Australian Navy Cadets


The Australian Navy Cadets is a youth development organization supported by the Royal Australian Navy, with a focus on the maritime domain. The organization conducts navy-related activities, with some key objectives that include building self-confidence and developing teamwork and leadership skills.
The navy cadets, which comprises of 81 training ships and with approximately 2,600 cadets nationwide. It is available to all young Australians between the ages of 13 and 17. This youth organization is related with the Australian Air Force Cadets and Australian Army Cadets, which all come from the Defence Force Cadets">Australian Defence Force">Defence Force Cadets.

History

Established in the early 1900s, the organisation received official recognition in 1911, with the passing of the Naval Defence Act. Before 1972, the Royal Australian Navy and the Navy League of Australia shared administrative duties for the group, which was then known as the Australian Sea Cadet Corps.
The organisation was renamed the Naval Reserve Cadets, after the navy assumed full control of it in 1974. In 2000, the organisation was renamed "Australian Navy Cadets" following the recommendation of an Australian Government review titled Cadets: The Future.
In November 2024, the Australian Navy Cadets' training ship Mersey was renamed Training ''Ship Sheen'' in honour of ordinary Seaman Edward "Teddy" Sheen, VC. The name commemorates Sheen's actions during World War II.

Boys' Naval Brigades (Victoria), 1901–1911

The Boys' Naval Brigades were the earliest youth naval organisation in Australia. This organisation was run in conjunction with the Church of England. In 1903, Chief Gunner Robert Kearns of the Victorian Navy pioneered the Boys' Naval Brigade movement, forming the first group near Swan Island, Port Phillip. Soon after, in 1903, the second group was formed in Ballarat. The Boys' Naval Brigade was disbanded in 1913 when the government established compulsory training from 3 June 1913, resulting in its members joining the Navy-led Australian Naval Cadet Corps.

Australian Naval Cadet Corps, 1908–1952

In March 1908, recruitment for the Australian Navy's Australian Naval Cadet Corps began, with its activities commencing in July that year. The ANC Corps actively operated until 1913, when the Government's Compulsory Training legislation transferred them into the newly created RANR Militia, where they continued training throughout the First World War. After the war, the ANC Corps was re-established, and in 1930, compulsory training of the ANC Corps ceased. Once again in 1940, when the Second World War began, the ANC Corps deferred training as all Naval personnel were needed in the fight. The organisation had resumed its efforts after the war.

Navy League Sea Cadet Corps NLSCC, 1921–1952

In 1921, a second private Sea Cadet body was formed following the formation of the third Navy League Branch in New South Wales. This NSW Branch established the Navy League Sea Cadet Corps for young boys. The NLSCC operated in parallel with the ANC Corps, which was re-established after the war. During the 1920s, the NLSCC expanded, with other states forming Navy League branches along with their own Navy League Sea Cadet units.
Unlike the ANC Corps, which had halted operations during the Second World War, the private NLSCC remained operational but was reduced in units as many volunteer trainers had enlisted to serve in the war. The Royal Australian Navy recognised the NLSCC's efforts, which, up until now, operated with no assistance from the Navy. Negotiations commenced with the Navy League regarding future support; however, as the Australian Navy League was a branch of the United Kingdom's Navy League, this was possible, to resolve this problem, all branches of the Australian Defence Force were merged into the Australian Body, the Navy League of Australia, renaming its cadets the Australian Sea Cadet Corps.

Royal Australian Naval Reserve Cadets (RANRC), 1950–1973

The RANRC ran alongside the Australian Sea Cadet Corps. The program was small compared to its counterpart, with roughly 300 cadets involved within the program.

Australian Navy Sea Cadet Corps (ANSCC), 1950–1973

The Australian Sea Cadet Corps, now supported by the Navy, expanded rapidly under the leadership of its volunteer ex-service trainers. By 1970 the organisation had reached 2,500 cadets. The Royal Australian Navy expressed concerns about the increasing number of cadets and the cost of maintaining them. ASCC took responsibility for the cost, and by late 1974 the group had 2,000 members.
Representatives from the Navy League and the RAN discussed their shared concerns in 1972 on the rising costs of managing and sustaining the ANSCC program. Eventually, the RAN and Navy League decided that the Navy would be solely in charge of training the 2,000-strong ANSCC and 300-strong ANC. Under the new Defence law, the ANC and the ANSCC cadets united into the newly formed Naval Reserve Cadets. The Navy League was given time to restructure its ANSCC in the event that the Navy decided to stop training cadets, under an agreement with the Australian Commonwealth Naval Board. The ANSCC members of the Navy League were transferred into the new Naval Reserve Cadets of the RAN in January 1973.

Naval Reserve Cadets NRC, 1973–2000

Problems arose early in the newly formed Naval Reserve Cadets when the 21st Prime Minister of Australia, Gough Whitlam, cancelled all cadet activities and withdrew ADF support for cadets in 1975. The Navy League's agreement with the Australian Commonwealth Naval Board was honoured by the government, which notified the Navy League and allowed for the reorganisation of the ASCC structure. By the end of 1975, the Whitlam government was voted out, and Malcolm Fraser was elected the 22nd Prime Minister of Australia. The cadet situation was reviewed, and the Fraser government reinstated cadet training. In 2002, the name was changed back to Australian Naval Cadets—the original name of the 1907 Australian Navy Cadet Corps.

Duelling Movements

According to Australian rear admiral , from 1863 to 1952, young seamanship was fostered by two stands of the movement: a citizenship Sea Cadet movement, and a Navy-led, reservist-led organisation. Both strands under various bodies competed for the same resources and generally sought the same goal - that of preparing young people for naval service. The disparate schemes were understandable pre-federation due to the fractured nature of colonial government. Post-federation, the duel strands were locked in circular arguments over similar aims for competing resources. The presence of community-based naval organisations, while little threat to the Navy's resources, was at times perceived as a risk to the Navy's reputation.

Aims

Training

The Australian Navy Cadets provides nautical training that involves primarily water-based activities navigation, communications, first aid, drill, maritime history, and firearms proficiency are among the skills taught. Within its program, the ANC attempts to offer the following:
  • develop an interest in the Navy, its tradition and moral values,
  • 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.

Purpose

Australian Navy Cadets is a youth personal development program conducted by the Australian Navy in collaboration with the community. Its goal is to develop the individual, the community, and the Australian Navy in order to benefit the nation.

Values

The Australian Navy Cadets adopt the values of the Australian Navy to empower youth to achieve their potential.

Structure

The organisational structure of the ANC is based on three hierarchical levels: national, flotilla, and training ship.
The country is split into regions, and the regions have flotillas, which have several training ship units. Inside the training ships are Staff and Cadets, who take on positions to run the training ship accordingly every parade night or weekend camp.

National commanders and directors general

The basic naval reserve cadet command structure prior to 2001 was:
Director of Naval Reserves and Cadets was a RANR Officer in Canberra who had overall authority of the Naval Reserve Cadets. Each state had a Senior Officer Naval Reserve Cadets who answered to the LNA or Local Naval Authority usually the Commanding Officer of the establishment on which the NRCHQ of that state resided. A Cadet Liaison Officer, usually a RANR Officer, was situated in HMAS Cairns, HMAS Moreton, HMAS Watson, HMAS Lonsdale, HMAS Encounter, HMAS Huon and HMAS Leeuwin. 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 2000.
Prior to 2000 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.

Director General Australian Navy Cadets

The position of Director General Australian Navy Cadets is responsible to CN, through the Deputy [Chief of Navy (Australia)|Deputy Chief of Navy], and to CJC, through the Head of Joint Services Support Division, for the following responsibilities:
  • Delivery of a strategically based, productive, and cohesive ANC program designed to enhance the cadet experience and encourage greater youth participation in the ANC
  • Provision of specialist advice to the RAN and JSSD on matters relating to ANC organisational structures, policy, governance, personnel, administrative procedures, training of personnel, safety management and oversight of ANC resources
  • Liaison with the Defence organisation and other external agencies.
  • Ensuring ANC policies, procedures, and practices align with the DYSF
  • Conducting annual reviews of youth-facing positions and WWCC positions within DGANC and provide any updates to DNWM for annotation in PMKeyS.
  • DGANC chairs the ANC Senior Leadership Group and the ANC CadetSafe Board.
The current DGANC is CDRE David Greaves, RAN.

Director Australian Navy Cadets

The position of Director Australian Navy Cadets is responsible for the day-to-day management of the ANC Directorate, including the management of all RAN and Australian Public Service (APS) staff allocated to the ANC Directorate.
DANC through DGANC is responsible for:
  • provision of timely advice to the RAN and Government on ANC issues of representation, policy, resources, safety, and reputation management
  • management and governance of Commonwealth financial resources allocated for ANC support IAW the Public Governance, Performance and Accountability Act 2013
  • command liaison with Defence and other external agencies
  • ANC policy coordination and promulgation.
The current DANC is CMDR Mark Cohayney, RAN.

National Commander Australian Navy Cadets (NCANC)

The position of National Commander Australian Navy Cadets is responsible through the DGANC, to CN and HJSSD for the following:
  • the safe and effective delivery of the ANC youth program IAW the guidance provided by the DYSF and supporting documentation
  • for the management of international relationships between the ANC and members of the International Sea Cadets Association
  • for the recruitment, effective leadership and management of ANC members in accordance CN direction and the supporting guidance provided within Youth Policy Manual Parts 1 and 2, the YOUTH HQ website, and this publication
The current NCANC is CAPT Peter Alderson, ANC.

Flotilla

Flotillas are groups of training ships, each commanded by a Flotilla Commander, and supported by a small flotilla HQ staff of Unit Support Officers. Flotillas draw support from the Functional Directorate staff within National ANC HQ and Director Flotillas personnel.
The current flotillas and their Flotilla Commanders are:

Training ship

Training ships operate throughout many locations in Australia and are attached to a flotilla among other TS units. Each TS is commanded by a Commanding Officer who holds the rank of LEUT. The CO is often supported by an Executive Officer who holds the rank of SBLT. Some training ships also have Training Officers and a Whole Ship's Coordinator. The number of adult members and cadets can vary considerably, dependent on local circumstances.
Most training ships have a division. A division is a group of cadets, normally led by a senior cadet such as a CDTPO or CDTCPO.
The current training ships are:

Waratah Flotilla


Activities and training

Cadet Youth Development Continuum

Source:
The Cadet Youth Development Continuum acts as a framework that guides the cadet development program. The program aims to develop a cadet’s personal qualities and life skills: resilience, teamwork, confidence, loyalty, respect, and a sense of service to others.

Category Program

The ANC offers three categories, which are aligned with the RAN and its many roles. These categories are Maritime Engineering, Maritime Operations, and Maritime Support. Cadets who reach the rank of Able Seaman are expected to have completed one of these categories. Category badges are awarded on completion of the category's workbook.
Maritime Engineering
The Maritime Engineering category develops cadets in the basic principles of engineering in the maritime environment. A cadet will gain an appreciation of the mechanical and electrical systems used in watercraft and in larger naval vessels.
Maritime Operations
The Maritime Operations category develops cadets with an interest and ability in seamanship and general mariner skills.
Maritime Supports
The Maritime Support category develops cadets with an interest in support functions, including medical, catering, hospitality, supply chain, stores, and administration functions.

Elective Program

Electives are optional courses that give cadets the chance to specialise in one or more areas of interest and advance their present level of ability. A cadet will typically select an elective that piques their interest or is in line with the ANC category they have selected.
The electives offered in the ANC consist of:
Cadets of all ranks are given the option to choose as many of these courses as they wish. On completion, elective badges are awarded. Elective badges have three levels: Bronze, Silver, and Gold.
These elective badges are velcroed onto a black brassard worn on the DPNU. Cadets can sew on a maximum of three badges onto the cuff of their right arm for the ceremonial uniform.

Promotion

Every ANC rank has a workbook that provides cadets with the knowledge and abilities required to advance to the next rank.
Promotion to ranks of Cadet Seaman and Cadet Able Seaman only requires the completion of the core Skills Development Package and the promotional checklist, the checklist includes skills ranging from drill to general unit activities. The only exception for this is that promotion to Cadet Able Seaman also requires completion of a category SDP being either Maritime Engineering, Maritime Operations, and Maritime Support.
Promotion to ranks of Cadets Leading Seaman and above requires a promotional board which is held at a unit level for promotion to Cadet Leading Seaman, Flotilla level for Cadet Petty Officers and a National level for Chief Petty Officers and Cadet Warrant Officers.

International activities

Source:
Australian Navy Cadets are members of the ISCA and have the chance to participate in the ANC International exchange program.
The program happens multiple times a year, and cadets are able to experience similar organisations in other select countries:
The main goals of the Cadet exchanges are to spread friendships, kindness, pleasure, cultural experiences, and knowledge about new places and the operations of other Cadet organisations.

National activities

Source:
National activities are fully funded by the Defence who arrange the activities, land and air travel, accommodation, and food.

Annual National Camp

Cadets are given the opportunity to attend a week-long National Camp at a RAN Shore Establishment such as HMAS Cerberus.
Activities that may be included on a national camp are:
  • Visit a Navy warship or submarine
  • Fire-fighting and smoke walk
  • Target shooting
  • Survival at Sea
  • Leadership & teamwork challenges
  • Rock wall climbing
  • Navy helicopter flights
  • Drone flying
  • Power boating
  • Sail training
  • Defence careers presentation

Annual National Competitions

A national regatta and shooting competition is hosted every year for cadets across Australia. The teams from each Cadet Unit compete in these events to test their abilities and training. These tournaments evaluate the abilities and activities that the Navy Cadets learn during the year.

Flotilla and unit activities

and unit-based activities are among the more basic and frequent events in the Australian Navy Cadet program. Flotillas can offer a variety of events for cadets in any of the training ships situated in their flotilla. Training ships are also able to host their own activities solely for cadets inside their unit. A training ship will always host a 'Parade Night' once a week on a select day. The schedule of a parade night can vary from TS to TS but will normally have a Colours Ceremony, Drill Training, Lessons, Action Based Learning, Stand Easy, and a Sunset Ceremony.

Powerboating

The Australian Navy Cadets teaches the skills required to operate small powerboats safely, including weather awareness, basic navigation, and seamanship knowledge.

Sailing

Source:
Several opportunities and experiences related to sailing are offered by the Australian Navy Cadets. Cadets can learn to sail at their unit, take part in sailing weekends at one of the Maritime Training Centers, operate a dinghy, and compete against other cadets in regattas.
The Australian Navy Cadets is an authorised Discover Sailing Center under the Australian Sailing Organisation.

Firearm training

The ANC offers a comprehensive firearms safety training program using.22 calibre rifles. Cadets learn how to handle a rifle safely before participating in a 'live fire' at a rifle range.

Ranks and uniforms

The uniforms of the Australian Navy Cadets are based on those of the Royal Australian Navy, with only a few differences between the two. Unlike the RAN, the ANC's shoulder flashes and SRIs read "AUSTRALIAN NAVY CADETS" in place of the RAN's "AUSTRALIA." Another significant difference is in the officer insignia. Staff of the ANC display wavy laces, while RAN officers have straight laces. This difference originates from the Royal Australian Naval Volunteer Reserve. CDTPOs and above are not authorised to wear the Senior Sailor style of uniform that the Royal Australian Navy possesses for various reasons, instead conforming to the Junior Sailor's uniform.

Ranks

Staff ranks

Example of use; LCDR Robert Rooney, ANC

Cadet ranks

Example of use; CDTPO Robert Rooney

Volunteer helpers

A Defence Approved Helper is a volunteer who isn't a part of the Australian Navy Cadets or the Australian Defence Force.
Example of use: Mr Robert Rooney, DAH