Australian cadets experience

[jonesy]

I remember back in the day watching the ATC kids on base and in the mess, we all mocked and treated with scorn (African Toilet Cleaners/Afternoon Tea Club etc), admittedly without knowing much about them....Well since moving to Perth my boy has joined the Air Force Cadets here and we couldnt be happier! Its really good here and it seemed to be well supported by the RAAF. The cadets forces over here have a huge network which gives the kids lots of options to find an interest (tri-service/lifesaving/St Johns/police/conservation etc).

However somewhat disturbingly when I asked him what his favourite part is of training its....drill! NOOOOOOO! Given my absolute hatred for drill I just find this difficult to accept

The only downside? He's now got his heart set on joining the RAAF but as we're NZ citizens he's excluded, and will probably return to NZ to join RNZAF instead. I'm certainly well pleased he's joined cadets here thats for sure!

[lesterpk]

Interesting, thanks for that Jonesy. My boy and I attended an info evening for ADFA a few weeks back. He's looking at joining as an Engineering Officer in 2016, but needs to start his application next year, an 18 month or so long process. His school marks are good but he needs to do some more community stuff and ATC was mentioned as an option for developing leadership etc. Sounds like its worth looking into.

And yes, I remember as an AC being passed in line at the mess by ATC Sgts, them saying they outranked us......they were educated rather quickly and sent to the back by the chefs/stewards.

[11SQNLDR]

Hi Jonesy,

Your post is great timing for me having just relocated to the sandpit from Chch 3 weeks back.

My oldest son has just handed back his ATC uniform tonight and signed out of 18 Sqn (I'm grateful that he experienced a small part of Wigram at least)
& I'm bringing the family over here permanently in a fortnight's time.

If you could shoot me a PM with any contact details for the local Air Force Cadets I'd be most grateful as I know he wants to join up

[Calum]

Aug 27, 2013 22:13:10 GMT 12 jonesy said:

I remember back in the day watching the ATC kids on base and in the mess, we all mocked and treated with scorn (African Toilet Cleaners/Afternoon Tea Club etc), admittedly without knowing much about them....Well since moving to Perth my boy has joined the Air Force Cadets here and we couldnt be happier! Its really good here and it seemed to be well supported by the RAAF. The cadets forces over here have a huge network which gives the kids lots of options to find an interest (tri-service/lifesaving/St Johns/police/conservation etc).

However somewhat disturbingly when I asked him what his favourite part is of training its....drill! NOOOOOOO! Given my absolute hatred for drill I just find this difficult to accept

The only downside? He's now got his heart set on joining the RAAF but as we're NZ citizens he's excluded, and will probably return to NZ to join RNZAF instead. I'm certainly well pleased he's joined cadets here thats for sure!

Jonesy

There are ways for non Australian citzens to join the ADF

[jonesy]

Aug 28, 2013 14:44:06 GMT 12 Calum said:

Aug 27, 2013 22:13:10 GMT 12 jonesy said:

There are ways for non Australian citzens to join the ADF

Really? I'd had a look at the recruiting website and it looked pretty clear cut that NZers werent accepted if not permanent residents or citizens.

"New Zealand citizens are only considered to be permanent residents for citizenship purposes if they:

Hold a permanent visa granted under the Migration Act.
Were in Australia on 26 February 2001 as holders of a Special Category Visa (SCV)
Were outside Australia on 26 February 2001 but were in Australia as the holder of a SCV for one or more periods totaling 12 months, in the 2 years prior to 26 February 2001.
Did not fall within the above two categories but have a Centrelink certificate, issued under the Social Security Act 1991, which states that the person was, for the purposes of social security, residing in Australia on a particular date.
Due to an Agreement between the two countries which came into effect in February 2001, New Zealand citizens who first arrived in Australia on or after 27 February 2001 on a SCV are not considered permanent residents and must apply for, and be granted, Australian permanent residence if they wish to obtain Australian citizenship." (from ADF website)

We're only here on the SCV and only been here less than a year) which pretty much entitles us to nothing. My boy would be very happy indeed to hear if that was the case.