Guiding our future leaders – Australian Army Cadet Volunteers

Article courtesy of the Department of Defence

The Australian Army Cadets are looking for veterans to “answer the call” to support a worthy organisation. 

With nearly 20,000 young people currently involved in the Army-enabled Youth Development Program, the Australian Army Cadets offers a unique opportunity for former serving members to assist in shaping Australia’s future community leaders. 

Volunteering as an Army Cadet Staff (ACS), veterans can share their lived experiences, skills and leadership principles through army-like activities in a safe learning environment to youth aged 12 to19. 

Brigadier David McCammon DSM and Bar, Commander of the Australian Army Cadets, said the positive impact ACS provide is tangible. ‘A leader is only as good as their role model, and with the Army Cadets that role model can set a path to greater things,’ Brigadier McCammon said. ‘Volunteers with the ACS deliver approved programs which have consistently inspired and built the resilience of participants, some of whom have gone on to serve the nation within Defence.’ 

While the focus is squarely on the execution of the Cadet-led activities, for ACS, particularly veterans, the experience and environment can be like a visit from a familiar friend. 

‘Due to the nature of the Cadets and its place with the Australian Army, many veterans involved in the program find a sense of solace and rediscover purpose that is sometimes lacking post-service life,’ Brigadier McCammon said. ‘That feeling of belonging, underpinned by the familiar core values of Army and the uniform, make volunteering as ACS very rewarding.’ 

For veterans who want to be involved with the Australian Army Cadets, the process starts with a visit to the official website, where all the information is available. The Australian Army Cadets is an opportunity to volunteer alongside other like-minded individuals, forge new friendships and importantly undertake youth development in support of Army’s nation-building initiatives as part of a great team. 

For more information visit: www.armycadets.gov.au 

Images:

Cadet Fatima Naseer (left) and Cadet Under Officer Olivia Ambrosini

Australian Army Cadets Captain James Cox