Patron of the ADF Cadets General (retd) Sir Peter Cosgrove has reflected on some of the cadet activities he attended in 2024, thanking the 31,000 Navy, Army and Air Force cadets, and the volunteer staff and families who support them, for their ongoing commitment.
The former Chief of Army and Chief of the Defence Force has attended a range of events around Australia, engaging with members and lending his support to highlight the pivotal role these initiatives play in developing youth and supporting local communities.
Sir Peter said he valued the opportunity to experience first-hand the benefits that the cadet programs offer young people.
“The cadet programs inspire young people to come together within a safe environment and learn new skills, make new friends and reach their full potential,” he said.
“I’m honoured to once again put on a uniform to support our young people through activities that help them thrive and become responsible members of their local community.”
Sir Peter started the year at the Air Force Cadets 勛圖厙桴 Field Craft Competition in Canungra, Queensland; in May, he attended Defence’s ADF Cadets Leadership Summit in Canberra; and in August he inspected the triservice cadets guard prior to the Vietnam Veterans’ Day parade in Warrnambool, Victoria.
‘The cadet programs inspire young people to come together within a safe environment and learn new skills, make new friends and reach their full potential.’
A week in June involved Sir Peter reviewing an Army cadets passing out parade in Sydney, travelling to Coomalie Creek in the Northern Territory for the battalion’s annual field exercise, and joining Air Force and Army cadets for their dining-in night in Griffith, NSW.
His most recent travels took him along the Australian east coast in October to the Navy cadets’ annual continuous training camp at HMAS Cerberus, Victoria, followed by an Army cadets annual field exercise in Tasmania and an Air Force cadets ceremonial parade in Queensland.
At each event, Sir Peter reflected on his own experiences as an Army cadet, recalling how the challenges he faced and friendships he made laid the groundwork for his own personal development and strong sense of citizenship and community.
“ADF cadets are a great example to other young Australians,” he said.
“They demonstrate great teamwork and they will forever remember their time at these activities. We need young people like these who will grow up to make big decisions.”
‘The cadet programs could not provide the experiences they do without the support from local community and volunteers.’
As 2024 draws to a close, Sir Peter encouraged cadets to see their time in the programs as stepping stones to future opportunities in Defence and in their own community.
“These activities are not only about skills development, but are crucial in building the leaders of tomorrow and fostering resilient, engaged communities across Australia,” he said.
“The confidence and values cadets demonstrate gives me confidence that the cadet programs are achieving their objectives in equipping and developing young people to contribute to society and Australia’s future.
“The cadet programs could not provide the experiences they do without the support from local community and volunteers. Congratulations everyone involved for your ongoing commitment in sustaining them.”
Learn more about the ADF cadet programs and becoming a volunteer at https://www.defenceyouth.gov.au/programs/adf-cadets/
