Cadet Report

We had a very busy start to Term 4, with the preparations of the Ceremonial Parade. Unlike 2022, we were blessed with some pleasant weather which meant outside practices on the oval. The final Friday practice was in beautiful sunshine, although some found it a little too hot. The band under the tutelage of Mr Dan Stevenson were coming along well, especially with new bass drummer CDT Taylor Crane. Given there were a number of days that the whole band was together, Band SGT CDTCPL Seamus Byron organised extra lunch time practices to ensure they were up to standard.

The Formal dining-in evening is held on the Saturday night prior to parade. The PLCOMD celebrated in the Boarders' dining room. The Reviewing Officer 32Bn Commanding Officer MAJ Greg Snape, along with invited guests from Vic Bde HQ and 32Bn, including CAPT(AAC) Tanya Small, CAPT(AAC) Michael Byrne OC 315ACU, CAPT(AAC) Frank Zeigler OC 314ACU, and LT(AAC) Judy Cumming, Ivanhoe ACU. This dining-in night saw the start of the tradition of the senior boys wearing the cadet mess dress.

On the Sunday of the Ceremonial parade, after a week of nice weather, unfortunately there was predicted light showers. The decisions was made to remain outside given that the showers were forecast as light, however the wind could be an issue. As we know that forecasts aren’t always correct, we certainly received the wind, as predicted.  However the ‘early morning’ showers came early afternoon.  Given the weather the cadets carried out the parade as they had planned, despite the very wet and cold conditions.

Congratulations to the following award winners:

Soon after Parade day we took 25 cadets on the Senior Leadership BIV.  These are the students that have decided to continue cadets in 2024 and the camp was held in Halls Gap. We focused on leadership and teamwork. Throughout the camp there were many opportunities for all cadets to show their leadership styles as individuals. The aim of the camp was to allow the cadets to work out their own leadership style and how they want to lead. Participating in many activities, we were split into different groups to allow each and every cadet to demonstrate their own leadership skills and styles. 

After being taught the principles of Camouflage and Concealment, we went out on a night walk to identify shapes, sound, silhouette, shadow, and movement. Other lessons taught were SMEAC, and navigation. Groups also prepared for Junior and Senior Leadership courses. We spent time on drill allowing new leaders to work on words of command, their drill voice and drill movements.

The Senior ranked cadets prepared a navigation exercise that included teamwork, radio communication, observation, map reading and compass bearing. Every cadet had a role that we rotated at each checkpoint to allow everyone to have a go and see where their strengths and weaknesses lie. These roles included communications person, radioing back to CP (command post) at each checkpoint, pace counter, compass officer and medic. 

The navex ended with the cadets arriving at the Halls Gap shops for lunch and a much deserved ice cream. Overall it was a fantastic camp and we look forward to working with our leaders in 2024

At the start of the Christmas holidays, a number of cadets will be heading to Puckapunyal to complete Leadership courses. Names for courses are currently being approved by AACVic Headquarters, more information will be sent out via email to the successful cadets.

CAPT Byron

RSM Stella Raymond