An Introduction to Cadets
What really goes on during cadets?
A. Gilchrist (Training officer of Shore Cadets)
THIS WEEK ON MONDAY THE 1st OF AUGUST, most year 9 Shore boys and Wenona girls had their third session of cadets in the Shore Cadet Unit. Having had only a couple of sessions so far, I’m sure the majority of recruits (year 9) are not entirely sure what to expect, or how the year will go, though I have no doubt many might have heard rumours of what cadets will be like from older boys and girls or brothers and sisters. To be honest I remember in year 9 being in the same position, never really fully knowing what was going on at cadets let alone the plan for the year. So, I would like to do my best to give an outline of cadets from the standpoint of a current senior member of Cadets having continued through year 9, 10 and 11.
To start with, all cadet sessions go from 2:50pm to 5:00pm on each Monday of the Term, and start by forming up on the Oval, otherwise known as the Parade Ground, unless otherwise directed. After forming up, the Company Commanders (this year; Alpha: J Carmody, Bravo: K Pringgoharjono, Charlie: J Nicholas, Delta: J Constantian) will most likely explain what each platoon will be doing, specifically what lessons or drill cadets may be learning during Period 1, and where that will be held, after which the cadets will head off to Period 1 which goes between around 3:15pm and 3:45pm. During Periods there are a variety of different lessons and activities planned, from drill lessons to obstacle courses, to camp skills, to field knowledge etc and are all specially picked out so that the cadets might learn as best they can. The lessons are taught by a range of different ranks, from the section Corporal to the Platoon CUO. This is done to give junior ranks more responsibility and ensure the quality of each lesson for the benefit of the cadets.
Following Period 1, there is an admin Parade from roughly 3:45 to 4:00pm, where the SUO (S Moore), 2ic (D Mautner), Adjutant (P Macgill) and RSM (T Hebblewhite) usually give a welcome, an outline of what the afternoon will roughly look like for everyone and address several admin matters. This is also where the Wenona cadets will arrive and fall into their Companies. Again, Company Commanders will most likely now elaborate on what was said by the SUO, 2ic etc and also on Periods 2 and 3, which will go roughly between 4:00-4:30pm and 4:30-5:00pm. After these lessons Company Commanders are free to dismiss the cadets by 5:00pm.
Camp and Parade:
Now the purpose of these lessons is to prepare the cadets for Camp and Parade. There are two camps, the first of which is a bivouac at the end of Term 3 and is a shorter, more introductory camp, yet still a great experience. The second is AFX (Annual Field Exercise) at the end of Term 4 and is a slightly longer, more involved camp, again great fun. From both past experience and feedback, camp is really where cadets kicks off, as it’s a great medium at bonding everyone together. I can wholeheartedly say that after camp, you feel so much closer and connected to everyone in your Section, Platoon and Company. Finally at the end of Term 1 next year, there will be the Parade which for the previous year’s cadets occurred at the end of last term. The Parade is essentially a big display to the community including staff, parents and all the soon to be year 9 boys, the skills of the unit, with all the years drill lessons coming to the fore.
Band:
A specialist unit of Cadets is the Cadet Band. The band trains during several Mondays each Term and is for all cadets skilled enough to play an instrument. They not only learn more complicated drill but get the opportunity to learn and play many specially chosen pieces of music. These include Waltzing Matilda, Deep River or Lead On Oh King Eternal, and often a more popular song like ‘I’m still standing’. Salutes like the Australian National Anthem, Scipio, the Duke of York and British Grenadiers also comprise a key element of the repertoire. Band is thus seen as a prestigious opportunity to take part of, and it’s shown every Parade that they clearly demonstrate the high standards of the unit.
Independent, Support Company and RHQ:
For those year 9s wishing to continue cadets at the end of the cadet year (Term 1), After completing Junior promos (a promotions camp), they have the opportunity to post their requests for where they would like to end up. There are several options here, more than what they would have experienced as a cadet. One option is to continue within recruit companies A-D and go for a promotion to Corporal or Lance Corporal, who will be charged with the responsibility of a section of cadets (around 5-10 cadets). Another option is to go for a Corporal, Lance Corporal or Senior Cadet in Independent Company. While having the same responsibilities as A-D companies, Independent Company is closer to a real army experience, with focuses on Fitness, Stealth and even the chance on later camps to wield replica firearms. A third option is Support Company, which as the name suggests supports the entire unit and is filled with specialist groups. These include Signallers (in charge of radios), Medics, Pioneers (set up key activities like the obstacle courses), Catering, Surveillance (in charge of GPS’s and tech), Media, Q-store (manage all the equipment) and recruit specialists. Finally, there is RHQ, which stands for Regimental Head Quarters and is the control centre of Cadets. Those in RHQ have the opportunity to influence the direction of the unit and what the year will look like, with direct control on what gets taught, how camp runs, and Parade.