Information for Officers and Instructors
Information for Officers and Instructors
Information for Officers and Instructors
Give back to the community
ADF Cadets is a youth development organisation staffed by Officers and Instructors drawn from the community.
Men and women over 18 can become Officers and Instructors. Officers and Instructors are chosen for -
- Their suitability to work with youth
- Their willingness to "give back to the community"
- Their interest in youth development
- Their ability to dedicate their time and expertise to training programs
- The availability of positions
Cadets may apply to become Officers or Instructors when they leave the Cadet program. Officers and Instructors of Cadets are the backbone of the ADF Cadets, along with parents and guardians and the wider community.
Being an Officer and Instructor of Cadets is rewarding. You not only take part in youth development activities, but you get the chance to lead and share your knowledge and experience with young people.
But the best thing about being an Officer and Instructor of Cadets is the fact that you will be making a difference to Australia’s youth and future.
"It's great to see the cadets improve. I think it is brilliant" - an Officer and Instructor of Cadets, Navy cadets
Officers and Instructors of Cadets are drawn from a range of backgrounds and professions, including –
- Teachers
- Parents and community organisation members
- Ex-servicemen and women
- Senior cadets
- People who provide support on a continuing or as required basis
More than a specific skill, you need a genuine interest and commitment to youth development and "giving something back" to the community.
You can gain a range of professional and personal skills from being an officer or instructor, including –
- Lesson planning, development and implementation
- Effective communication
- Leadership, particularly leading by example
- Safety management
- Information technology management
- Field craft, map reading and orientation
- Sailing
- Flying
- Hands on training through action learning
- Youth development
To become an Officer or an Instructor, you must satisfy the following prerequisites –
- Completion of a formal application
- Clearance following a criminal record check
- Psychological screening
- Clearance from a Selection (Interview) Board
- Working With Children clearance in applicable States and Territories
- Confirmation of suitability by the Unit parent Service and/or management committee of a School Based Unit
You will be required to attend some training courses at various points during your time as an Officer or Instructor of Cadets.
The courses will cover a range of topics, including work health and safety, first aid and youth development.
Time commitment
Depending on the Cadet Force you join, you will need to commit at least a few hours each week during school terms, either on a week night or weekend, and one annual camp of four to seven days.
The weekly commitment involves participating in and managing youth development activities. This can range from administrative work to outdoor activities.
Cadet Force Allowance
ADF Cadets is a youth development organisation, staffed principally by members of the community.
Unlike many other youth development organisations, the ADF Cadets provides some compensation to its Officers and Instructors by paying a taxable Cadet Force Allowance.
Payment of allowance is based on the conduct of approved activities, noting that not every activity that Cadet Units wish to conduct can attract a payment.
Officers and Instructors of Cadets are also eligible, in some specified instances, for travelling, meal and/or vehicle allowances.
Each Cadet Force manages the Cadet Force Allowance differently to meet the requirements specified by the respective Service Chief.
You will achieve a rank according to your experience and level of training.
You will have the opportunity to be promoted through the ranks after successfully completing the training course for that rank, depending on the Cadet Force you join.
For more information on becoming an Officer or an Instructor of Cadets, arrange an appointment with the Unit Commander, in the first instance.
To locate a Unit near you, or for more specific information about each of the Cadet Forces, visit their websites by clicking on the links on this page's banner in the right hand corner.
Then:
- For Australian Navy Cadets: Fill out the Contact Form
- For Australian Air Force Cadets: Visit the website
- For Australian Army Cadets: Visit the website
- ADF Cadets Headquarters:
ADF Cadets Headquarters
BP18-3-009
18-20 Brindabella Park
Department of Defence
Canberra ACT 2600
Take a look at
Defence Youth Programs
Read about the Centenary of the Battle of Amiens. The YouthHQ media page has a collection of news stories related to the Australian Defence Force Cadets attendance at the Commemoration of the First World War Battle of Amiens.
