By Chris McGrane
It has been a year of significant achievement for each of the Australian Defence Force (ADF) cadet programs, and the first full year that General (retd) Sir Peter Cosgrove has performed his role as the inaugural Patron of the ADF Cadets.
In establishing this new role, Sir Peter has enthusiastically supported the cadet programs and travelled across Australia to visit and engage with the cadet community.
“I have thoroughly enjoyed seeing the cadets thriving and working together, particularly during activities like the inaugural Tri-Service Leadership Summit, Chief of Army Cadet Team Challenge, and Navy Cadets National Camp,” said Sir Peter.
“Thanks to the hard work and dedication of our inspirational cadet staff, this year there has been a record number of cadets taking up the opportunity to learn new skills and enjoy unique experiences.
“The leadership, confidence and comradery cadets have displayed gives me assurance that not only are the cadet programs achieving their mission, but that there are a large number of strong leaders in Australia’s future.”
Sir Peter said his engagements with the cadet community have demonstrated how the cadet programs continue to look ahead and ensure that they remain safe, contemporary and leading youth development programs.
“The changes in society over the past years reflect the need for the cadet programs to innovate, evolve and implement strategies to strengthen our readiness for the challenges of the future,” said Sir Peter.
“It has been a privilege to witness the work that has gone into contemporising the learning curricula of the programs, which will further expand the opportunities that cadets and adults have to grow and develop skills beneficial to their future success.”
With an abundance of activities and improvements on the horizon, Sir Peter is looking forward to visiting many more cadet activities in 2024.
“The passion and enthusiasm that resonates among the cadet community shows the strength of the programs and I am excited for what next year will bring,” he said.
“The cadet programs could not provide the experiences they do without the support from local community and the involvement of cadets and volunteers.
“I congratulate everyone involved for your ongoing commitment in sustaining them.”
In May 2023, Patron of the Australian Defence Force (ADF) Cadets, General the Honourable Sir Peter Cosgrove AK AC(Mil) CVO MC (Retd) joined Air Vice-Marshal Kym Osley AM, CSC and Major General Douglas Laidlaw, AM, CSC at the inaugural ADF Cadet Leadership Summit in Canberra.
In September 2023, Sir Peter joined Australian Navy Cadets on the wharf at HMAS Creswell following their Survival at Sea training during the 2023 ANC National Camp.
In July 2023, Sir Peter attended the Chief of Army Cadet Team Challenge as the Reviewing Officer, awarding the trophy to the winning Australian Army Cadet team.
In July 2023, Sir Peter attended the Chief of Army Cadet Team Challenge as the Reviewing Officer and recognised the valiant effort of the Australian Air Force Cadet team.
