For Cadets

To join Navy Cadets you must be able to meet all of the conditions stated in the section above. Then you should contact your local Navy Cadet Unit to discuss with the unit staff your desire to join and submit an application online. To find your local unit please use our unit finder.

You can apply to join the ANC while you are aged under 17 years. Once you have your 17th birthday, you will no longer be able to join the ANC.

Navy Cadets are supplied uniforms free, on loan from the Navy. Uniforms include complete summer and winter ceremonial dress and working uniforms including items such as protective clothing. These items must be returned if you leave the ANC.

The ANC has a rank system similar to the Australian Navy's.

All new Navy Cadets start as 'Recruits'. The general promotion pattern is: Seaman, Able Seaman, Leading Seaman, Petty Officer, Chief Petty Officer then Warrant Officer.

Promotion to the next higher rank is not automatic, and not every cadet will reach the higher ranks. Promotion is only given to people who demonstrate their enthusiasm to be a cadet, their ability to hold positions of higher responsibility, and their completion of any required training courses.

Each Unit differs and some charge a joining fee, a per-quarter fee and a parade levy on training nights. Weekend activities, where meals are provided by the Unit, will normally incur a small cost per meal. Activities where meals are not provided are usually free of charge.

Also where training courses are conducted by outside agencies, such as the Australian Red Cross and the Australian Yachting Federation; costs are borne by parents. However, these fees are generally at a lower rate than is normally available. Week-long camps known as ACTs (Annual Continuous Training) also incur a fee.

For more information about activity fees contact your local ANC Unit.

Yes, there may be opportunities to take part in Cadet activities such as annual camps that are held interstate. Also, there may be opportunities to take part in the international exchange scheme (fees apply) where selected Cadets travel to countries such as the UK, USA, Canada and many others.

No Navy Cadet is a member of the Australian Defence Force (ADF). Therefore, you will not be required to complete military service of any kind.

Will I be required to join the Navy or the Australian Defence Force once I leave?

The Australian Navy Cadets is administered, sponsored and supported by the Navy but it is not a part of the Navy.

Cadets are not members of the Navy or the Australian Defence Force.  

Many ex-cadets do go on to join the Army, Navy or Air Force after finishing school but the decision to do so is made by the individual.

There is absolutely no requirement for anyone who has been a cadet to join the Defence Force unless they wish to do so.

A School-Based Unit is an Navy Cadet Unit that has been established within a school, and operates as part of that school’s co-curricular activities. Other than that, there is no difference between a School-Based Unit, and any other type of Navy Cadet Unit.