The Australian Army Cadets is a community-based, Defence-sponsored, youth development organization of some 15,000 Cadets and some 1000 Cadet Staff that provides adventurous, fulfilling and educational military-like activities for young people, in a military environment.

It teaches young Australians, aged between 12½ and 17 years, the value of friendship, self-discipline, respect and spirit of adventure.  It also instils the Army values of teamwork, initiative and moral courage.

As an Army Cadet they will be offered challenging and inspiring experiences.  They will learn valuable life and work skills.  As a cadet they will –

• Make new friends
• Be part of a team
• Learn to take responsibility
• Have fun
• Gain leadership skills
• Learn bush skills like canoeing, communications, abseiling, fieldcraft, orienteering and map reading
• Undertake tough adventure training and go bush, compete for marksmanship prizes and attempt to qualify for the Duke of Edinburgh Award
• Visit Army bases, attend annual camps and participate in challenging opportunities during the school holidays and on weekends.

We provide uniforms and most equipment, and when you go on annual camp we provide the accommodation, food and travel.  Each Army Cadet Unit has its own fee structure or charges for certain activities like bivouacs.  Cadets are issued with some equipment including:

• Boots
• Disruptive Pattern Camouflage Uniform (DPCU)
• Basic bush camping gear.

To join Army Cadets they must:

• Be a resident of Australia
• Be aged between 12½ and 17 years
• Provide a statement from your doctor confirming you are able to participate in Cadet activities
• Not be a member of any other Cadet organization or the Australian Defence Force
• Be able to attend the activities of the unit you wish to join
• Agree to abide by the AAC Code of Conduct
• Complete an application form and have it signed by your parent or guardian
• Have your application accepted by the Unit Commander.

The Australian Army Cadets are sponsored and supported by the Army but are not part of it.  Cadets are not members of the Australian Defence Force.  Many ex-cadets do go on to join the Army, Navy or Air Force after finishing school but the decision to do so is made by the individual.  There is absolutely no requirement for anyone who has been a cadet to join the defence force unless they wish to do so.

We do not tolerate unacceptable behaviour. All Cadets and Cadet Staff have basic rights and obligations to participate in Cadet activities free of discrimination and harassment.

The Australian Defence Force Cadets codes of ethical behaviour set out the behaviour expected of Cadets and Cadet Staff and reinforce our values and the importance of a non-discriminatory, fair and safe environment.

Our Behaviour Policy defines appropriate codes of ethical behaviour and provides guidelines for preventing, managing and reporting on breaches to those codes. Cadets and Cadet Staff sign up to the Code of Conduct and are regularly briefed and instructed on equity and diversity awareness including bullying.

The Australian Army Cadets (AAC) is an inclusive youth development organisation. The AAC recognises that there are many varied health conditions that affect people in the community and actively encourages the participation of both young people and cadet staff diagnosed with such conditions. As a youth development organisation, young people should be encouraged and supported to manage their own health conditions. Parents are primarily responsible for ensuring their child is able to manage any health condition(s) they may have. Cadet staff have a responsibility to support cadets while in their care and to provide a safe environment for cadet.

For further information, please review 'Our Policies' for details.

Cadet safety is paramount. The Commander AAC has issued an occupational heath and safety policy supported by a comprehensive training program to enhance safety awareness for Cadets and their Officers and Instructors. This ensures everyone is equipped with the appropriate skills to safely conduct and participate in the adventurous activities Cadets want to experience.

For further information, please visit 'Our Policies'.

Australian Defence Force Cadets and cadet staff are drawn from a diverse range of unique backgrounds and experiences. All are committed to providing and enjoying a positive and safe youth development experience, respecting the value and dignity of all people, and recognising the particular rights and needs of young people.

ADF Cadets aim to be inclusive of all young people and staff, including those with disabilities, health conditions and allergies. All reasonable steps will be taken to include any person whose individual circumstances may necessitate special consideration in cadet unit activities, provided such steps do not jeopardize the safety or cadet experience of others. 

Once certain age, citizenship, medical management and parental support requirements are met; all young people will have the opportunity join one of the three cadet organisations: Australian Navy Cadets, Australian Army Cadets or Australian Air Force Cadets