In 2018, I toured ADFA & wrote a blog. J-M asked me to write another one for this year and this was a marked difference to the previous one. This time we focussed on the Cadets and their time in ADFA. Our Tour Leader was ADFA trainee officer and activity co-organizer 2nd Year Officer Cadet Sienna. Also accompanying us was Flight Lieutenant D.

On Friday afternoon about 25 AHQ associates gathered beneath the Tree of Knowledge at the Australian Defence Force Academy. We were greeted by several Cadets from each of the 3 Services – ready and willing to interact with us. As we chatted & exchanged stories, their enthusiasm and confidence were encouraging and enlightening.

Program

1310-1340 Over Water Obstacle Course Display

1350-1420 Living In Accommodation Tour

1430-1450 Precision Drill Team Display

Sienna emphasised that this Academy is for students who are studying University courses as well as undertaking training, drills and learning about life in the military. Approx. 900 trainee officers are studying each year – Army, Navy and Air Force. Friday was their last day this year with exams in 2 weeks. As well as studying, there are also a variety of activities on offer – from Rugby, AFL, swimming, lawn bowls to Caving & Canyoning.

The Over the Water Obstacle Course was fascinating. Cadets are in their full kits and challenge themselves to complete the course, with the final challenge of ‘heaves’ from a suspended “Red Cone”. As each person attempts this, everyone calls out the count. One cadet managed 7 but 23 is the record so far. The drenched cadets joined us and were excited about showing us how it is done & their desire to improve each time.

Obstacle course

Watching the Cadets on the water obstacle course

Group Physical Instructor

SQNLDR Samantha emphasized that all cadets participate in Physical fitness – regardless of the Service they are in. It is a huge component of their work and it is positive to see the support they give each other as well as the thrill of meeting a challenge. Physical Fitness is assessed once or twice a quarter.

We moved on to the accommodation of the cadets at 22 Division, in Foxtrot Squadron which is a 1st Year Division. 1st Year cadets are divided male/female but in 2nd & 3rd years it is mixed. The three services are spread over in each block and mixed in with different years.

Outside the accommodation blocks

Rooms are small and tidy! They are inspected each Friday. Clothes are washed and ironed by cadets, shoes highly polished- very impressive! Very different from teenagers in civilian life. We were delighted that cadets had allowed us to see into their rooms.

There were also communal areas where they can get to know each other and discuss group activities. There is fierce competition between the different Divisions.

Precision drill Cadet team

Precision Drill display was our last activity. There are 2 major parades each year for all cadets, but this display was a voluntary elective. Tri-service uniforms, Enfield Rifles, drums & cymbals and precision were on display. The different services have variations to their drill team uniform. We were enthralled & captivated by the performance & charmed by the cadets as they shared more stories with us at the end of the drill.

Enjoying watching the drill team

We finished under the Tree of Knowledge again, with a display of a quilt, by Sandy Corry presented some years ago, which Samantha brought to show the cadets & volunteers.

Group photo displaying the quilt prersented to Australian Defence Force Academy in 2017 at the Annual Dinner in the ADFA Officers Mess. Made by beloved volunteer, Sandy Corry who we lost to brain cancer in Feb 2021.

Label on back of quilt. Note the old AHQ logo

Sienna was gifted a Laundry Bag made and presented by Jenny R. We all felt that the afternoon had been a lot of fun and also gave us a real insight into the lives of the Cadets and their Officers.

Jenny R presenting Sienna our guide with a laundry bagThank you very much for a great write up Jo! Much appreciated.