The national commander of the Australian Army Cadets, Brig. David McCammon, visited the Albany 505 Army Cadet Unit on March 10, 2024, as part of a regional tour across Western Australia. Accompanied by Col. Campbell Waterman, Brig. McCammon aimed to engage with local cadet units, understand their activities, and discuss the future direction of the cadet program.
The Australian Army Cadets is a youth organisation designed to cultivate leadership skills in a structured, army-style environment. With approximately 20,000 cadets and 2,000 volunteers spread across 260 locations in Australia, the program seeks to empower young individuals in regional communities. Brig. McCammon emphasized the significance of these units in providing valuable training opportunities for youth, stating, “The intent of the program is to assist people in their leadership skills and give them opportunities to grow.”
He further explained that the program encourages participants to strive for personal improvement. “The program is designed to get kids to have the opportunity to be better versions of themselves by the time they finish,” he added. Looking ahead, cadets can anticipate new camps and activities in 2025, including a unique futures camp in 2026 focused on drone training and robotics.
Exciting Opportunities Ahead for Cadets
The annual field exercise (AFX) camp, regarded as the largest in Western Australia, is another highlight for cadets. Participants engage in various activities such as abseiling, camping, and navigation to develop their skills. Hayleigh Cronje, a cadet under officer with the Albany unit, noted that the AFX camp is a standout experience. “The training is really good, and the programs and opportunities you get from AFX are great,” she said.
Cronje expressed her enthusiasm for being part of the 505 unit, explaining how cadets have positively impacted her life. “Cadets is the best thing you can join. It’s helped me in life so much like my mental health, resilience, and people skills. My confidence has fluctuated since I started cadets.”
Warrant Officer Katie Howard, who has been part of the Albany cadets for five years, echoed similar sentiments regarding the value of the program. “My favourite thing about cadets is all the experiences and opportunities you get, all the places you go and the people you meet and the friends you make,” she said.
Brig. McCammon encourages youth to consider the cadet program, dispelling misconceptions that it is solely military-focused. “It can look confronting to people, but I just want to highlight that the program is not about being in the army,” he explained. “The program is about individual growth, leadership, and resilience. If you’re interested, come and give it a try, and you’ll see what a great program it is.”
The visit of Brig. McCammon to Albany not only strengthens the connection between the national leadership and local units but also reinforces the commitment to fostering youth development through the Australian Army Cadets.
