Army Cadets targets Tasmanian teens with supercharged program of drones and bushcraft

From cutting bush tracks to flying drones, Army Cadets has revolutionised its program to blend old-school grit with digital-age skills — and they’re looking for young Tasmanians to join their ranks.

Cadets involved in a cadet lance-corporal training course begin a beach hike at picturesque Fort Direction near Hobart.

Tasmania’s next generation of leaders could soon be cutting through bush tracks one day and flying drones the next, as the Australian Army Cadets unveils a supercharged activity program designed to lure more young Tasmanians into its ranks.

The organisation is gearing up for one of its biggest shake-ups in years, boosting its adventure training schedule while stepping boldly into drone flying, cyber challenges and robotics competitions.

Commander of the Australian Army Cadets, Brigadier David McCammon, said the expansion was timely and reflected the way young people now mix physical grit with digital smarts.

“From an individual and team perspective, the organisation is not only opening up opportunities for those that want greater access to the more traditional physical activities, we are now able to offer a program that taps into technology and a broader range of interests that are important to the current generation of cadets,” Brigadier McCammon said.

Brigadier David McCammon talks with cadets while visiting an activity.

While the cadets are embracing new frontiers, the familiar hallmarks of the program remain firmly in place — and in some cases have been amped up.

“Field craft, navigation and drill remain unchanged; however, we have reinvigorated marksmanship which, as expected has been immensely popular, providing the true army-like experience that participants crave,” Brigadier McCammon said.

Australian Army Cadets undertaking the Deputy Chief of Army Adventure Training Award in Tasmania, hike below Mt Roland.

Under the guidance of professional soldiers, cadets train on in-service rifles and square off in competitions to claim bragging rights as the program’s sharpest shot.

“Safety and supervision are paramount when conducting these activities and we are proud to offer the opportunity, building confidence in all those involved,” Brigadier McCammon said.

The organisation hopes the broader program will attract more young Tasmanians, with numbers already sitting at nearly 300 statewide and room to grow.

“Currently we have a little over 280 youth in the program and the capacity to take in far more,” he said.

Members of the Tasmanian team cross a water pit on the obstacle at Kokoda Barracks, Canungra, Queensland as part of the Chief of Army’s Cadet Team Challenge.

“If you have thought about joining or may have only now been entertaining the idea, we welcome you to get involved in an organisation that offers challenge and an authentic sense of achievement.

“Whether you are a youth aged between of 12-18 years of ages, or an adult that is looking at assisting as Army Cadet Staff, there has never been a better time to get involved.”

More information is available at the Australian Army Cadets website.

Originally published as Army Cadets targets Tasmanian teens with supercharged program of drones and bushcraft