrive at the summit. We used a map and compasses to navigate the mountain terrain as a team.
Second day challenges were deep rock gully canyoning through Machinery Creek, abseiling down six 30m waterfalls, and realistic field first aid challenges.
Final day involved a navigation kayak across 11km in Lake Barrington, raft making from jerry cans and then as a team, paddling our creation across 1km of lake. We also carried out field first aid and rescue scenarios.
Throughout the three days of intense activity, we were constantly being individually assessed (including five multiple choice/short answer assessments) and assessed as a syndicate.
It was a mental challenge to work as a team to succeed, but at the same time, competing against your team members for the award.
Our syndicate functioned efficiently as a team, and each member of the group had valuable skills to contribute, which added to the overall success of our challenges.
My leadership skills were very crucial during the navigational challenges and the communications activities.
Our syndicate met with the Commander of the Australian Army Cadets, Brigadier Slaughter, which was an incredible experience.
On Friday 12 April, I was presented with the Golden Boomerang and Torch badge, and Certificate, by the Deputy Chief of Army, Major General Chris Smith, DSC, AM, CSC, placing me in the top 1% of all Australian Army Cadets.
All 81 cadets successfully passed the challenge (a fantastic achievement, which hasn’t occurred before).
I attribute my success achieving the Boomerang and Torch, firstly to my family who have supported me in every way, and with huge gratitude to the Pymble Ladies; College Cadet Unit. Joining Cadets in Year 8 was one of the best choices I have ever made.
I have also been inspired by two family members, who both served bravely and purposefully in World War 2. Bomber Command and Flying Officer Keith Weber, and Infantry Private Milton Deutscher. Both Keith and Milton were young livestock and grain farmers leaving their families and farms to protect their nation, ultimately sacrificing their lives in the name of service.
The Pymble Cadet Unit is such a worthwhile Co-curricular activity to participate in, and facilitates growth and development of individuals like no other activity can. Some may say it is not a trendy high school activity to do for girls, and wearing AMCU on Mondays may not be your cup of tea, but it is the ultimate service activity that any young Australian can commit to. Cadets has developed my leadership, self-confidence and has shaped my future.
The Australian Army Cadet values are Service, Courage, Respect, Integrity, and Excellence. These values form the Australian Army Cadets identity are so vital, not only at a national service level, but for everyday society. The values were tested and assessed as part of the ATA, and without knowledge and implementation of these values, I would not have been successful .
The ATA was humbling, gratifying, enlightening and consolidating. The ATA was extremely challenging. Not only physically, but mentally and emotionally. There was no room for self-doubt, or doubt in your syndicate’s aptitude, or my ability to lead with confidence.
Please feel free to ask me any questions that you may have about the Pymble Cadet Unit or my ATA experience. I would be so glad to share.
Written by Hannah Weber (Year 11), Corporal