Army Cadets

[luvmyboys]

Has anyone had a child attend the cadets? What was/is your experience like? I have a 14 yr old who would like to go with a mate and I am sussing it out. I feel quite torn, I am a pacifist and would hate to think that this might be a longer term choice for him but I also see the benfits he would get and the experiences he could have.
I do respect and appreciate people who have fought and died for our country but I do have issues with the thought of my child in the cadets. I am also not too keen on firearms training and would like to know others experiences, good or bad.

[GrabbyCrabby]

Hi luvmyboys,

I was an Army Cadet, and I'm now involved with the running of our Unit, if you've got any questions, please feel free to ask :). I found it really helped me to develop confidence in myself, and was great for my self esteem, and have gained skills and friends for life :).

Cadets is basically a youth development organisation, in a military setting, Cadets have no obligation to join the ADF, or go off to war. Have a look at their website, it should be have a bit more on what to expect.
http://www.cadetnet.gov.au/aac/Pages/AboutCadets.aspx
http://www.cadetnet.gov.au/aac/Pages/Aims.aspx

As for weapons training, it is only a small part overall of what we do. Cadets have to meet strict requirements before they are allowed to handle weapons, and when they are shooting, they will have completed training and be under 1:1 supervision at all times. This often doesn't happen until after the Cadet has been "in" for at least a year, and Cadets must have parental consent.

Hope this helps you :)

[nov 09 mum]

I done both Army and Navy cadets as a teenager and had the time of my life. I gain so much confidence from cadets and learn't alot of new things and made many good friends. My little sister has just joined Navy cadets and she already loving it, I think shes most excited she gets to go to Melbourne this year and Perth next :)

[luvmyboys]

He's going to love you guys :D I do see that there are lots of benefits and think it will do him the world of good to have to listen and work as part of a team but I'm just not sure. I think we will say that it will be a 6 month trial, that he has to commit to at least 6 months and then we will re evaluate.

[talia11]

I was an Army Cadet from 15 - 20 and am now a Lieutenant with my old unit.

I had some of the best times growing up as a cadet and made some great freinds, my SS12 years has just joined Navy CAdets also.

My honest opinion is that you can always tell the kids who have had some kind of military influence from cadest (those that stick it out), they just carry themselves better and I think are more 'well-rounded'.

I would definitely encourage him to do it!!