Clippings, Community & other information

With the AAFC the sky is the limit

By Lachlan Willsmore

On Sunday 10 June 2018, I was awarded my Bronze badge and certificate in the Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award; the award was presented by the Officer Commanding No 6 Wing, Wing Commander (AAFC) Peter Gill during the 2018 Catalina Cup Competition trophy parade at RAAF Edinburgh. 

I am a proud member of 602 Squadron at Woodside, the squadron was established in 1949 and services the local youth of the Adelaide Hills and Strathalbyn region.

Through the AAFC I was able to achieve this award in approximately 10 months by completing all 4 sections that are required.

Service:- participating and attending events within the community and interstate e.g.; Remembrance Day and Anzac Day services in my local community and also at school, Mount Barker Pageant, Mount Barker Show, Legacy Day, Birdwood Farm Day, taking part an interview with ‘Service Voices’ on Radio Adelaide, promoting 602  Squadron along with other cadets from SA attending the Anzac Day Service and the closing service at the Australian War Memorial this year in Canberra and most recently I took part in a Careers Expo at Wayville.

As part of my service component I was chosen to take part in the Guard of Honour recently held at the Adelaide Zoo for the arrival of the Earl of Wessex as he was in town to present badges and certificates to those who have completed their Gold Award of the Duke of Edinburgh International Award.

Skill:-  At Bronze level you are able to use your commitment for attending home parade on a regular basis and advancing on your own skills with Drill, ceremonial, aviation, field craft and service knowledge.

Physical Recreation: - taking part in AAFC activities as well as some of my own personal exercise e.g.; riding my bike and going for a jog/run.

Adventurous Journey: - for my practice journey I was able to use my Rite Journey solo camp for school as well as the training weekends and Bivouac that I attended as part of my cadet journey. As my recent trip to Canberra was not only an amazing cadet experience this was counted as my Adventurous journey as it was longer than 5 days.

The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award is available to all 14 to 25 year olds regardless of their background and is comprised of three levels, each progressively more challenging; Bronze, Silver and Gold. Participants are required to complete four sections at each level; Service, Skill, Physical Recreation and an Adventurous Journey. Gold level participants also complete a Residential Project.

I joined the AAFC, 602Squadron Woodside on the 7th of August 2016, I have been given the opportunity to achieve some amazing things and being exposed to opportunities that I could never have imagined. 

Just to name a few:- my first outdoor camping experience in the Barossa Valley as part of our Winter Bivouac, having a flight on the C130J Hercules over Adelaide, Brighton and back to Edinburgh, flying a plane with an experienced pilot at Pallamana airport, Murray Bridge, Drill and Ceremonial, Aviation, Training and survival camps, Field Craft, Navigation Water Activities, Firearms Safety and Training, Precision Drill Squad, Promotional courses, helping with our very own squadron plane used for publicity events,  training events at our home base in Woodside and at Edinburgh, being awarded Dux of basic training in 2017 and being part of the 602 team for the recent Catalina Cup Competition help at Edinburgh and most of all meeting lots of people during my cadet journey local as well as from all around the state and other parts of Australia.  Plus having fun dressing up in a Ghillie suit wandering around at the Mount Baker Show and having a day out with 622 squadron at the Escape Hunt Room in Adelaide.

What’s next for me; I’m hoping to commence my Silver Duke of Edinburgh soon as well as focusing on going on a promotion course at the end of the year to become a Cadet Corporal.

With the AAFC the sky is the limit (pardon the pun) the journey is yours and it’s up to each person where they choose to take it. There are so many opportunities available to us to learn all types of skills, why not give it a go.

The AAFC Program is accredited by SACE and completing levels within the Duke of Edinburgh Awards can also gain you SACE credits

The AAFC is the leading Australian youth development organisation for females and males, recruiting from ages 12 and 9 months to less than 16 years.  Cadets come from all backgrounds; they form bonds and lifelong friendships with cadets at state and national levels via our National Accredited Development Program. You learn life skills, leadership, initiative, self-confidence and discipline, teaching skills, loyalty and fun in a military environment.

For more information about the AAFC log onto www.aafc.org.au

 OR please contact: The Commanding Officer FLGOFF (AAFC)

Paul Lemar on 0417 203 196 OR

 PLTOFF (AAFC) Brock Le Cert on 0447 338 119 

Or Email co.622sqn@aafc.org.au

602 Squadron - OPEN NIGHT

602 Squadron Woodside is holding an Interest Night on Friday 29 June 2018 at the Barracks in Inverbrackie, for more information please click on the link below: