While some teenagers spent their school holidays inside playing computer games and watching DVDs, for 70 Australian Army Cadets (AAC) the holidays provided a chance to do battle with the elements in the Tasmanian wilderness.

The Adventure Training Award (ATA) assessment attracted cadets from around Australia to the Buckland Military Training Area from April 12-18, challenging them to push the limits both mentally and physically.

 

Conducted nationally for the first time since it began in 1969, it was event that almost did not happen.

 

CO Victorian AAC Bde LTCOL (AAC) Don Shearman, who conducted the assessment, said it had to be relocated after the original site at Mt. Disappointment State Forest in Victoria was destroyed by the Black Saturday bushfires on February 7.

 

“It was a challenge for AAC Staff to relocate, however, that effort was more than matched by the cadets,’ LTCOL (AAC) Shearman said.

 

Supported by Army Reservists from HQ 4Bde, 4CSSB, 2FSB and Army Cadet Staff from South Australia, Tasmania and NSW, the ATA assessment was an enormous success. 

 

Cadets were tested in a variety of scenarios and activities assessing skills including communications, problem solving, navigation, first aid, initiative, teamwork and leadership with their reward for successfully completing the six-day assessment: the prized ATA “Boomerang and Torch” Badge, the highest accolade they can wear on their uniforms.

 

Undertaken by senior youth members of the AAC, the ATA is a series of activities and is the most physically demanding set of activities in which they can participate during their years in the AAC.

 

“I couldn’t think of a better way to spend my school holidays,” Cadet Under Officer Evelyn Deutscher said.

 

“While my mates were sitting on the couch at home, I got to spend my holidays doing awesome activities”.

 

Cadet Under Officer Deutscher was also singled out for special praise, receiving an AAC Deputy Commanders Commendation for conducting herself with dignity and professionalism at all times while performing under pressure.

 

“I loved being constantly pushed by the physical and mental challenges the Army Cadet Staff provided, to not only achieve as an individual but also as a team,” she said.