AAFC News

ANZAC Day

On Monday the 25th April, about 50 cadets from 414 squadron took part in the annual ANZAC Day march in the CBD. We began the day by meeting very early in the morning to check uniforms and get organised. Everyone was looking smart in their Ceremonial Dress uniforms! We then got briefed about holding banners and were partnered up with another cadet and allocated a banner to carry. As we were marching down St Kilda Road, the atmosphere was electric! The crowd was cheering and there were multiple marching bands, so there was always music, wherever you went. Once we did our first lap up to the Shrine of Remembrance, we got onto a bus that led us back to Fed Square to do our second lap. This time we marched as a flight of Air Force Cadets. We all carried Australian National Flags and we were the last ones to march in the parade. Once we got up to the Shrine, we went around the back and lined the top of the shrine with Australian Flags while the service happened. Overall, this was an amazing experience, although we were all very tired by the end, it was worth it! We can't wait to do it all again next year!

Written by CSGT Evie Scott 

VRA Rogaine

On Sunday the 1st of May, AAFC squadron 414 participated in a Rogaine at Creswick Regional Park. This is a competitive event open to cadets, the scouts, and members of the public, in which participants find their way across open country with a map and compass trying to locate check points. Each check point is worth a nominated number of points, depending on how difficult it is to find. 

It is a very fun activity, with this being the third Rogaine I have attended and was certainly the most enjoyable. The Rogaine was certainly very difficult at times, and all the people who competed should be very proud of themselves. My team got lost a few times, but yet we were able to find where we were and kept going with great team spirit. In a Rogaine, teamwork is very important, helping and communicating with your teammates is crucial in finding check points and maintain good navigation. Alongside the Rogaine being very enjoyable, it provides an opportunity (especially for novices) to practice important skills such as reading a map, using a compass and organisation.  

The team that won the most points out of all the squadrons was our very own, consisting of -CUO Rotty, CUO Bowden, CWOFF Harrison and CSGT Johnson. They won with an impressive total of 920 points. The other cadet squadrons from all across Melbourne that competed were 402, 403, 408, 415, 417 and 418. The Rogaine was a great opportunity to share the day with other cadets and was a great experience for everyone involved. 

Written by CCPL Ava Hardwidge 

ED: Not only did 414 have the highest scoring cadet team, but also won the VRA Cadet Challenge Trophy for the highest score by two teams (this trophy is in the School’s Display Case near the General Office) and the AAFC Golden Boot Trophy for the Squadron that scored the most points (Trophy in Portable 6).