Australian Air Force Cadets - AbsoluteAstronomy.com

The Australian Air Force Cadets (AAFC), known as the Air Training Corps (AIRTC) until 2001, is a Federal Government funded youth organisation. The parent force of the AAFC is the Royal Australian Air Force

Royal Australian Air Force

The Royal Australian Air Force is the air force branch of the Australian Defence Force. The RAAF was formed in March 1921. It continues the traditions of the Australian Flying Corps , which was formed on 22 October 1912. The RAAF has taken part in many of the 20th century's major conflicts...

(RAAF). Along with the Australian Army Cadets

Australian Army Cadets

The Australian Army Cadets is a youth organisation that is involved with progressive training of youths in military and adventurous activities. The programme has more than 19,000 Army Cadets between the ages of 12½ and 19 based in 236 units around Australia...

(AAC) and the Australian Navy Cadets

Australian Navy Cadets

The Australian Navy Cadets is a voluntary youth organisation sponsored by the Royal Australian Navy. Together with the Australian Air Force Cadets and Australian Army Cadets, it forms the Australian Defence Force Cadets. It hosts over 91 units.-History:...

(ANC) it is part of the Australian Defence Force Cadets

Australian Defence Force Cadets

The Australian Defence Force Cadets are a community-based, youth development organisation of approximately 22,000 cadets and 2,200 cadet staff in 464 units and squadrons across Australia. Coordination of the Australian Defence Force Cadets is via the Cadet Policy Branch...

Aims

The broad aim of the Australian Air Force Cadets is to better equip young people for community life by fostering initiative, leadership, discipline and loyalty through a training program designed to stimulate an interest in the Royal Australian Air Force. The training program is structured to reflect the following objectives:

To give Cadets a foundation of Air Force knowledge and discipline,
To develop the qualities of leadership, initiative and self-reliance,
To develop good character and good citizenship in the widest sense,
To develop an interest in the Royal Australian Air Force and aviation generally,
To instil a knowledge of the history of aviation, and
To encourage Cadets to continue an active interest in aviation into their adult life.

AAFC activities

Cadets receive the opportunity to participate in a wide range of activities such as:

Home Training
Bivouacs (Bush Camps)
Rifle Shooting
Gliding and Powered Air Experience and Training
Abseiling
General Service Training Camps
Promotion Courses
Parades and Marches - Drill and Ceremonial
Aeromodelling
National Competitions
International Air Cadet Exchange

Requirements to join

The minimum requirements for enrolment in the Australian Air Force Cadets are as follows:

Must be at least 13 years of age,
Must be a person ordinarily resident in Australia,
Must have parents' or guardians' permission to enrol,
Be medically fit to the standards detailed in Chapter 10 of the AAFC Policy Manual, and capable of carrying out the normal duties and activities of a cadet in the Australian Air Force Cadets,
Not be a member of any other sub-component of the Australian Defence Force Cadets, or a member of any of the Defence Forces, either full-time or ADF Reserve, and
Have parents' or guardians' permission for a qualified medical practitioner to anaesthetise and operate in an emergency.

While the age limit for enrolment is 18, cadets can continue their cadet 'career' until the age of 20, when their enrolment is automatically terminated. Terminated cadets who have reached 21 years of age are entitled to re-apply as an Instructor of Cadets or Officer of Cadets (staff member) at a squadron.

Cadets and staff are civilians and are not automatically entitled to, or required to serve in the Australian Defence Forces.

Ranks in the AAFC

Cadet Ranks of the AAFC
Insignia
Rank	Cadet Recruit *	Cadet	Leading Cadet	Cadet Corporal	Cadet Sergeant	Cadet Flight Sergeant	Cadet Warrant Officer	Cadet Under Officer
Abbreviation	N/A	CDT	LCDT	CCPL	CSGT	CFSGT	CWOFF	CUO

^* Cadet Recruit is not an official rank, but commonly refers to new cadets who have not yet finalised the enrolment process but are attending training.

Instructor Ranks of the AAFC (Instructor of Cadets - IOC)
Insignia
Rank	Aircraftman (AAFC) Aircraftwoman (AAFC)	Leading Aircraftman (AAFC) Leading Aircraftwoman (AAFC)	Corporal (AAFC)	Sergeant (AAFC)	Flight Sergeant (AAFC)	Warrant Officer (AAFC)
Abbreviation	AC (AAFC) ACW (AAFC)	LAC (AAFC) LACW (AAFC)	CPL (AAFC)	SGT (AAFC)	FSGT (AAFC)	WOFF (AAFC)

Officer Ranks of the AAFC (Officer of Cadets - OOC)
Insignia
Rank	Pilot Officer (AAFC)	Flying Officer (AAFC)	Flight Lieutenant (AAFC)	Squadron Leader (AAFC)	Wing Commander (AAFC)	Group Captain (AAFC)
Abbreviation	PLTOFF (AAFC)	FLGOFF (AAFC)	FLTLT (AAFC)	SQNLDR (AAFC)	WGCDR (AAFC)	GPCAPT (AAFC)

Operational Wings

No. 1 Wing (Northern Queensland
Queensland
Queensland is a state of Australia, occupying the north-eastern section of the mainland continent. It is bordered by the Northern Territory, South Australia and New South Wales to the west, south-west and south respectively. To the east, Queensland is bordered by the Coral Sea and Pacific Ocean...

) - Officer Commanding (OC) = WGCDR(AAFC) Danny Pieri
No. 2 Wing (Southern Queensland
Queensland
Queensland is a state of Australia, occupying the north-eastern section of the mainland continent. It is bordered by the Northern Territory, South Australia and New South Wales to the west, south-west and south respectively. To the east, Queensland is bordered by the Coral Sea and Pacific Ocean...

) - OC = WGCDR(AAFC) Ian Harding RFD
No. 3 Wing (New South Wales
New South Wales
New South Wales is a state of :Australia, located in the east of the country. It is bordered by Queensland, Victoria and South Australia to the north, south and west respectively. To the east, the state is bordered by the Tasman Sea, which forms part of the Pacific Ocean. New South Wales...

, including the Australian Capital Territory
Australian Capital Territory
The Australian Capital Territory, often abbreviated ACT, is the capital territory of the Commonwealth of Australia and is the smallest self-governing internal territory...

) - OC = WGCDR(AAFC) Joseph Laycock
No. 4 Wing (Victoria
Victoria (Australia)
Victoria is the second most populous state in Australia. Geographically the smallest mainland state, Victoria is bordered by New South Wales, South Australia, and Tasmania on Boundary Islet to the north, west and south respectively....

) - OC = WGCDR(AAFC) Elizabeth Flanagan
No. 5 Wing (Tasmania
Tasmania
Tasmania is an Australian island and state. It is south of the continent, separated by Bass Strait. The state includes the island of Tasmania—the 26th largest island in the world—and the surrounding islands. The state has a population of 507,626 , of whom almost half reside in the greater Hobart...

) - OC = WGCDR(AAFC) David Read
No. 6 Wing (South Australia
South Australia
South Australia is a state of Australia in the southern central part of the country. It covers some of the most arid parts of the continent; with a total land area of , it is the fourth largest of Australia's six states and two territories.South Australia shares borders with all of the mainland...

) - OC = WGCDR(AAFC) Peter Gill
No. 7 Wing (Western Australia
Western Australia
Western Australia is a state of Australia, occupying the entire western third of the Australian continent. It is bounded by the Indian Ocean to the north and west, the Great Australian Bight and Indian Ocean to the south, the Northern Territory to the north-east and South Australia to the south-east...

) - OC = WGCDR(AAFC) Andrew Shearman
No. 8 Wing (Northern Territory
Northern Territory
The Northern Territory is a federal territory of Australia, occupying much of the centre of the mainland continent, as well as the central northern regions...

) - OC = WGCDR(AAFC) Peter Gill

Each Wing contains a number of different squadrons. For more information on specific squadrons see List of Australian Air Force Cadet units and Australian Air Force Cadets - Our Squadrons.

Each year the Royal Australian Air Force

Royal Australian Air Force

awards the "Australian Air Force Cadets - Air Force Trophy", 4 Wing won the most proficient wing award in 2009 and 7 Wing in 2010. The winner of the Air Force Trophy is honoured with the custodianship of the AAFC National Banner for the following year.

Headquarters

The AAFC organisation as a whole falls under the command of Headquarters AAFC (HQAAFC). HQAAFC has no physical location as it is made up of members from around the country. The only person to hold the rank of Group Captain (AAFC) [GPCAPT(AAFC)] is the Commander - Australian Air Force Cadets (CDR-AAFC). The CDR-AAFC reports to the Director General Cadets - Air Force, a member of the RAAF who holds the rank of Air Commodore, and in turn reports to the RAAF chain of command.

Under HQAAFC are the Operational Wings and Directorates, each headed by a Wing Commander [WGCDR(AAFC)] who holds the appointment of Officer Commanding or Director respectively.

The primary positions with HQAAFC are:

Commander - Australian Air Force Cadets [CDR-AAFC] = GPCAPT(AAFC) Ken Given
Deputy Commander - Australian Air Force Cadets [DCDR-AAFC] = WGCDR(AAFC) Greg Williamson. Operational Wing Officers Commanding report throguht the DCDR-AAFC to CDR-AAFC
Chief of Staff - Australian Air Force Cadets [COS-AAFC] = WGCDR(AAFC) Ben Stewart. HQAAFC staff and Directors report through COS-AAFC to CDR-AAFC

Directorates

Directorates perform a service support function to Operational Wings. There are four primary Directorates:

Admin Services Directorate (ASD) supports the AAFC by working with internal and external parties to ensure timely availability of information, processes and activities that will add benefit to the organisation and enhance the cadet experience.
- Director Admin Services (DAS) = WGCDR(AAFC) Daniel Schubert

Logistics Directorate (LOGD) develops policies on, and organises logistic issues such as uniforms and equipment distribution.
- Director Logisitics (DLOG) = WGCDR(AAFC) Paul Gregory

Ground Training Directorate (GTD) develops high-level policies on ground training (Squadron training, Cadet promotion courses, fieldcraft, firearms, roping activities, staff training, etc.).
- Director Ground Training (DGT) = WGCDR(AAFC) David Robson

Air Training Directorate (ATD) develops high-level policies in relation to flying training (Gliding, Powered Flying)
- Director Aviation Training (DAT) = WGCDR(AAFC) Mark Dorward

There are also two secondary Directorates:

International & Public Affairs
- Director International & Public Affairs (DIPA) = WGCDR(AAFC) Anthony Lee

Performance Evaluation
- Director Performance Evaluation (DPE) = WGCDR John Griffiths

Cadet Branch - Air Force

Chief of Air Force (CAF) - AIRMSHL Geoff Brown AM
Geoff Brown (RAAF officer)
Air Marshal Geoffrey Charles "Geoff" Brown AM is a senior officer in the Royal Australian Air Force and the current Chief of Air Force.-Honours and Awards:-External links:*...
Director General Cadets - Air Force (DGCADETS-AF) - AIRCDRE Dennis Green AM
Deputy Director General Cadets - Air Force (DDGCADETS-AF)- GPCAPT Philip Edwards
Director Cadet Operations (DCDTOPS) - WGCDR Tim Sloane
Director Cadet Administration (DCDTADMIN) - WGCDR Richard Dyson
Director Cadet Facilities & Logisitics (DFACLOG) - APS Mal Leonard
Deputy Director Cadets - Air Force (DDCADETS-AF) - SQNLDR Deborah Baker
National Safety Advisor - APS Tricia Winyard

Wing Cadet Reference Group

Role of the Cadet Reference Group: The role of the CRG is to provide a forum where cadets within SQNs can provide feedback on matters that affect them and can receive information being passed down from OCs and COs. The CRG should contribute to the management decisions within its SQN and Wing by providing a cadets’ perspective to their CO or OC, through their nominated representative, when the leadership team is considering issues that directly impact on cadets.

The Cadet Reference Group (CRG) is a cadet body within the Australian Air Force Cadets (AAFC) established to represent the views of AAFC Cadets to the strategic level of management.
There should be two representatives from each Squadron (flights do not have any representatives), a Cadet Reference Group Representative (CRGREP) and an Assistant Cadet Reference Group Representative (ASSTCRGREP).
Senior Cadets (CUO & CWOFF), and Cadet Senior Non-Commissioned Officers (CSNCO) - CWOFF, CFSGT & CSGT - will normally fulfill the CRGREP role for their Squadron whilst a CCPL to CDT would fulfill the ASSTCRGREP role.
The Squadron CRGREPs & ASSTCRGREPs report to their Wing CRG Executive (Chairman Wing Cadet Reference Group [CWCRG] & Deputy Chairman Wing Cadet Reference Group [DCWCRG]). 2 & 3 Wings are broken down into regions: North, South, West & Metro(3 Wing). In these regions CRGREPs & ASSTCRGREPs report to their respective Regional Representatives who in turn report to their Wing's CRG Executive.
The Wing CRG Chairman is responsible for providing representation to the management of the Wing by reporting to the Wing Officer Commanding, in some wings the CRG.

Command and structure

Air Commodore

Air commodore is an air-officer rank which originated in and continues to be used by the Royal Air Force...

, and in turn reports to the RAAF chain of command.

Under HQAAFC are the Operational Wings and Directorates, each headed by a WGCDR(AAFC) who holds the appointment of Officer Commanding (OC) or Director respectively. Cadet squadrons only exist within the Operational Wings. They report to the Operational Wing Officer Commanding (often through an Executive Officer) and are commanded by a Commanding Officer. A squadron Commanding Officer (CO) will hold the rank of PLTOFF(AAFC), FLGOFF(AAFC) or FLTLT(AAFC) unless the officer holds another appointment which entitles them to a more senior rank, some squadrons are commanded by a WOFF(AAFC).

There are 8 Operational Wings for all states and territories, however the state of Queensland is divided into two Wings. There are also four directorates to serve a support function for operational wings: Admin Services Directorate (ASD), Logistics Directorate (LOGD), Ground Training Directorate (GTD) and Air Training Directorate (ATD).

As of 1 April 2005, a Squadron's establishment no longer justifies a CO to hold the rank of SQNLDR(AAFC) rank. However, it is still possible to have a CO of SQNLDR(AAFC) or even WGCDR(AAFC) rank, but only if that CO holds a wing or national position e.g. Officer Commanding, Director, Staff Officer or Deputy Director position in Wing or National HQ in addition to their appointment as a Squadron CO.

There are a number of key appointments within Wing Headquarters, including;

Executive Officer [XO] [SQNLDR(AAFC)]
- Some wings have a regional appointment called Regional Executive Officer [XO(N/S/W)] at SQNLDR(AAFC) rank
Staff Officer Ground Training [SOGT] [SQNLDR(AAFC) or FLTLT(AAFC) in some wings]
- 3 Wing has two Staff Officers Ground Training:
  - Staff Officer Ground Training (Squadron) [SOGT(SQN)] [SQNLDR(AAFC)]
  - Staff Officer Ground Training (Wing) [SOGT(WG)] [SQNLDR(AAFC)]
Staff Officer Management Services (SOMS) [SQNLDR(AAFC)]
Senior Aviation Officer (SAO) [SQNLDR(AAFC) or FLTLT(AAFC) in some wings]
Wing Warrant Officer (WGWOFF) [WOFF(AAFC)]
- Some wings have regional appointments called Regional Executive Instructor [RXI(N/S/W)) between CPL(AAFC) and FSGT(AAFC) rank
Chairman Wing Cadet Reference Group (CWCRG) (usually CUO or CWOFF)

There are also a large number of other positions such as Administration Officer, Psychologist, Chaplain and various other training and administrative appointments. Larger Wings generally have more executive and other appointments e.g. 3WG (NSW - largest AAFC Wing) has 3 additional Executive Officers, 3 additional Wing Warrant Officers (North, South and West) and 4 Regional Cadet Reference Group Representatives.

Each Wing has an Air Force Liaison Officer (AFLO), a RAAF officer (often a reservist) who is responsible for all activities requiring RAAF support for that region, amongst other duties.

Airmen/women and junior officers are posted to an individual squadron (as per a squadron's size) as instructors of cadets (IOC) and officers of cadets (OOC).

The AAFC incorporates a National Cadet Reference Group, comprising eight Wing Chairs under the direction and leadership of a Chairman of the NCRG and Deputy Chairman of the NCRG. This is the peak representative and advisory body acting on behalf of the cadets to the higher echelons of the organisation. The Chairman is a default member of several groups through virtue of their appointment including the tri-service Cadet Consultative Forum, the AAFC Executive Council and the National Council among others.

AAFC Home Training

There are five stages of AAFC Home Training, each Training Stage has a number of subjects.

Cadet Recruit Stage

This training stage is designed to give cadets fundamental knowledge required to participate in AAFC Home Parades and Activities. The course is should take between two to six months and should include at least one weekend of training. At the end of the course a cadet will be able to:

Wear the uniform correctly
Pay compliments in the correct manner
Care for the uniform correctly
Work as part of a team
Live in the field environment under supervision of more senior cadets
Understand their conditions of service
Participate in AAFC activities in a safe manner.

Subjects in Cadet Recruit Stage are:

Drill and Ceremonial Recruit (DCR)
Service Knowledge Recruit (SKR)
Team Building Recruit (TTR)
Fieldcraft Recruit (FCR)

Basic Stage

This training stage is designed to take a cadet with fundamental knowledge and build on this to the point where the cadet is proficient at most basic activities. The successful completion of Basic Stage should see the cadet with the knowledge and skills
required where they are able to take on more significant activities within the AAFC such as promotional courses, firearms training, weapons training and other activities that require a good understanding of the way the AAFC conducts training.

Subjects in Basic Stage are:

Aircraft Recognition Basic (ARB)
Aviation Basic (AVB)
Drill and Ceremonial Basic (DCB)
Fieldcraft Basic (FCB)
Service Knowledge Basic (SKB)

Proficiency Stage

This training stage is designed to be completed one year. Its aim is to refine the cadets’ knowledge and skills to the stage where they can contribute successfully to their squadron and are fully prepared to undertake more specific training such as promotion courses. Proficiency Stage comprises three compulsory core subjects (AVP, DCP, FCP) and three elective subjects. Those elective subjects must include at least one of ARP or SVP.

Subjects in Proficiency Stage are:

Aviation Proficiency (AVP)
Drill and Ceremonial Proficiency (DCP)
Fieldcraft Proficiency (FCP)

Aircraft Recognition Proficiency (ARP)
Survival Proficiency (SVP)

Advanced Stage

This stage of training is designed to provide cadets with extensive knowledge about the RAAF and the AAFC. It is designed to be less intensive and to allow instruction over two years (or more, if the squadron requires) so that CNCOs and other cadets in Advanced stage are able to contribute to the SQN in other ways. Advanced Stage comprises three compulsory core subjects (DCA, AVA and SKA) plus three other subjects. Those elective subjects must include at least one of ARA or SVA.

Subjects in Advanced Stage are:

Aviation Advanced (AVA)
Drill and Ceremonial Advanced (DCA)
Service Knowledge Advanced (SKA)

Aircraft Recognition Advanced (ARA)
Survival Advanced (SVA)

Qualified Stage

To complete Qualified Stage cadets are to complete a mix of Projects and Elective subjects. The mix of electives and projects may
be:

Three projects
Two projects and two elective subjects
One project and four elective subjects.

Qualified Stage cadets who have Squadron duties such as instructing, administration, or supervising junior cadets may have these duties recognised in lieu of elective subjects in the form of a generic subject labelled Squadron Management Elective (SME1, SME2, SME3).

Projects are substantial multi-media presentations that may be individual or team efforts. Projects should be relevant to ADF or AAFC themes. Examples of projects are:

Substantially original video presentation of approximately 15 – 20 mins, accompanied by posters or booklets.
Flying or static model aircraft (ship, vehicle), with chart/poster/booklet. Particular examples could be the ‘Southern Cross’, or a 23 Squadron B 24, with historical chart/poster/booklet.
Diorama presentation of a particular event or scene, with accompanying audio or print material.
Compilation CD ROM of historical or training topic.
esources for a Squadron ‘open day’ or for a major public display.
Design and produce a Squadron Recruiting video.
Design and produce a Squadron Training Aid.

Electives

Personal Development (PDE) - previously compulsory for Basic Stage
Adventure Training (ADE)
Aeromodelling (AME)
Aircraft Engines (AEE)
Air Navigation (NVE)
Air Power (APE) - similar to Air Power on CUO Course, except that APE doesn't include a compulsory Case Study
Air Traffic Control (ATE)
Aircraft (Ground) Handling (AHE)
Aircraft (Ground) Safety (ASE)
Bivouac Planning Elective (BPE)
Drill & Ceremonial (DCE) Pt 1 - SLR L1A1
Drill & Ceremonial (DCE) Pt2 – Slr L1A1
Drill & Ceremonial (DCE) Pt3 - Slr L1A1
Field Operations (FOE)
Fire Safety Awareness (FSA)
Firearms Training (FTE)
Hovercraft (HCE)
Life Saving Elective (LSE)
Meteorology (MEE)
Model Rocketry (MRE) - Part 1
Model Rocketry (MRE) - Part 2
Motor Car Awareness (MCA)
Radio Ground Communications (RCE)
Basic Visual Tracking (VTE)

Drill and Ceremonial

AAFC training constitutes much Drill

Drill

A drill or drill motor is a tool fitted with a cutting tool attachment or driving tool attachment, usually a drill bit or driver bit, used for drilling holes in various materials or fastening various materials together with the use of fasteners. The attachment is gripped by a chuck at one end of...

and Ceremonial training, ranging from basic static drill in recruit phase to advanced banner, Rifle and sword drill on officer courses. Each parade night a "squadron daily parade" is held (daily for RAAF SQNs, weekly for AAFC SQNs) in which all cadets participate, with CNCOs

Non-commissioned officer

A non-commissioned officer , called a sub-officer in some countries, is a military officer who has not been given a commission...

and above assuming executive position of Flight Sergeant (CCPL), Flight Commander (CSGT/CFSGT), Parade Warrant Officer (CWOFF), Parade Commander (CUO) and often Reviewing Officer (CUO). Lower ranks may hold these positions where there are insufficient senior cadets. Squadrons also hold CO's Parades (usually once a month but not always) where staff go on parade and the squadron is inspected by the Commanding Officer

Commanding officer

The commanding officer is the officer in command of a military unit. Typically, the commanding officer has ultimate authority over the unit, and is usually given wide latitude to run the unit as he sees fit, within the bounds of military law...

.

AAFC squadrons often form guards and banner parties at Anzac

ANZAC Day

Anzac Day is a national day of remembrance in Australia and New Zealand, commemorated by both countries on 25 April every year to honour the members of the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps who fought at Gallipoli in the Ottoman Empire during World War I. It now more broadly commemorates all...

/Remembrance

Remembrance Day

Remembrance Day is a memorial day observed in Commonwealth countries since the end of World War I to remember the members of their armed forces who have died in the line of duty. This day, or alternative dates, are also recognized as special days for war remembrances in many non-Commonwealth...

/Victory in the Pacific Day services and other cadets will march on these parades. Promotion course graduation parades are very significant events, often requiring days of training. These parades will often be reviewed by a senior RAAF officer and consist of a number of squadrons/flights as well as colour parties. Graduation parades will generally be armed (SNCO candidates and above only in some cases) with F88 Austeyrs, the Standard Individual Weapon of the Australian Defence Force (often issued the F88I submodel - meaning innocuous) and swords for executives. Colour party members are often temporarily issued ceremonial equipment such as White cotton gloves, Banner Girdle (for Banner/Colour Bearer) or Sash (Banner/Colour Warrant Officer) and white belts.

Drill and Ceremonial - Home Training

Drill and Ceremonial Recruit (DCR) - Consists of basic static (on the spot) and marching drill, saluting and basic theory relating to aims of drill and safety considerations in drill.
Drill and Ceremonial Basic (DCB) - Cadets consolidate their recruit drill and progress to more advanced marching including turns on the march.
Drill and Ceremonial Proficiency (DCP) - Here LCDTs and NCOs officially learn the slow march (although this is often taught before a CDTs first end-of-year ceremonial parade) as well as more advanced manoeuvres such as change directions and forms.
Drill and Ceremonial Advanced (DCA) - LCDTs and CNCOs in advanced stage complete learning of all flight drill movements consisting of double time and forming hollow square. DCA also consists of Command and Control (CC) (calling commands/fault correcting a flight of cadets) and Mutual Instruction (MI) (basic drill instruction) components.

Drill and Ceremonial Elective (DCE) - Consists of three parts which can be taught together or separately. DCE is often taught in proficiency and/or advanced stage. Officially, it is rifle drill with the L1A1 SLR, although it may be conducted using the Austeyr F88, the Standard Individual Weapon of the Australian Defence Force (often issued the F88I Submodel - meaning innocuous). It covers all movements including basic rifle movements (shoulder arms, order arms, present arms, saluting with a rifle), rifle drill on the march, ceremonial rifle drill (rest on arms) and other movements such as Port Arms, High Port Arms and Recover Arms. Cadets who have completed all of DCE are able to act as Banner Escorts or Guard Members on ceremonial occasions.

Drill and Ceremonial - Promotional Training

Drill and Ceremonial JNCO (DCJ) - Completes drill to basic level at a higher standard and introduces prospective CCPLs to Command and Control (CC), a key element of that rank. There are also some theory components and candidates are taught how to act as a FLTSGT on a SQN daily parade. Assessment for DCJ consists of 50% PDA (Personal Drill Assessment) and 50% CC.
Drill and Ceremonial SNCO (DCS) - Perfects drill to an exceptional standard expected of a CSGT. This may include long times practising simple movements such as attention to stand at ease to ensure utter perfection. DCS consists of much theory and its main aim is to develop candidates as suitable instructors of elementary drill, through the instruction and practice of MI (Mutual Instruction) format. Rifle (F-88 Steyr) drill is learnt and candidates are also taught how to act as a FLTCDR on a SQN daily parade. DCS is the second-longest Drill subject, consisting of a total of 35 periods, in addition to daily parades and graduation parade practices on the SNCO promotion course. Assessment for DCS consists of 20% PDA, 10% CC, 60% MI and 10% TE (Theory Examination).
Drill and Ceremonial CWOFF (DCW) - Candidates are expected to already have consistently high standards of drill. DCW aims to provide a broad theoretical knowledge, perfect skills of drill instruction and assessment and impart the knowledge of how to plan, organise, manage and execute all parades. CWOFFs are taught to act as a Parade WOFF, often as well as Parade Commander. They are also expected to be able to instruct DC on a JNCO promotion course. DCW consists of much theory and almost all Drill movements in existence are practised and perfected. Candidates learn Rifle, Sword and Banner drill. Assessment for DCW consists of 20% PDA, 10% CC, 35% MI and 35% TE.
Drill and Ceremonial CUO (DCO) - DCO ensures that candidates have a high standard of drill relevant to the officer, but skills in drill instruction/assessment are not normally taught as on CWOFF course (although an elective MI exercise can be undertaken at discretion of course and detachment staff). DCO focuses on personal drill and command and control as well as imparting broad knowledge of RAAF ceremonial procedures, as CUOs are often appointed as Parade Commanders, Host Officers, Reviewing Officers, Banner Bearers, Guard Commanders etc. The course includes Rifle, Sword and Banner Drill and is much shorter than DC on SNCO/CWOFF, coming in at 21 periods. Assessment for DCO consists of 40% PDA, 40% CC and 20% TE. MI is not assessable on CUO course whether undertaken as an elective or not.

National Competitions

HQAAFC (through ASD) holds three National Competitions throughout the year, they are:

National Fieldcraft Competition (NFCC) - Held in April of each year at Puckapunyal Training Area
Puckapunyal
Puckapunyal is an Australian Army training facility and base 10 km west of Seymour, in central Victoria, south-eastern Australia.-Description:Puckapunyal is a small restricted-access town inhabited mainly by about 280...

in Victoria (Australia)
Victoria (Australia)
Victoria is the second most populous state in Australia. Geographically the smallest mainland state, Victoria is bordered by New South Wales, South Australia, and Tasmania on Boundary Islet to the north, west and south respectively....

.
National Rifle Competition (NRC) - Held in September each year at various locations (such as Sydney International Shooting Centre
Sydney International Shooting Centre
The Sydney International Shooting Centre in Cecil Park, New South Wales, Australia was built for the shooting events at the 2000 Summer Olympics. It has also been used for four ISSF World Cup events:* 2000 , all events...

).
National Aviation Competition (NAC) - Held in October of year on RAAF Bases around the country, both Power and Gliding competitions take place.

International Air Cadet Exchange (IACE)

The International Air Cadet Exchange (IACE) Program came into being in 1947 when Canada and the UK arranged a bi-lateral exchange of air cadets between the two countries.

Over the next few years the scheme was adopted by the USA and several European countries. It now has a membership of some 20 nations around the world including, in this region, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, Hong Kong and Singapore. The mandate of the association is to encourage international understanding, co-operation and goodwill between young people from many different ethnic and cultural backgrounds, with a central theme of aviation.

This exchange, involving several hundred participants, takes place over 2-3 weeks in July/August each year. Many long-term friendships have been made during IACE visits which are often described as the highlight of a cadet's career.

The AAFC currently exchanges with the following countries:

United States
Canada
United Kingdom
Hong Kong
Singapore
New Zealand
France
Republic of Korea (second year)
Netherlands

Outbound

Each year up to 35 cadets and staff (escorts) are selected to represent the AAFC on various overseas visits. The people chosen act as ambassadors for Australia and the AAFC.

Once exchange members are met at the designated entry city, they are the guests of the host organisation which will provide all accommodation, food and travel during the course of the program. The itinerary will give visitors the experience of places and cultural events not usually available to ordinary tourists (such as visits to military facilities).

Inbound

Australia hosts a reciprocal visit each year from the air cadet organisations the AAFC visits. HQAAFC organises the event and, in addition to the visitors, a cadet from each of the other Wings is selected to attend. These tours are great fun with visits to such places as Canberra (including the Australian Defence Force Academy

Australian Defence Force Academy

The Australian Defence Force Academy is a tri-service military Academy that provides military and tertiary academic education for junior officers of the Australian Defence Force in the Royal Australian Navy , Australian Army and Royal Australian Air Force .Tertiary education is provided by the...

and the Australian War Memorial

Australian War Memorial

The Australian War Memorial is Australia's national memorial to the members of all its armed forces and supporting organisations who have died or participated in the wars of the Commonwealth of Australia...

), Australia Zoo

Australia Zoo

Australia Zoo is a zoo located in the Australian state of Queensland on the Sunshine Coast near Beerwah/Glass House Mountains. It is a member of the Zoo and Aquarium Association , and is owned by Terri Irwin, the widow of Steve Irwin, whose wildlife documentary series The Crocodile Hunter made the...

, Gold Coast, Brisbane, Blue Mountains, Sydney Harbour, and local defence bases (which often include the opportunity to fly in Service Aircraft).

Memorials

Australia's only memorial to Australian Air Force Cadets occupies a prominent position on the grounds of St John's Ashfield, and a memorial service attended by the Cadets has been held annually since it was opened by the State Governor Lieutenant General John Northcott

John Northcott

Lieutenant General Sir John Northcott KCMG, KCVO, CB was an Australian Army general who served as Chief of the General Staff during World War II, and commanded the British Commonwealth Occupation Force in the Occupation of Japan...

in 1946. It was built by Squadron Leader Arthur Whitehurst who had commanded a squadron at Ashfield during the period 1941–1946, and whose son Douglas Arthur Whitehurst had died in action in World War II

World War II

World War II, or the Second World War , was a global conflict lasting from 1939 to 1945, involving most of the world's nations—including all of the great powers—eventually forming two opposing military alliances: the Allies and the Axis...

External links

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