Australian Navy Cadets

Australian Navy Cadets
Australian Navy Cadet Crest
Active	1907 – present
Country	Australia
Allegiance	King Charles III
Branch	Navy
Type	Volunteer youth organisation
Size	92 units, 2,200 cadets
Part of	Australian Defence Force Cadets
Headquarters	Directorate ANC, Brindabella Business Park, Canberra
Nickname(s)	ANC
Motto(s)	Integrity and Endeavour
March	Royal Australian Navy
Anniversaries	1 July
Vessels operated	Corsair, Envy, Various powerboats, Aquila RHIB, Scruffy, Bosun's mate, Hobi Catamaran, RS Quest
Website	www.navycadets.gov.au
Commanders
Director General ANC	Commodore David Greaves, RAN
National Commander ANC	Captain Peter Alderson, ANC
Chief of Staff	Vacant
Notable commanders	Sir David Martin
Insignia
Australian Navy Cadets Ensign (2001–present)
Naval Reserve Cadets Ensign (1972–2001)
Australian Sea Cadet Corps Ensign (1956–1972)
Naval Ensign (1907–1956)

The Australian Navy Cadets (ANC) is a leading national youth development organisation, with the character and values of the Australian Navy, founded on a strong community partnership, fostering and supporting an ongoing interest in the Australian Navy.

Together with the Australian Air Force Cadets and Australian Army Cadets, it forms the Australian Defence Force Cadets. It hosts over 87 units.

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 Australian 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 2000. ^[1]

Admiral of the Corps

Appointee	From	To
King George VI	1942	1952
Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh	1952	1992
Prince Andrew, Duke of York	1992	2019
Princess Anne, Princess Royal	2021	Present

Below is a list of names held by both the Naval League and Defence run/sponsored programs including the original 'Church of England – Boys Naval Brigade' from 1901 to 1911: ^[2]

• Boys Naval Brigades (Victoria) 1901–1911 (Run in conjunction with the Church of England)
• Australian Naval Cadet Corps ANCC 1907–1950 (Defence)
• Navy League Sea Cadet Corps NLSCC (1920–1950) (Navy League)
• RANR Cadets 1950–1973 (Defence)
• Australian Sea Cadet Corps ASCC (1950–1972) (Navy League)
• (1973– Navy League and Defence cadets merged into one unit, the NRC)
• Naval Reserve Cadets NRC (1972-31 March 2000) (Defence)
• Australian Navy Cadets ANC (1 April 2000 – present) (Defence)

Aims

The ANC provides a well-planned and organised youth development program based on maritime skills in an inclusive and adventurous environment. The program, which encompasses Navy Values and Signature Behaviours, is designed to nurture and develop:

• service, courage, respect, integrity and excellence
• self-esteem, self-confidence, self-discipline, teamwork and leadership,
• a sense of moral compass and respect for others regardless of gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation or disability
• an understanding of the importance to the Nation of Australia’s maritime domain.

The program is delivered by enthusiastic and dedicated ANC adult volunteers through a range of safe, enjoyable and rewarding experiences.

Organisation

The 87 Training Ships (units) across Australia have a total membership around 500 staff and 2,400 cadets, ^[3] including several that have been formed in high schools. These Training Ships are split into 9 Flotillas throughout the country.

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 (CDTRCT) to Cadet Warrant Officer (CDTWO). Each unit has a complement which lays out how many cadets the unit is allowed to carry and how many are allowed at each rank. Promotions to Junior Sailor ranks are at the digression of the Commanding Officer (CO) of the respective unit. The ANC requires the cadet to experience a list of different activities and roles as well as complete a task book. This book can be completed during a promotion course or over the course of many routine parades. A 'Learning Check' is also required to be completed at the end of a course, which the cadet must pass to be eligible to be promoted. The structure and organisation of the ANC is based on that of the Royal Australian Navy, but additionally features a large community-involvement component.

Flotillas

There are currently 9 Flotillas in the Australian Navy Cadets. Each Flotilla has a Flotilla Commander (FLOTCOM) in charge who is the rank of Lieutenant Commander, ANC.

Flotillas in the ANC

Flotilla Name	Flotilla Commander	Motto
Attack Flotilla	LCDR Lara Rice, ANC	"Force in the North"
Daring Flotilla	LCDR Chris Moyle, ANC	"We Stand As One"
Kellatie Flotilla	LCDR Bill Mckay, ANC	"To Serve"
Lonsdale Flotilla	LCDR Loretta Coste, ANC	"Wisdom Is Strength"
Moreton Flotilla	LCDR Jon Klaebe, ANC	"Strong And Steady"
Taipan Flotilla	LCDR Nicole Mackay, ANC	"Swift And Sure"
Torrens Flotilla	LCDR Pieter Scott, ANC	"Faith And Fortitude"
Waratah Flotilla	LCDR Connor Boesel, ANC	"Advance Together"
Westralia Flotilla	LCDR Bob Hughes, ANC	"Faithful And Bold"

ANC ranks

Ranks of the Australian Navy Cadets are divided into staff ranks and cadets ranks. Volunteers do not become staff until appointed by the ANC.

Staff ranks

From December 2021, all staff members hold Officer of Cadets (OOC) ranks, with Instructor of Cadets (IOC) ranks becoming inactive.

Officer of Cadets (OOC) Ranks

Insignia
Rank	Captain ANC	Commander ANC	Lieutenant Commander ANC	Lieutenant ANC	Sub Lieutenant ANC	Midshipman ANC
Abbreviation	CAPT, ANC	CMDR, ANC	LCDR, ANC	LEUT, ANC	SBLT, ANC	MIDN, ANC

Example of Use (officer); LCDR Joe Blogg, ANC

Cadet Ranks

ADFC Cadets	CDT 9 (Special Grade)		CDT 8	CDT 7		CDT 6		CDT 5	CDT 4	CDT 3	CDT 2	CDT 1	CDT (R)
Australian Navy Cadets [4] v t e	No equivalent									No equivalent			No Insignia
				Cadet Warrant Officer		Cadet Chief Petty Officer		Cadet Petty Officer	Cadet Leading Seaman		Cadet Able Seaman	Cadet Seaman	Cadet Recruit
				CDTWO		CDTCPO		CDTPO	CDTLS		CDTAB	CDTSMN	CDTRCT

^[5]

Example of Use; CDTPO Joe Bloggs

Volunteers

• Defence Approved Helper – DAH

Example of Use; Mr Joe Bloggs – DAH

National commanders and directors general

The basic naval reserve cadet (NRC) command structure prior to 2001 was:

Director of Naval Reserves and Cadets (DNRC) was a RANR Officer in Canberra who had overall authority of the Naval Reserve Cadets. Each state had a Senior Officer Naval Reserve Cadets (SONRC) who answered to the LNA or Local Naval Authority usually the Commanding Officer (CO) of the establishment on which the NRCHQ of that state resided. A Cadet Liaison Officer (CLO), usually a RANR Officer, was situated in HMAS Cairns, HMAS Moreton, HMAS Watson, HMAS Lonsdale, HMAS Encounter, HMAS Huon and HMAS Leeuwin (all shore bases at the time). The CLO had responsibility for the liaising between the NRC and RAN in their state. There was no national HQ or national staff until the ANC was established in 2001.

Rank	Name	Post-nominals	Branch	Tenure
Director NRC
Captain	David Martin		RAN	1973–1974
Commander	Allan Vidler		NRC
Commander	Christine Reinks		NRC
National Commander ANC
Captain	Gavin Reeves		ANC	November 1999 – 25 February 2007
Commander	John Goss	AM	RANR	25 February 2007 – 13 August 2008 (Acting)
Captain	Eliot Fisher	ESM	ANC	13 August 2008 – 13 August 2011
Captain	John Gill		ANC	13 August 2011 – 30 June 2014
Captain	Eliot Fisher	ESM , OAM	ANC	13 August 2014 – 1 January 2017
Captain	Kerry Rayner	OAM	ANC	1 January 2017 – 1 January 2020
Captain	Martin Blume		ANC	1 January 2020 – December 2022
Captain	Peter Alderson		ANC	1 January 2023 - Present

Prior to 2001 the ANC did not have the title or position 'Director General ANC', instead the overall Commander's position was called 'Director of Reserves Navy' which was a RAN – RANR position.

Rank	Name	Post-Nominals	Branch	Tenure
Director General ANC
Commodore	Nigel Coates	AM	RAN	2005–2007
Commodore	Karel de Laat	CSC , RFD	RANR	2007-2007
Commodore	Michael Smith	AM	RANR	2007–?
Commodore	Geoff Geraghty	AM	RANR	? – 1 February 2014
Director General Australian Navy Cadets and Reserves
Commodore	Geoff Geraghty	AM	RANR	2 February 2014 – 30 November 2014
Commodore	Bruce Kafer	AM , CSC	RANR	1 December 2014 – 9 March 2017
Commodore	Mark Hill	CSC	RAN	10 March 2017 – May 2019
Commodore	David Greaves		RAN	May 2019 – Present

Uniforms/Awards

The uniforms of the Australian Navy Cadets are based on that of the Royal Australian Navy (RAN), with only a few differences such as the shoulder flashes of the ANC reading "AUSTRALIAN NAVY CADETS" as opposed to the RAN's "AUSTRALIA" flashes. Also cadets can be awarded "Cuff Rates", worn on the right cuff of the black/white surge jacket (depending on which time of year, as to which version of the uniform).

There are 3 tiers to each, and when wearing DPNU/MMPU each cadet (CDT AB or above) is issued a black brassard to wear with Velcro to attach their unit patch as well as the Elective Patch of the highest rating for each Elective they participate in. The teers are Bronze, Sliver, and Gold. On ceremonial uniform, if you have reached any level of an elective, you wear a Cuff Rate by the same design standards as the old Cuff Rates (no change of embroidery with varying levels).

For various reasons, the uniforms of Senior Sailors (Cadet Petty Officer and Cadet Chief Petty Officer) are not similar to that of the RAN. Instead conforming to the Junior Sailor's uniform prescribed above. This needed the design of a new rank badge for CDT CPO, who would wear a pin on their collar on the RAN uniform.

CDTWO, however, are issued a version of Senior Sailor uniform, more similar to that of the RAN.

Award	Staff	Cadet	Years Service	Notes
Personal Efficiency Badge	All Ranks	All Ranks (except RCT)	completion of set qualification criteria personal readiness with 12 month renewal	Staff (Silver Badges with Gold Wheel) Cadet (Silver Badge with Silver Wheel)
ACT Completion Certificate	N/A	All Ranks eligible	Completion of an ACT specialisation	Differs per flotilla
Long Service & Good Conduct Stripe	N/A	All Ranks (except WO & MIDN)	Staff (1 for every 4 years of Service) (1 for 4 years service as a cadet) (1 for every 4 years service in the RAN or RANR) (maximum of 3 stripes) Cadet (1 stripe for every year of service) (maximum of 3 stripes)
5 Year Service Certificate	All Ranks	N/A	completion of 5 years service
10 Year Service Certificate	All Ranks	N/A	completion of 10 years service
Australian Cadet Forces Service Medal	All Ranks	N/A	For 15 Years Long Service	A bar is awarded for every five years thereafter.
National Commander ANC Commendation	All Ranks	N/A	for meritorious service	In Gold, Silver and Bronze.
Director General ANC Commendation	All Ranks	N/A	for extraordinary meritorious service	In Gold, Silver and Bronze.
Conspicuous Service Medal (CSM)	All Ranks	N/A	The medal recognises commendable achievement or commitment to duty in a non-combative context. It is awarded to members of the Australian Defence Force and certain other people for example, Defence Force chaplains.
Conspicuous Service Cross (CSC)	All Ranks	N/A	The cross recognises exceptional dedication to duty or outstanding achievement in skills or judgement in a non-combative context. It is awarded to members of the Australian Defence Force and certain other people such as members of philanthropic organisations.

Activities and Training

Australian Navy Cadets marching during Remembrance Day ceremony Kings Park, Western Australia, 11 November 2012.

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.

TS Hobart, a dedicated band unit, also offers musical activities as well as the normal cadet curriculum.

ANC and RAN Twinning Program

All ANC units can participate in sea rides on Royal Australian Navy ships, an initiative to provide a link between ANC units and RAN ships. ^[6]

In January 2019, 30 cadets from NSW experienced a sea ride aboard the MV Sycamore for 6 days, in which they became familiar with life on board. They experienced the different sections of the ship, from getting hands-on doing scullery in the galley to coiling lines with the bosuns to visiting engineering and getting a tour of the engine room . They all experienced standing 1-2 two hour watches per day, with each cadet having the opportunity to do lookout duty and take the helm of the vessel, learning hands-on how to control a ship.

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.

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 extends to 24 Australian Navy Cadets and three ANC staff members the chance to participate in two dedicated voyages on STS Young Endeavour. Sponsorship covers all voyage fees, airfares and accommodation. Nominations are sought from cadets over the age of 16 years and placement is 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 learn aspects of sailing a 44-metre, square rigged tall ship on the open sea including climbing the two 30 metre masts, setting sails, navigating, keeping watch, taking the helm and helping in the galley. ANC crew are trained by a professional Royal Australian Navy crew who are there to ensure the highest standards of safety and care.

The YEYS staff 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 do not have a leadership role while embarked in STS Young Endeavour and 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.

Specialisations

When Cadets complete their basic training, and reach the required rank, they have the opportunity to go and do a specialisation course. Having a specialisation is not necessary to get promoted, but some flotillas will require Able Seamen to do a Leadership And Management course before they can be promoted. 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 happens twice a year, once in the summer and once in the winter. The awarding of categories 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 are available to cadets from any rank.

In the new CYDC, the old system of Category Ratings has been abolished and a new one instated.^{[ when? ]} This requires each cadet to have completed Category training in either Maritime Operations (MO) , Maritime Engineering (ME), or Maritime Support (MS). These abbreviations are added onto a title in the same way as the RAN. Therefore, a Seaman Bosun's Mate (RAN) would become a SMNBM, a Cadet Seaman doing the Maritime Operations Category would be a CDT SMNMO).^{[ citation needed ]}

Category	Category Badge (Right Arm Rate)
Maritime Operations (MO)
Maritime Engineering (ME)
Maritime Support (MS)

Former category specialisations:

• Seamanship Development Course (SMNS)
• Marine Technician (MT)
• Ceremonial and weapons safety (CWS)
• Cook (CK)
• Communications (COM)
• Musician (MUSN)
• Stores (STR)
• Hydrographic Surveyor (HS)
• Writer (WTR)
• Physical Training Instructor (PTI)
• Cadet Safety Representative (CSR)
• Naval Airman (NA)

Cuff Rates: In the new CYDC (Cadet Youth Development Continuum) the old system of awarding Cuff Rates has been abolished for a new system consisting of Electives and Categories.^{[ citation needed ]} The CYDC Electives are comparable to Cuff Rates, there are 10 possible electives:

Category	Cuff Rate	Badge
Maritime Operations	Powerboating
	Sailing
	Skill at Arms
Maritime Engineering	STEM - Bridge Operations
	STEM - Drone Flying
	STEM - Robotics
Maritime Support	Cooking
	First Aid
	Musician
	Physical Fitness and Wellbeing

Former Cuff rate include:

• Sailing
• Power boating
• Canoeing
• Pulling
• Sailboarding
• Drum Corp
• Bugle Corp
• Duke of Edinburgh Award
• Adventurous Training
• Diving
• Weapons Safety
• Marksmanship
• Parachutist
• First Aid
• Solo Flight

the Adventurous Training Award is run by the Australian Army Cadets and is worn above the readiness badge.

Weekend Postings

Cadets also have the opportunity to attend Weekend Postings (WEP's), which occur over a period of Friday night to Sunday afternoon. WEP's are opportunities to get extra time to get activities done, and can be useful to run shortened versions of some ACT courses, some of which require to be conducted over two or more WEP's. However, they are most frequently used as opportunities to get on the water in the ANC's watercraft, and can take the form of sailing, powerboating, paddleboarding/canoeing/kayaking.

WEP's are normally conducted with multiple units, with one unit hosting and the others travelling to that unit. Usually, one senior cadet from the host unit is chosen to be the Whole Ships Coordinator (WSC) and they will coordinate the staff and cadets of other units, and are often involved in the planning and preparation stages of the WEP. However, a senior cadet from another unit may sometimes be the WSC, normally if the host unit is lacking senior cadets.

Naval Ship Visits

Cadets are sometimes given a chance to visit Australian or other friendly naval vessels depending on location of the unit and where the ship is stationed or moored. ^[1] Whilst on board, cadets will learn about the systems and operation of the vessel. ^[3]

Membership

Australian Navy Cadet Leading Seaman and a Royal Canadian Sea Cadet Petty Officer First Class during an international training activity

Navy Cadets are not members of the Australian Defence Force (ADF) or the Navy. Therefore, there is no required to complete military service of any kind. The Australian Navy Cadets is administered, sponsored and supported by the Navy but it is not a part of the Navy.

Cadet

The age period of membership as a cadet is 1 January in the year you turn 12, to 31 December in the year the cadet turns eighteen.^{[ citation needed ]} There is no specific recruitment time, applicants are encouraged to join at any time.

At most Training Ships, a trial period of four weeks is employed. During this trial period, a cadet (not on the ADFC intranet - Cadetnet) is either not issued uniforms, or issued old working rig. They are free to leave at any point of the day but cannot participate in trans-unit activities such as WEP's or ACT's. At the end of this period they are officially appointed as cadets and are issued their correct uniforms.

Staff

Navy Cadet Instructors are volunteers and are drawn from our local communities. Unlike other youth development organisations, the ANC provides some compensation for Officers of Cadets (OOC) via a claimable (taxable) Cadet Volunteer Payment (CVP). Navy Cadet Instructors involved in the organisation come from a variety of backgrounds and professions including:

• Teachers
• Members of community organisations
• Ex-cadets
• 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 ^[7]

The current National Command Authority are;

• Commodore David Greaves, RAN – Director General ANC
• Captain Peter Alderson, ANC – National Commander
• Commander Raelene Stephensen, ANC – Director Flotillas
• Commander Richard Morgan, ANC – Director Business
• Commander Chris Bastian, ANC – Director Learning and Development
• Commander Zara Ali, ANC – Director Professional Standards
• Commander Lisa Foley, ANC – Director Safety, Environment & Wellbeing
• Commander Christopher Holcroft, ANC – Director Communications & Media

See also

• Australian Army Cadets
• Australian Air Force Cadets
• Australian Defence Force Cadets
• International Sea Cadet Association
• Other Sea Cadet organisations
• Cadets (youth program)

Notes

1. History – Australian Navy Cadets (ANC Official Website) .
2. Navy League of Australia – History of the ANC
3. Official ANC Website Australian Navy Cadets – ANC. Retrieved 8 March 2008. Archived 23 October 2004 at the Wayback Machine
4. "Australian Defence Force Cadet Ranks".
5. "Our Identity" . Retrieved 7 November 2020.
6. "Navy and cadets to bond through twinning initiative" (PDF). Sea Talk. Royal Australian Navy. Summer 2006. p. 29. Archived from the original (PDF) on 20 March 2011. Retrieved 21 August 2008.
7. Australian Navy Cadets – Staff FAQs . Retrieved 8 March 2008.

References

• ANP 3700 – Policy and Operating Instructions for the Australian Navy Cadets

External links

• Australian Navy Cadets Official Website
• Australian Defence Force Cadets – Cadetnet
• Royal Australian Navy
• International Sea Cadet Association
• Navy League of Australia Federal Council report
• Cadets WA