Q: What is the minimum age you can join the Australian Navy Cadets?

A: The Australian Defence Force Cadets requires you to have attained the age of 12 years and 6 months in order to join the ANC.

Q: What is the maximum age you can join?

A: All Cadets may participate until they have attained the age of 19 years.

Q: Are there any costs associated with being in the ANC?

A: Each unit differs. Some Training Ships may require a 'parade levy' of a small amount usually on a weekly basis. This is to help fund the costs associated with running activities and a unit in general. However, there are no 'national' subscription fees to joining.

Q: Do I have to buy my own uniform?

A: Under the support umbrella of the Royal Australian Navy, the Navy will provide all uniforms and equipment to a Cadet. You are not required to purchase any additional gear.

Q: Must I return my uniform when I leave my Unit and the ANC?

A: Yes. All uniform and equipment remain Commonwealth property. You are required to return it when you leave the ANC.

Q: When I join the ANC, am I apart of the Australian Defence Force? And do I have to go to war?

A: No Navy or ADFC Cadet is a member of the Australian Defence Force (ADF). Therefore, you will not be required to complete national service of any kind.

Q: Will I be required to join the Navy or the ADF once I leave the ANC?

A: No. Although the ANC and the ADFC hopes that you may consider serving in uniform as a career, there is no obligation to.

Q: What is the difference between a school unit and a 'normal' unit?

A: A school unit is a 'normal' unit which has been established within a school. Other than this, there is no distinction.

Q: Is the ANC, 'the military'?

A: No. The ANC is a voluntary youth organisation which trains young adults to become better citizens for the community. This training involves nautical and maritime activities within a military environment.

Q: Can anyone be in the ANC?

A: To join the ANC, you must:-

    * Be a person ordinarily resident in Australia

    * Have attained the age of 12 years and 6 months and not the age of 19 years.

    * Produce a statement from their family or any medical practitioner as to their ability to participate in Cadet activities.

    * Not be a member of any other Cadet Corps or the Australian Defence Force

Q: How do I join?

A: You may either get in touch with a unit directly using the online Unit Directory. Or you may wish to contact a Cadet Liaison Officer in your state to obtain further information.

Q: How will I be promoted? 

A: The ANC operates on a chain of command with a rank system similar to that of the RAN. 

All new Cadets are "Recruits". The general promotion pattern is: Seaman, Able Seaman, Leading Seaman, Petty Officer, Chief Petty Officer then Warrant Officer. 

Once a cadet has acheived the rank of Petty Officer they may be considered for selection to a Cadet Midshipman's course.

Each rank is attained by fulfilling a series of promotional requirements through the course of training.