For Parents & Carers

Cadets learn from civilian Cadet Officers and Instructors who conduct senior instruction or directly instruct and supervise Cadets.  

Navy Cadets is strongly supported by serving military personnel who work hand in hand with the organisation on cadet activities.  

In some cases, civilian volunteers with specialist skills help Cadet Officers and Instructors.

We provide uniforms and most equipment, and when you go on annual camp we provide the accommodation, food and travel.  Each Navy Cadet Unit has its own fee structure or charges for certain activities like bivouacs.  Cadets are issued with some equipment including:

• Boots
• Disruptive Naval Pattern Uniform (DNPU)
• Summer and winter ceremonial dress.

As a Navy Cadet they will be offered challenging and inspiring experiences. They will learn valuable life and work skills. As a cadet they will experience some or all of the following :

• Have fun;
• Make new friends;
• Wear a uniform similar to that of the Australian Navy;
• Be part of a team;
• Learn to take responsibility;
• Gain leadership skills;
• Learn bush and camping skills like canoeing, communications, abseiling, fieldcraft, orienteering and map reading;
• Undertake tough adventure training and participate in bush camps;
• Learn to safely use civilian firearms and Defence weapons;
• Participate in the Duke of Edinburgh Award scheme;
• Visit Navy bases, do activities with Navy personnel, and use Navy equipment; and
• Attend annual camps and participate in challenging opportunities during the school holidays and on weekends.

The Australian Navy Cadets (ANC) is a Commonwealth national strategic youth development program for adolescents between the ages of 12 and 18 years. It is conducted in communities and schools across Australia by the Australian Navy (with support from the Department of Defence) in partnership with these communities and schools.

The ANC optimally achieves the development of approximately 2,600 Cadets and some 600 Cadet Staff through:

1. their ongoing and regular participation in a continuum of activities and experiences;
2. set within a military-style hierarchical structure and environment (including the adoption of military uniforms, titles, ranks, customs and traditions);
3. sequentially building their skills through the stages of adolescence in their transition to adulthood (such as by providing graduated leadership opportunities and by using the more experienced cadets in the planning and conduct of activities and in senior advisory and representational roles); and
4. teaches the value of friendship, self-discipline, respect and spirit of adventure.  It also instils the Navy values of teamwork, initiative and moral courage.

Additionally, the ANC seeks to impart to young people the character and values of the Australian Navy, while also fostering and supporting within them an ongoing interest in the Australian Navy.

ANC activities and experiences are aimed at enhancing the individual, their local community, the Australian Navy and, through all of this, the Australian nation.

We do not tolerate unacceptable behaviour. All Cadets and Cadet Staff have basic rights and obligations to participate in Cadet activities free of discrimination and harassment.

The ANC Code of Conduct sets out the behaviour expected of Cadets and Cadet Staff and reinforces our values and the importance of a non-discriminatory, fair and safe environment.

Our Behaviour Policy defines appropriate behaviour and provides guidelines for preventing, managing and reporting on breaches of the policy. All Cadets and Cadet Staff sign up to the Code of Conduct.

Cadet safety is paramount. The Commander ANC has issued a work, heath and safety policy supported by a comprehensive training program to enhance safety awareness for Cadets and their Officers and Instructors. This ensures everyone is equipped with the appropriate skills to safely conduct and participate in the adventurous activities Cadets want to experience.

For further information see the Defence Youth Policy Manual

The Australian Navy Cadets (ANC) is an inclusive youth development organisation. The ANC recognises that there are many varied health conditions that affect people in the community and actively encourages the participation of both young people and cadet staff diagnosed with such conditions. As a youth development organisation, young people should be encouraged and supported to manage their own health conditions. Parents are primarily responsible for ensuring their child is able to manage any health condition(s) they may have. Cadet staff have a responsibility to support cadets while in their care and to provide a safe environment for cadet.

For further information, please visit our policies

The Australian Navy Cadets are sponsored and supported by the Navy but are not part of it.  Cadets are not members of 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.

Australian Navy Cadets and Adult Members are drawn from a diverse range of unique backgrounds and experiences. All are committed to providing and enjoying a positive and safe youth development experience, respecting the value and dignity of all people, and recognising the particular rights and needs of young people.

The ANC aims to be inclusive of all young people and staff, including those with disabilities, health conditions and allergies. All reasonable steps will be taken to include any person whose individual circumstances may necessitate special consideration in cadet unit activities, provided such steps do not jeopardize the safety or cadet experience of others.

Once certain age, citizenship, medical management and parental support requirements are met; all young people will have the opportunity join one of the three cadet organisations: ANC; Australian Army Cadets (AAC) or Australian Air Force Cadets (AAFC); subject to vacancies existing within their local unit.

CADET SAFETY IS PARAMOUNT

The Australian Defence Force Cadets has an occupational health and safety policy supported by a comprehensive training program to enhance safety awareness for cadets and their officers and instructors.

This ensures everyone is equipped with the appropriate skills to safely conduct and participate in the adventurous activities cadets want to experience.

CADETLiFe is a mental health and wellbeing program that aims to give cadets a chance to talk about issues that are important to them and increase their resilience.

The program has been designed specifically for cadets – with scenarios and discussion workshops based around their experiences.

CADETLiFE has been piloted in three states over 2007 and will be available to all units in 2008.

CADETLiFe has been designed by Australia’s leading expert on adolescent mental health, Professor Graham Martin from the University of Queensland.

Cadets are instructed by skilled Uniformed Adult Members, who are drawn from a variety of professions.

The officers and instructors are selected for their interest in youth development and commitment to undertaking the training programs.

OUR CADET STAFF

• Teachers
• Parents and community organisation members
• Ex-servicemen and women
• Senior cadets
• People who provide support on a continuing or as required basis

Officers and instructors are required to attend training courses at various points during their time as a cadet staff member.

To participate in a cadet unit, officers and instructors must satisfy the following prerequisites:

• Completion of a formal application
• Clearance following a criminal record check
• Psychological screening
• Clearance from a Selection (Interview) Board
• Working With Children clearance in applicable States and Territories
• Confirmation of suitability by the cadet unit or squadron's host organisation and/or management committee of a School Based Unit

COSTS OF BEING A CADET

Being a cadet won't break the bank.

Each cadet organisation provides its own fee structure, or charges for certain events like bivouacs. They also raise extra funds through activities or contributions.

CADETS & SCHOOL WORK

Cadets won't clash with school work – in fact it could even help by boosting the self-esteem and self-discipline of your child.

Local units know when exams are happening and understand the importance of school work. So, they know when to take it easy and when to challenge cadets.

"Coming to cadets I've noticed the change in me. I don't get into trouble at school any more. I get As instead of Ds" - Male Navy Cadet

We are always looking for volunteers who want to work with the community and develop Australian youth.

As the Australian Navy Cadets is a non-profit, partially funded organisation, parents and guardians are encouraged to support the unit through membership of the support committee or by attending working bees and fundraising events.

If you want more information on becoming a volunteer, arrange an appointment with the cadet unit commander.

Contact details for our national and regional headquarters and offices can be found by either going to Cadetnet National unit locator or Navy cadet unit locator for a unit near you.

For more specific information about each of the cadet organisations, go to:

• Australian Navy Cadets, contact us 
• Australian Air Force Cadets website 
• Australian Army Cadets website

ADF Cadets Headquarters

ADF Cadets Headquarters

BP18-3-009

18-20 Brindabella Park

Department of Defence

Canberra ACT 2600