Australian Navy Cadets

The Australian Navy Cadets (ANC) 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.

Organisation

There are 91 Training Ships (units) across Australia, with a total membership of over 2,000 staff and cadets, [Official ANC Website [http://www.cadetnet.gov.au/anc] accessed 8 March 2008] including several that have been formed in High Schools. The ANC adheres to a rank structure similar to the Royal Australian Navy, with cadets having the opportunity to progress from the rank of Cadet Recruit to Cadet Midshipman. Each unit has a quota of persons allowed at each rank (Leading Seaman [C/LS] and above), training camps and examinations are held for promotion in rank. The structure and organisation of the Australian Navy Cadets is based on that of the Royal Australian Navy however additionally features a large community involvement component.

ANC Ranks

Ranks of the Australian Navy Cadets are divided into the following categories

taff Ranks

Officer of Cadets (OOC)

* Captain, Australian Navy Cadets - CAPT, ANC
* Commander, Australian Navy Cadets - CMDR, ANC
* Lieutenant Commander, Australian Navy Cadets - LCDR, ANC
* Lieutenant, Australian Navy Cadets - LEUT, ANC
* Sub Lieutenant, Australian Navy Cadets - SBLT, ANC

Instructor of Cadets (IOC)

* Chief Petty Officer Australian Navy Cadets - CPOANC
* Petty Officer Australian Navy Cadets - POANC

Cadet Ranks

* Cadet Midshipman - MIDN, ANC
* Cadet Warrant Officer - C/WO
* Cadet Chief Petty Officer - C/CPO
* Cadet Petty Officer - C/PO
* Cadet Leading Seaman - C/LS
* Cadet Able Seaman - C/AB
* Cadet Seaman - C/SMN
* Cadet Recruit - C/RCT

Volunteers

* Unit Support Volunteer - USV

History

The organisation was founded in the early 1900s and officially recognised under the Naval Defence Act in 1910. Prior to 1973, the organisation was known as the Sea Cadet Corps, and was jointly administered by the Royal Australian Navy and the Navy League of Australia. After 1973, the Navy assumed full responsibility for the Corps, which was renamed the Naval Reserve Cadets. The Australian Government review, 'Cadets The Future' recommended a final name change to Australian Navy Cadets in 2001. [ History - Australian Navy Cadets (ANC Official Website) [http://apps.cadetnet.gov.au/asp/index.asp?pgid=134] accessed 18 September 2008]

Policy and Operations

The ANC has a dedicated Australian Book of Reference (ABR), named ABR 5128 (AL2) for its policy and operating instructions manual.

Activities and Training

Aims

ANC training is nautical in nature and includes waterborne activities. Activities can include, but are not limited to, navigation, communications, first aid, drill, maritime history, firearms proficiency and adventurous training. [ABR5128 (AL2) Chapter 16] The ANC also aims to achieve the following with its training program:
* develop an interest in the Navy and its tradition;
* encourage cadets to continue military or community service;
* give cadets a foundation of military knowledge and discipline;
* develop the qualities of leadership, self-discipline, self-reliance and initiative; and
* provide training that may later assist in achieving competencies required during Navy induction training.

Courses and Skills

Cadets learn teamwork and leadership skills, and put these into practice at regular weekly parades. Cadets also have the opportunity to attend training camps for the purpose of promotion in rank, standard training, or to gain additional qualifications.

ANC and RAN Twinning Program

All ANC units can participate in sea rides on Royal Australian Navy ships as part of the "Twinning" program, an initiative to provide a link between ANC units and RAN ships. [cite news |title=Navy and cadets to bond through twinning initiative |url=http://www.navy.gov.au/w/images/Sea_Talk_2006-summer.pdf |format=PDF |work=Sea Talk |publisher=Royal Australian Navy |page=p. 29 |date=Summer 2006 |accessdate=2008-08-21]

International Exchanges

As the ANC is part of the International Sea Cadet Association, the opportunity is present for members to go on exchange programs with overseas cadet groups.

pecialisations

When Cadets complete the Initial General Training Course (GT), they have the opportunity to go and do a specialisation course. Having a specialisation is not necessary to get promoted to Leading Seamen but having done at least one Annual Continuous Training (ACT) is. Cadets are allowed to have more than one specialisation or category but each cadet will have a primary specialisation. Specialist courses are run on ACTs (as well as GT) which usually happen twice a year. The awarding of categorys mirrors that of the Royal Australian Navy (RAN) even though sailors in the RAN can only gain one rate at any one time.

The specialisations available in the Australian Navy Cadets are;

* Musician (MUSN)
* Marine Technician (MT)
* Seamanship (SMNS)
* Hydrographic Surveyor (HS)
* Physical Training Instructor (PTI)
* Naval Airman (NA)
* Cook (CK)
* Writer (WTR)
* Stores (STR)
* Communications (COM)
* Ceremonial and Weapons Safety (CWS)

Cadets can also attend an advanced course on all the above specialisations.

Membership

All cadets and staff in the ANC are civilians and are not required to undertake military service. [ABR5128 (AL2) - Chapter 7]

Cadet

Membership of the ANC is open to all young people aged 12.5 to 18 to join with an age limit for all cadets of 20. There is no specific recruitment time.

taff

All cadet units are staffed by paid officers and instructors, although some units may also have volunteer instructors. The Official ANC Website Staff page [Australian Navy Cadets - Staff FAQs [http://www.cadetnet.gov.au/asp/index.asp?pgid=19587] accessed 8 March 2008] indicates that adult staff involved in the organisation come from a variety of backgrounds and professions including:

* Teachers
* Members of community organisations
* Parents and community members
* Ex-servicemen and women
* Occupational health and safety consultants
* Specialist personnel such as HR, change or occupational health and safety managers, administrators or finance officers
* People who provide support on a continuing or as required basis

Some Cadet Staff are appointed for their professional expertise in instruction or administration. Cadets may apply to become Officers or Instructors when they leave the Cadet program. [Australian Navy Cadets - Staff FAQs [http://www.cadetnet.gov.au/asp/index.asp?pgid=19587] accessed 8 March 2008]

News

ANC and Young Endeavour Youth Scheme

The ANC/Young Endeavour Voyage Scheme is a sailing program for Australian Navy Cadets aged 16 and over, focused on building leadership, teamwork and communication skills through sail training. This scheme is being sponsored by the RAN and will extend to 24 Australian Navy Cadets and three ANC staff members to participate in two dedicated voyages on STS Young Endeavour. Sponsorship will cover all voyage fees, airfares and accommodation. Nominations will be sought from cadets over the age of 16 years and placement will be offered to the top 24 cadets who can demonstrate outstanding personal and leadership qualities and who have made a valuable contribution to their local community during the past 12 months.

Over the course of the voyage, 24 Navy Cadets and three ANC staff members will learn aspects of sailing a 44-metre, square rigged tall ship on the open sea including climbing the 30 metre mast, setting sails, navigating, keeping watch, taking the helm and helping in the galley. ANC crew will be trained by a professional Navy crew who are there to ensure the highest standards of safety and care.

The YEYS staff will lead and run the Ship’s usual training, games/sport and activity programs, with all ANC staff and cadets coming under the direction and supervision of the Ship’s crew. This is not a military program. ANC staff will not have a leadership role while embarked in STS Young Endeavour but will fully participate in the ship’s youth development program on an equal footing with the cadets whom they would usually lead. The focus of the voyage is on self development, the atmosphere is informal and all ship’s company and youth crew are addressed on a first name basis.

ee also

Official ANC Website

* The official [http://www.cadetnet.gov.au/anc ANC Website] contains information on the organisation, including events and training ship locations.

Other naval cadet organisations

* International Sea Cadet Association
* Other Sea Cadet organisations

Other Australian cadet organisations

* Australian Army Cadets
* Australian Air Force Cadets
* Australian Defence Force Cadets

Australian Defence Force

* Australian Defence Force
* Royal Australian Navy

References

Other References

* ABR 5128 (AL2) — Policy and Operating Instructions Manual for the Australian Navy Cadets
* [http://www.isca-seacadets.org International Sea Cadet Association]
* [http://navyleag.customer.netspace.net.au/fc_04.htm Navy League of Australia Federal Council report]
* [http://www.cadetnet.gov.au Australian Defence Force Cadets - Cadetnet]
* [http://www.navy.gov.au/w/index.php/Main_Page Royal Australian Navy]