The Australian Defence Force (ADF) Cadets program has more than 25,000 young participants, who are mentored and supervised by 4,000 adult ‘officers and instructors of cadets’.

The ADF’s three services (Navy, Army and Air Force) each support a cadet organisation, where young Australians build their personal leadership skills, self-discipline and resilience whilst undertaking a range of activities in a military-like environment.

The teenage participants are also introduced to the ADF’s customs, values and traditions in the three cadet organisations, and their exposure to military personnel and assets often whets the youngsters’ appetites for a career in the ADF.

The ADF Cadets program offers an extensive range of contemporary activities, often in a group setting, designed to encourage leadership and teamwork amongst the participants. In addition to traditional training in field craft, navigation, power boating, sailing and even gliding, the three cadet organisations now provide opportunities for youngsters to experience STEM activities such as robotics and operation of drone aircraft.

In mid-2018 I met a contingent of ADF cadets at the commemorative events for the centenary of the final major battles of World War I, in the French city of Amiens. A contingent of 16 ADF Cadets, from a diverse range of backgrounds and experiences, also travelled to France for these special events.  I was immediately impressed by these young men and women, who were outstanding ambassadors for our nation. I have no doubt that the qualities they displayed in this high-profile international setting were generated, at least in part, by their participation in the ADF Cadets.

The ADF Cadets program is open to young people aged 13 to 17.

The program puts young people on the path to success in their future lives – as good citizens and, in many cases, leaders of Australian communities.

Darren Chester

Minister for Defence Personnel