Australian Navy Cadets

The Australian Navy Cadets (ANC) is a voluntary youth organisation owned and sponsored by the Royal Australian Navy. Together with the Australian Air Force Cadets and Australian Army Cadets, it forms the Australian Defence Force Cadets. It hosts over 91 units.

Australian Navy Cadets
Australian Navy Cadet Crest
Active	1907 – present
Country	Australia
Allegiance	HM Queen Elizabeth II
Branch	Navy
Type	Volunteer Youth Organisation
Size	92 Units, 2,200 Cadets
Part of	Australian Defence Force Cadets
Headquarters	Directorate ANC, Russell Offices, Canberra
Nickname(s)	ANC
Motto(s)	Integrity and Endeavour
March	Royal Australian Navy
Anniversaries	1 July
Vessels Operated	Corsair, Envy, Various Powerboats, RHIB, Scruffy, Bosun's mate, Hobi Catamaran
Website	www.navycadets.gov.au
Commanders
Director General ANC	Commodore Mark Hill, CSC, RAN
National Commander ANC	Captain Martin Blume, ANC
Director of Flotillas	Commander Richard Trigg, ANC
Chief of Staff	Vacant
Notable commanders	Sir David Martin
Insignia
Australian Navy Cadets Ensign (2001–present)
Naval Reserve Cadets Ensign (1972–2001)
Australian Sea Cadet Corps Ensign (1956–1972)
Naval Ensign (1907–1956)

History

The organisation was founded in the early 1900s and officially recognised under the Naval Defence Act in 1910. Prior to 1973, the organisation was known as the Australian Sea Cadet Corps, and was jointly administered by the Royal Australian Navy and the Navy League of Australia. After 1973, the Navy assumed full responsibility for the Corps, which was renamed the Naval Reserve Cadets. The Australian Government review, 'Cadets The Future' recommended a final name change to Australian Navy Cadets in 2000.[1]

Admiral of the Corps

Appointee	From	To
King George VI	1942	1952
Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh	1952	1992
Prince Andrew, Duke of York	1992	Present

Below is a list of names held by both the Naval League and Defence run/sponsored programs including the original 'Church of England – Boys Naval Brigade' from 1901 to 1911:[2]

• Boys Naval Brigades (Victoria) 1901–1911 (Run in conjunction with the Church of England)
• Australian Naval Cadet Corps ANCC 1907–1950 (Defence)
• Navy League Sea Cadet Corps NLSCC (1920–1950) (Navy League)
• RANR Cadets 1950–1973 (Defence)
• Australian Sea Cadet Corps ASCC (1950–1972) (Navy League)
• (1973– Navy League and Defence cadets merged into one unit, the NRC)
• Naval Reserve Cadets NRC (1972-31 March 2000) (Defence)
• Australian Navy Cadets ANC (1 April 2000 – Present) (Defence)

Aims

ANC training is nautical in nature and includes waterborne activities, which can include navigation, communications, first aid, drill, maritime history, firearms proficiency, and adventurous training.[3] The ANC also aims to achieve the following with its training program:

• develop an interest in the Navy and its tradition;
• encourage cadets to continue military or community service;
• give cadets a foundation of military knowledge and discipline;
• provide the foundations of life skills;
• promote teamwork and critical-thinking;
• develop the qualities of leadership, self-discipline, self-reliance, and initiative; and
• provide training that may later assist in achieving competencies required during Navy induction training.

Organisation

The 91 Training Ships (units) across Australia have a total membership around 400 staff and 2,200 cadets,[4] including several that have been formed in high schools. However, 2012 reporting suggested membership has fallen drastically to about 1,600. These Training Ships are split into 9 Flotillas throughout the country.

The ANC adheres to a rank structure similar to the Royal Australian Navy, with cadets having the opportunity to progress from the rank of cadet recruit to cadet chief petty officer. Each unit has a complement which lays out how many cadets the unit is allowed to carry and how many are allowed at each rank. Training camps and examinations are held for promotion in rank. The structure and organisation of the ANC is based on that of the Royal Australian Navy, but additionally features a large community-involvement component.

Flotillas

There are currently 9 Flotillas in the Australian Navy Cadets. Each Flotilla has a Flotilla Commander (FLOTCOM) in charge who is the rank of Lieutenant Commander, ANC.

Flotillas in the ANC

Flotilla Name	Flotilla Commander	Motto
Attack Flotilla	LCDR Alan Knights, ANC	"Force In The North"
Daring Flotilla	LCDR Dennis Uren, ANC	"We Stand As One"
Kellatie Flotilla	LCDR Alistair Barber, ANC	"To Serve"
Lonsdale Flotilla	LEUT Loretta Coste, ANC (Acting)	"Wisdom Is Strength"
Moreton Flotilla	LCDR Raelene Stephensen, ANC	"Strong And Steady"
Taipan Flotilla	LCDR Debra Shaw, ANC	"Swift And Sure"
Torrens Flotilla	LCDR Tony Vidorin, ANC	"Faith And Fortitude"
Waratah Flotilla	LCDR Steven Poultney, ANC	"Advance Together"
Westralia Flotilla	CMDR Spike Jones, ANC	"Faithful And Bold"

ANC ranks

Ranks of the Australian Navy Cadets are divided into staff ranks and cadets ranks. Volunteers do not become staff until appointed by the ANC.

Staff ranks

Officer of Cadets (OOC) Ranks

Insignia
Rank	Sub Lieutenant ANC	Lieutenant ANC	Lieutenant Commander ANC	Commander ANC	Captain ANC
Abbreviation	SBLT, ANC	LEUT, ANC	LCDR, ANC	CMDR, ANC	CAPT, ANC

Instructor of Cadets (IOC) Ranks

Insignia
Rank	Provisional Instructor ANC	Able Seaman ANC (Inactive rank)	Leading Seaman ANC (Inactive rank)	Petty Officer ANC	Chief Petty Officer ANC	Warrant Officer ANC (Inactive rank)
Abbreviation	PIANC	ABANC	LSANC	POANC	CPOANC	WOANC

Example of Use (officer); LCDR Joe Blogg, ANC
Example of Use (Instructor); POANC Joe Blogg

Cadet Ranks

Ranks and Insignia of the Australian Naval Cadets

Australian Navy Cadets (Edit)	No equivalent									No equivalent			No Insignia
			Midshipman ANC	Cadet Warrant Officer		Cadet Chief Petty Officer		Cadet Petty Officer	Cadet Leading Seaman		Cadet Able Seaman	Cadet Seaman	Cadet Recruit
			MIDN, ANC	CDTWO		CDTCPO		CDTPO	CDTLS		CDTAB	CDTSMN	CDTRCT

Example of Use; CDTPO Joe Bloggs

Note: MIDN, ANC and CDTWO are currently inactive ranks.

Volunteers

• Unit Support Volunteer – USV

Example of Use; USV Joe Bloggs

National commanders and directors general

The basic naval reserve cadet (NRC) command structure prior to 2001 was:

Director of Naval Reserves and Cadets (DNRC) was a RANR Officer in Canberra who had overall authority of the Naval Reserve Cadets. Each state had a Senior Officer Naval Reserve Cadets (SONRC) who answered to the LNA or Local Naval Authority usually the Commanding Officer (CO) of the establishment on which the NRCHQ of that state resided. A Cadet Liaison Officer (CLO), usually a RANR Officer, was situated in HMAS Cairns, HMAS Moreton, HMAS Watson, HMAS Lonsdale, HMAS Encounter, HMAS Huon and HMAS Leeuwin (all shore bases at the time). The CLO had responsibility for the liaising between the NRC and RAN in their state. There was no national HQ or national staff until the ANC was established in 2001.

Rank	Name	Post-nominals	Branch	Tenure
Director NRC
Captain	David Martin		RAN	1973–1974
Commander	Allan Vidler		NRC
Commander	Christine Reinks		NRC
National Commander ANC
Captain	Gavin Reeves		ANC	November 1999 – 25 February 2007
Commander	John Goss	AM	RANR	25 February 2007 – 13 August 2008 (Acting)
Captain	Eliot Fisher	ESM	ANC	13 August 2008 – 13 August 2011
Captain	John Gill		ANC	13 August 2011 – 30 June 2014
Captain	Eliot Fisher	ESM, OAM	ANC	13 August 2014 – 1 January 2017
Captain	Kerry Rayner	OAM	ANC	1 January 2017 – 1 January 2020
Captain	Martin Blume		ANC	1 January 2020 – Present

Prior to 2001 the ANC did not have the title or position 'Director General ANC', instead the overall Commander's position was called 'Director of Reserves Navy' which was a RAN – RANR position.

Rank	Name	Post-Nominals	Branch	Tenure
Director General ANC
Commodore	Nigel Coates	AM	RAN	2005–2007
Commodore	Karel de Laat	CSC, RFD	RANR	2007-2007
Commodore	Michael Smith	AM	RANR	2007–?
Commodore	Geoff Geraghty	AM	RANR	? – 1 February 2014
Director General Australian Navy Cadets and Reserves
Commodore	Geoff Geraghty	AM	RANR	2 February 2014 – 30 November 2014
Commodore	Bruce Kafer	AM, CSC	RANR	1 December 2014 – 9 March 2017
Commodore	Mark Hill	CSC	RAN	10 March 2017 – May 2019
Commodore	David Greaves		RANR	May 2019 – 4 March 2020
Commodore	Mark Hill	CSC	RAN	5 March 2020 - Present

Uniforms/Awards

The uniforms of the Australian Navy Cadets are based on that of the Royal Australian Navy (RAN), with only a few differences such as the shoulder flashes of the ANC reading "AUSTRALIAN NAVY CADETS" as opposed to the RAN's "AUSTRALIA" flashes.

Award	Staff	Cadet	Years Service	Notes
Personal Efficiency Badge	All Ranks	All Ranks (except RCT)	completion of set qualification criteria personal readiness with 12 month renewal	Staff (Silver Badges with Gold Wheel) Cadet (Silver Badge with Silver Wheel)
ACT Completion Certificate	N/A	All Ranks eligible	Completion of an ACT specialisation	Differs per flotilla
Long Service & Good Conduct Stripe	POANC	All Ranks (except WO & MIDN)	Staff (1 for every 4 years of Service) (1 for 4 years service as a cadet) (1 for every 4 years service in the RAN or RANR) (maximum of 3 stripes) Cadet (1 stripe for every year of service) (maximum of 3 stripes)
5 Year Service Certificate	All Ranks	N/A	completion of 5 years service
10 Year Service Certificate	All Ranks	N/A	completion of 10 years service
Australian Cadet Service Medal	All Ranks	All Ranks (Except RCT)	Completion of 4 years service	Unofficial Medal Awarded at decision of commanding officer. Currently in development.
Australian Cadet Forces Service Medal	All Ranks	N/A	For 15 Years Long Service	A bar is awarded for every five years thereafter.
National Commander ANC Commendation	All Ranks	N/A	for meritorious service	In Gold, Silver and Bronze.
Director General ANC Commendation	All Ranks	N/A	for extraordinary meritorious service	In Gold, Silver and Bronze.
Conspicuous Service Medal (CSM)	All Ranks	N/A	The medal recognises commendable achievement or commitment to duty in a non-combative context. It is awarded to members of the Australian Defence Force and certain other people for example, Defence Force chaplains.
Conspicuous Service Cross (CSC)	All Ranks	N/A	The cross recognises exceptional dedication to duty or outstanding achievement in skills or judgement in a non-combative context. It is awarded to members of the Australian Defence Force and certain other people such as members of philanthropic organisations.

Activities and Training

Australian Navy Cadets marching during Remembrance Day ceremony Kings Park, Western Australia, 11 November 2012.

Courses and Skills

Cadets learn teamwork and leadership skills, and put these into practice at regular weekly parades. Cadets also have the opportunity to attend training camps for the purpose of promotion in rank, standard training, or to gain additional qualifications.

TS Hobart, a dedicated band unit, also offers musical activities as well as the normal cadet curriculum.

ANC and RAN Twinning Program

All ANC units can participate in sea rides on Royal Australian Navy ships, an initiative to provide a link between ANC units and RAN ships.[5]

In January 2019, 30 cadets from NSW experienced a sea ride aboard the MV Sycamore for 6 days, in which they became familiar with life on board. They experienced the different sections of the ship, from getting hands-on doing scullery in the galley to coiling lines with the bosuns to visiting engineering and getting a tour of the engine room . They all experienced standing 1-2 two hour watches per day, with each cadet having the opportunity to do lookout duty and take the helm of the vessel, learning hands-on how to control a ship.

International Exchanges

As the ANC is part of the International Sea Cadet Association, the opportunity is present for members to go on exchange programs with overseas cadet groups.

ANC and Young Endeavour Youth Scheme

The ANC/Young Endeavour Voyage Scheme is a sailing program for Australian Navy Cadets aged 16 and over, focused on building leadership, teamwork and communication skills through sail training. This scheme is being sponsored by the RAN and extends to 24 Australian Navy Cadets and three ANC staff members the chance to participate in two dedicated voyages on STS Young Endeavour. Sponsorship covers all voyage fees, airfares and accommodation. Nominations are sought from cadets over the age of 16 years and placement is offered to the top 24 cadets who can demonstrate outstanding personal and leadership qualities and who have made a valuable contribution to their local community during the past 12 months.

Over the course of the voyage, 24 Navy Cadets and three ANC staff members learn aspects of sailing a 44-metre, square rigged tall ship on the open sea including climbing the two 30 metre masts, setting sails, navigating, keeping watch, taking the helm and helping in the galley. ANC crew are trained by a professional Royal Australian Navy crew who are there to ensure the highest standards of safety and care.

The YEYS staff lead and run the Ship's usual training, games/sport and activity programs, with all ANC staff and cadets coming under the direction and supervision of the Ship's crew. This is not a military program. ANC staff do not have a leadership role while embarked in STS Young Endeavour and fully participate in the ship's youth development program on an equal footing with the cadets whom they would usually lead. The focus of the voyage is on self-development, the atmosphere is informal and all ship's company and youth crew are addressed on a first name basis.

Specialisations

When Cadets complete their basic training, and reach the required rank, they have the opportunity to go and do a specialisation course. Having a specialisation is not necessary to get promoted, but some flotilla's will require Able Seamen to do a Leadership And Management course before they can be promoted. Cadets are allowed to have more than one specialisation or category but each cadet will have a primary specialisation. Specialist courses are run on ACTs (as well as GT) which usually happen once a year. The awarding of categories mirrors that of the Royal Australian Navy (RAN) even though sailors in the RAN can only gain one rate at any one time. The specialisations are available to cadets from any rank.

The specialisations available in the Australian Navy Cadets are:

• Seamanship Development Course (SMNS)
• Marine Technician (MT)
• Ceremonial and weapons safety (CWS)
• Cook (CK)
• Communications (COM)
• Musician (MUSN)
• Stores (STR)
• Hydrographic Surveyor (HS)

Promotional Specialisations:

• Leadership and Management (L&M, required to become a Leading Seaman)
• Seamanship Development Course (not required to become a Seaman)
• General Training Instructor/Petty Officer Qualifications (PO Quals, required to become a Petty Officer)
• Whole Ships Coordinator/Chief Petty Officer Qualifications (CPO Quals, required to become a Chief Petty Officer)

Former specialisations:

• Physical Training Instructor (PTI)
• Cadet Safety Representative (CSR)
• Naval Airman (NA)
• Writer (WTR)

Cadets can also attend an advanced course on most of the above specialisations.

Cuff Rates:

CSA (Cadet Special Award) are completed at cadets, camps and ACT (Annual Continuous Training). Cuff rates is a badge you get after completing the course and it is worn on ceremonial uniforms, with a maximum of three to be worn. Cuff rate include:

• Sailing
• Power boating
• Canoeing
• Pulling
• Sailboarding
• Drum Corp
• Bugle Corp
• Duke of Edinburgh Award
• Adventurous Training
• Diving
• Weapons Safety
• Marksmanship
• Parachutist
• First Aid
• Solo Flight

the Adventurous Training Award is run by the Australian Army Cadets and is worn above the readiness badge.

Weekend Postings

Cadets also have the opportunity to attend Weekend Postings (WEP's), which occur over a period of Friday night to Sunday afternoon. WEP's are opportunities to get extra time to get activities done, and can be useful to run shortened versions of some ACT courses, some of which require to be conducted over two or more WEP's. However, they are most frequently used as opportunities to get on the water in the ANC's watercraft, and can take the form of sailing, powerboating, paddleboarding/canoeing/kayaking.

WEP's are normally conducted with multiple units, with one unit hosting and the others travelling to that unit. Usually, one senior cadet from the host unit is chosen to be the Whole Ships Coordinator (WSC) and they will coordinate the staff and cadets of other units, and are often involved in the planning and preparation stages of the WEP. However, a senior cadet from another unit may sometimes be the WSC, normally if the host unit is lacking senior cadets.

Naval Ship Visits

An ANC Cadet Petty Officer in front of HMAS Brunei 26/7/2014,

Cadets are sometimes given a chance to visit Australian Navy Vessels depending on location of the unit and where the ship is stationed.[1] Some cases include ships such as HMAS Brunei and HMAS Tobruk which visited TS Bundaberg. [1] Whilst on board, cadets will learn about the systems and operation of the vessel.[4]

Membership

Australian Navy Cadet Leading Seaman and a Royal Canadian Sea Cadet Petty Officer First Class during an international training activity

All cadets and staff in the ANC are workers of the ADF (Australian Defence Force) in accordance to the workplace health and safety act classifying them as workers but are not required to undertake military service.[6]

Cadet

The age period of membership as a cadet is twelve and a half, turning thirteen on the year of entry, to the day before turning eighteen (twenty prior to 2017). As of 2020, after turning eighteen years of age, it is no longer possible to be a member of the ANC as a cadet.[7] There is no specific recruitment time, applicants are encouraged to join at any time.

At most Training Ships, a trial period of four weeks is employed. During this trial period, a cadet (ranked as a recruit) is either not issued uniforms, or issued old working rig. They are free to leave at any point of the day but cannot participate in trans-unit activities such as WEP's or ACT's. At the end of this period they are officially appointed as cadets and are issued their correct uniforms.

Staff

All cadet units are staffed by paid officers and instructors (on a training allowance scheme), although some units may also have volunteer instructors. Adult staff involved in the organisation come from a variety of backgrounds and professions including:

• Teachers
• Members of community organisations
• Ex-cadets
• Parents and community members
• Ex-servicemen and women
• Occupational health and safety consultants
• Specialist personnel such as HR, change or occupational health and safety managers, administrators or finance officers
• People who provide support on a continuing or as required basis[8]

Some Cadet Staff are appointed for their professional expertise in instruction or administration. Cadets may apply to become Staff after 1 year after aging out.

The current National Command Authority are;

• Commodore Mark Hill, CSC, RAN – Director General ANCR
• Captain Martin Blume, ANC – National Commander
• Commander Richard Trigg, ANC – Director of Flotillas[9]
• Commander Lisa Foley, ANC – Director Training
• Commander Martin Blume, ANC -Deputy Director Information Systems[10]
• Commander Jared O'Connor, ANC – Director People and Culture.[11]

See also

• Australian Army Cadets
• Australian Air Force Cadets
• Australian Defence Force Cadets
• International Sea Cadet Association
• Other Sea Cadet organisations

Notes

1. History – Australian Navy Cadets (ANC Official Website) .
2. Navy League of Australia – History of the ANC
3. ABR5128 (AL2) Chapter 16
4. Official ANC Website Australian Navy Cadets – ANC. Retrieved 8 March 2008. Archived 23 October 2004 at the Wayback Machine
5. "Navy and cadets to bond through twinning initiative" (PDF). Sea Talk. Royal Australian Navy. Summer 2006. p. 29. Archived from the original (PDF) on 20 March 2011. Retrieved 2008-08-21.
6. ABR5128 (AL2) – Chapter 7
7. How to Join – Australian Navy Cadets How to Join – Australian Navy Cadets. Retrieved 27 October 2008. Archived 16 February 2011 at the Wayback Machine
8. Australian Navy Cadets – Staff FAQs . Retrieved 8 March 2008.
9. ANC today Mar.2019
10. ANC Today Mar.2019
11. ANC Today Mar.2019

References

• ANP 3700 - Policy and Operating Instructions For The Australian Navy Cadets

External links

• International Sea Cadet Association
• Navy League of Australia Federal Council report
• Australian Defence Force Cadets – Cadetnet
• Royal Australian Navy
• Cadets WA