Cadet Report

ANZAC Day

Monivae Cadets alongside the 315ACU Community Unit represented the community with distinction during this year's ANZAC Day ceremony, with impeccable precision and respect, by marching in the parade, playing in the band as well as forming a Catafalque party during the services.  The dedication shown by our cadets brought the true spirit of ANZAC to life for all in attendance.

As the dawn service commenced at 6:30am, our catafalque party comprising of RSM Seamus Byron, SGT Pippi Mellington and SGT Max Carr stood motionless at the cenotaph, heads bowed, rifles reversed in the traditional sign of mourning.  The cadets maintained their ceremonial vigil throughout the service, their unwavering stance a powerful symbol of respect for the fallen.

The stillness of the morning air, broken only by the haunting notes of the Last Post, created a deeply moving atmosphere for the hundreds of community members who gathered in the pre-dawn darkness.  Many attendees later commented on the profound impact of seeing young people showing such dedication to honoring those who made the ultimate sacrifice.

For the first time in our unit's history, the cadet band played during the morning march through town, performing with remarkable skill and precision.  Band members had committed to extensive additional practice sessions in the months leading up to ANZAC Day, often rehearsing during their lunchtimes and attending inhouse sessions to perfect their performance.  Their dedication was evident in the confident rhythm and harmony they maintained throughout the march.

Joining with the community unit, 25 Monivae cadets marched through the streets with precision and timing.  Many in specialist position such as flag bearers and section leaders.

The dawn service catafalque party, was joined by cadets from 315ACU and the Parade Commander ADJ Liam Keable, once again taking their  place at the four corners of the Cenotaph after the march.  Their  performance reflected months of intensive training and dedication.  Their discipline was evident in every precise movement as they mounted and dismounted their posts with military precision.  Thecadets who formed the guard maintained their ceremonial positions, standing motionless for extended periods despite challenging weather conditions.  Thank you to LT Warwick Dent, who spent tireless hours training our cadets.

On a day of firsts for our unit  was Adjutant Liam Keable taking on the significant responsibility of Parade Commander for the morning service, marking his first time in this prestigious role.  Leading the entire contingent of cadets, veterans, and community groups, ADJ Keable demonstrated exceptional leadership and composure. His clear commands and confident bearing drew praise from veteran organizations and military representatives in attendance, with several noting the impressive standard of ceremonial drill displayed by the school's cadet unit.

The involvement of young people in ANZAC commemorations creates a vital link between generations, ensuring the ANZAC legacy continues to be honored and understood.  Many community members approached cadet staff after the services to express their appreciation for the unit's contribution.

Thank you to all involved in bringing together a perfect day for cadets at such an important day in our history.

Cadet Camp

Last week our Annual Cadet camp was a great success.  The five day camp gave our recruit cadets a challenge that at times pushed them to their limits while equipping them with essential skills in a hands-on, scenario-based training environment by including first aid, field engineering, field command, and cam and con techniques early in the week.  The recruits returned with newly found confidence, practical skills, and countless stories to share, many surprising themselves of what they had achieved over the week.

This year's camp featured an innovative approach to cadet training by our senior leaders, through realistic scenarios that required recruits to apply multiple skills simultaneously. Rather than traditional isolated skill stations, leaders created immersive situations where recruits had to assess, plan, and execute as a team.

While the technical skills are important, the camp's primary achievement was developing teamwork, mental toughness and resilience.  From early morning physical training, to night exercises, recruits were consistently challenged to push beyond their comfort zones.  It was great to see the growth of so many of the Year 8's in believing in themselves that they can do it as well as working closely with their peers.

We were delighted to welcome parents for a visit on Wednesday evening to celebrate in our liturgy, before sharing a meal with the cadets and checking out the hootchie lines. Despite extended fire restrictions preventing us from having fires, we were very lucky that the weather was in our favour with the sun shining most days.  It was great that to see everyone adapting well to the situation.

Thursday morning the Year 9 cadets were given orders to pack up their swags and be ready to march out with only the bare necessities.  They relocated to conduct specialized training away from the main campsite for the next 24 hours.  Meanwhile the Year 8 cadets participated in a range of activities including self-defense, obstacle course, archery, CFA activities, and Exercise Survivor.

Overall, the camp provided valuable hands-on experience and skills development for all cadets involved, whilst enhancing everyone’s resilience.  A special thank you to my Senior leaders ADJ Liam Keable, RSM Seamus Byron, PLCOM SGT’s Pippi Mellington; Max Carr; Ciaran Behrendt; Geneva Kamp and Alexander McAdam, and senior cadets who ensured the camp ran smoothly and the cadets were organsied for each activity.  A huge thank you to the staff who assisted for the week as well as those amazing families who offered up their week of holidays to assist at camp.

MAJ (AAC) Sarah Byron