Year 12 rehearsing for Passing Out Parade
From Commanding Officer – WCCU, MAJ(AAC), Julie-Ann de Kantzow
It was with much excitement that our new Year 8 recruits started parading for the first time back in February. None of us could have foreseen how different their initial journey would be from what they were expecting. After just four parades, Cadets moved to the online environment – before recruits had the chance to develop a real understanding of what the program was all about.
Cadets aims to develop resilience, tenacity, teamwork and leadership skills. We strive to equip our recruits with the knowledge, skills and confidence they need for AFX (Annual Field Exercise – Cadet Camp) and bivouacs. Unfortunately, this year those opportunities have been taken away. As such, we are extending the commitment to the Unit until the end of Term 1, 2021.
We want students to benefit fully from the Cadets experience. The extension means that our recruits can attend AFX and put everything they’ve learnt this year into practice. It is AFX that they so look forward to from year to year. It is on AFX that our recruits get to see leadership in action. And it is on AFX that lasting friendships are forged within sections and platoons.
This coming Friday will be the last Unit Parade for Term 3. We’re heading into promotion season for our senior cadets and your sons can look forward to new ranks and enthusiasm when we return in Term 4.
