Cadets Staff FAQ

Australian Navy Cadet (ANC) Officers and Instructors are the backbone of every Training Ship. The ANC is always on the lookout for people who have a keen interest in working with teenagers to develop their potential as well as their own leadership and management skills.

Cadet Unit Officers and staff organise training activities and are responsible for the management of their Training Ship. They work closely with parents, other unit volunteers and with the local community that supports their Training Ship.

Staff are appointed after undergoing a selection process, police and referee checks and a psychological assessment of their suitability to work with young people.

Joining the ANC as a staff member can be a fun and rewarding way to assist in developing some of Australia's future leaders.

The ANC provides youth leadership and safety management training as well as teaching you about seamanship and navigation to mention some of the activities that you and your cadets will have the opportunity to participate in.

What are the prerequisites for becoming a Staff member?

To become an ANC Officer or Instructor, you must satisfy the following prerequisites:

• complete a formal application
• undergo an interview process
• clearance following a police and referee check
• psychological screening
• confirmed as suitable by the Cadet Unit host organisation and or management committee of a School-based Unit.

You will be required to attend regular training courses on a range of topics, including occupational health and safety, first aid and youth development.

Some ANC Staff may be appointed for their professional expertise in instruction or administration by Senior ANC Officers as required. Cadets may also apply to become Officers or Instructors when they leave the Cadet program.

What skills do I need?

Officers and Instructors joining the ANC come from a range of backgrounds and professions. Many are parents, ex-Navy personnel or people from the community who want to be involved. More than any specific skill, to become an ANC Staff member you need a genuine interest and commitment to youth development.

ANC Staff work under the guidance of their Training Ship Commanding Officer and are mentored by other staff. Much of the training is on-the-job at unit level.

What time commitment is needed?

Depending on which Training Ship you join, you will need to be able to commit at least a few hours each week during school terms, either on a week night or weekend, and one annual five-day camp.

The weekly commitment involves helping to train the cadets in drill and ceremonial, preparing activity plans and some administrative work.

Do I get paid?

Unlike many other youth development organisations, the ANC provides some compensation to its Staff by paying a Cadet Forces Allowance, based on the equivalent Navy Reserve salary rate.

Remuneration is based on the conduct of approved activities, noting that not every activity that Cadet Units wish to conduct can attract remuneration.

If an activity is approved and funding is available, ANC Staff can be paid a part day or full day allowance based on their rank for up to 48 days per year.

Many ANC Staff currently work more than the 48 days claimable on a purely voluntary basis. Not all ANC Staff contribute 48 days, nor seek payment for the maximum number of days. The ANC is a non-profit, partially-funded organisation and staff are encouraged to volunteer their efforts for a range of activities.

Each Cadet organisation manages the Cadet Forces Allowances differently to meet the requirements specified by their respective Service Chief.

Cadet Staff are also eligible, in some specified instances, for travelling, meal and or vehicle allowances.

What training do Staff members undertake?

ANC Staff Members are required to undertake training in the following:

• lesson planning, development and implementation
• effective communication
• leadership, particularly leading by example
• safety management
• information technology management
• navigation and seamanship
• hands on training through action learning
• youth development.

Do I have a Rank?

Yes, you will be awarded a rank according to your experience and level of training. Normally this would be the rank of SBLT for those just joining the organisation with little youth leadership experience.

You may be promoted after successfully completing the training course for the next higher rank. However, promotion is not automatic and also depends on the needs of the Training Ship you join. As a result you may be qualified for promotion, but if there is no position at the next rank you may have to wait until one becomes available.

Will I have a uniform?

ANC Staff are supplied uniforms free, on loan from the Navy. Uniforms include complete summer and winter ceremonial dress and working uniforms including items such as protective clothing and boating wear. These items must be returned if you leave the ANC.

What do the Cadets learn?

Cadets get the chance to:

• have fun
• make new friends
• be part of a team
• experience exciting and adventurous challenges
• learn to take responsibility
• develop their potential as leaders
• take part in physical activities.

Navy Cadets learn seamanship skills such as navigation, sailing, practical boat work, communications and signals and marine engineering. They are also taught a range of other skills including:

• leadership and team building skills
• firearms safety and marksmanship training
• computer skills
• first aid
• cooking
• citizenship
• drill and ceremonial
• band activities (only those Training Ships that have a band)

Your task as an ANC Officer or Instructor is to organise these types of activities and help teach the Cadets the skills mentioned above.

Do I have to do administrative work?

It depends on your skills and the amount of responsibility you wish to take on in your Training Ship. Administration is required to keep accurate and up to date records of personnel, training activities and safety management.

Where can I get more information?

For more information about becoming an Australian Navy Cadet Staff member, fill in the You do not have access to view this node form.

You will be sent details of your local Navy Cadet Unit and how to join.