The History of the AAC

Background

The AAC is authorised under Section 62 of the Defence Act 1903. The Australian Army Cadets (AAC) is an equal opportunity organisation that does not discriminate on the grounds of race, colour, sex or religion. The AAC has a no drugs policy and is comitted to a zero tolerance of sexual and other forms of harassment.
Adult personnel who have attained the appropriate age and who satisfy prescribed criteria, may apply to join the adult staff of the AAC. Adult staff members will be offered initial and follow-on training to enable them to perform the duties of their appointment. Adult staff will also receive payment at the prescribed rate. An adult staff member appointed as on Officer of Cadets or Instructor of Cadets in the AAC is not, by virtue of that appointment, a member of the Australian Defence Force.
Youth who are 12 years and 6 months of age are eligible to apply for enrolment into the AAC. Once enrolled, they may remain as a cadet until the end of the year in which they attain 18 years of age, or in special circumstances, until attaining 20 years of age. A cadet in the AAC is not a member of the Australian Defence Force.

Aim

The aim of military training within tha AAC is:
to develop an interest in the Army and its traditions;
to encourage cadets to continue military or community service;
to give cadets a foundation of military knowledge and discipline; and
to develop the qualities of leadership, self discipline, self-reliance and initiative, and provide training.

History

In 1906 the Commonwealth Cadet Corps was established. Conscription for part time home service, including service by cadets, was introduced iin 1909 and, under the Defence Act of 1903, the Corps was included in the provisions for Universal Military Training. Conscription for part-time service was abandoned in 1929. Following the suspension of Universal Military Training in 1929, cadets were divided into two categories for the purposes of organisation and training: Regimental detachments affiliated with units of the Militia forces. Detachments that were generally school-based and not affiliated with Militia units. (School-based units did not receive Army assistance) In 1939, Permanent Army staff were withdrawn from the Militia and Regimental detachments were abandoned. School based units continued to function but with difficulties caused by staff and equipment shortages. In 1941 cadet units began to receive more Army support and in 1944 the provision of uniforms at public expense was authorised. Conditions of Service improved and equipment became more plentiful. By May 1946 cadet activities were paid for by the Army. Affiliations between cadet units and Citizen Military Forces were developed during the period 1949-1951. At that time the title of 'Australian Cadet Corps' (ACC) was officially adopted. Cadet Brigades with Regular Army staff were established and remained in operation until the mid seventies when the Cadet Corps was disbanded by the Whitlam government. The Corps was reinstated in 1976 but with a number of changes. Community based, rather than school based units were encouraged, war like training was not to be conducted and an annual camp was to be provided at no cost to the cadet. In 1984 school based units were given the opportunity to apply for 'full support' status and become community based units. Cadet units that remained school-based becam 'Limited Supported units' abd received very little, if any, Army support. In 2000, the present title of 'Australian Army Cadets' was approved with the short title remaining 'AAC'. In 1998, 'Limited Support Units' were accorded 'full support' status. To this day all units of the AAC are entitled to receive full support from the Army. 'Full Support' entails the supply of uniforms and equipment, an annual camp, transport to and from annual camp and training for adult supervisory staff (Officers and Instructors of Cadets). Structure The AAC is structured into eight (8) regions. Each region generally equates to a State or Territory. There is a Cadet Wing located ineach region. Both Army and AAC personnel staff Cadet Wings. There are over 180 cadet units and some 19,000 AAC personnel.

More About 23 RCU CAMDEN
23 Regional Cadet Unit (RCU) is a eastern region unit that has been operating for several years, 23 RCU is located in Camden, NSW.

23 RCU holds various activities throughout the year, these include:
- Annual Camp.
- Family Camp
- Royal Military Collage, Duntroon Trip.
- Various Bivouacs per year.
- ANZAC Day Marches.
- Regular Army Marches Through Sydney.
- Unit organised First Aid courses (St Johns Ambulance).
- And AAC organised courses like:

- The Adventure Training Award (ATA) courses,
- The Senior NCO Courses,
- CUO Courses and,
- The Parachute Training course.

23 RCU have home training on Friday nights 1900-2000hrs (EST), during these nights we follow a Training Manual Plan (TMP) which includes lessons to be given by NCO's to the cadets on various subjects, some of these include:
- First Aid
- Survival
- Tactical Defence
- Navigation
- History, Customs and Traditions of the Australian Army and the Cadet Corps
- And others.

23 RCU is also supported by the Australian Army (23 FD Regt) and recieves a great deal of support from them during the year, we are proud to be part of the team.
The aim of 23 RCU is to provide cadets with a greater understanding and knowledge of the various fields of the Australian Army and promote disipline, leadership skills and initiative, we are also ther to serve the community.

If there is any more information you require than please feel free to contact us. Details are on the 'Contact' page.