By Tamara Robinson
The Patron of the ADF Cadets, General the Honourable Sir Peter Cosgrove AK AC(Mil) CVO MC (Retd), has reflected on some of the cadet activities he has 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 to engage with members to lend 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, and to lend his full support to the events.
“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,” said Sir Peter.
“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 Australian Air Force Cadets National Field Craft Competition in Canungra, Queensland. In May, he attended Defence’s ADF Cadets Leadership Summit in Canberra and in August he inspected the tri-service cadets guard prior to the Vietnam Veterans’ Day parade in Warrnambool, Victoria.
A week in June saw Sir Peter review an Australian Army Cadets passing out parade in Sydney, travel to Coomalie Creek in the Northern Territory for the Battalion’s Annual Field Exercise and join Air Force and Army cadets for their dining-in night in Griffith, New South Wales.
His most recent travels took him along the Australian east coast in October to the Australian Navy Cadets Annual Continuous Training camp at HMAS Cerberus, Victoria, followed by an Australian Army Cadets Annual Field Exercise in Tasmania, and culminating in an Australian 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,” said Sir Peter.
“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.”
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,” said Sir Peter.
“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.
Patron of the ADF Cadets, General the Honourable Sir Peter Cosgrove AK AC(Mil) CVO MC (Retd), joined cadets from across the country at the Australian Navy Cadets Annual Continuous Training national camp at HMAS Cerberus. The week-long event gave cadets the opportunity to engage in and observe a variety of Navy-like and maritime activities, including Survival at Sea training, mud runs, Firefighting and Damage Control activities, tours of the Seamanship School, Defence Force School of Signals and ADF Physical Trainer School, as well as demonstrations of live fire at West Head Gunnery Range and a visit from Navy helicopters. Cadets also experienced a night on MV Sycamore, learning about the ship’s history and observing its features.
PHOTOGRAPHER: LSIS Sittichai Sakonpoonpol
Patron of the ADF Cadets, General the Honourable Sir Peter Cosgrove AK AC(Mil) CVO MC (Retd), addressed 30 high-performing senior cadets during the leadership theory sessions at the second annual ADF Cadets Tri-Service Leadership Summit in Canberra. Cadets engaged in leadership development activities, participated in the Last Post ceremony at the Australian War Memorial, and undertook the Leadership Reaction Course at Majura Range focusing on tri-Service collaboration.
PHOTOGRAPHER: Chris McGrane
Patron of the ADF Cadets, General the Honourable Sir Peter Cosgrove AK AC(Mil) CVO, MC (Retd), joined Army and Air Force cadets at the Tasmania Battalion Annual Field Exercise, held at Stony Head Military Training Area. As an honoured guest, Sir Peter observed cadets as they participated in activities, addressed the quorum with a speech, and presented awards including two Long Service awards.
PHOTOGRAPHER: CAPT Cameron Wise
The 30 squadrons of the South Queensland region came together for the Australian Air Force Cadets 2 Wing ceremonial parade. With around 2,100 cadets and 200 staff, 2 Wing is the second largest Wing in the country. General the Honourable Sir Peter Cosgrove AK AC(Mil) CVO MC (Retd), Patron of the ADF Cadets, attended the event as an honoured guest to review the parade and address the quorum.
PHOTOGRAPHER: Kaymar Kreations
Patron of the ADF Cadets, General the Honourable Sir Peter Cosgrove AK AC(Mil) CVO MC (Retd), and his wife Lady Lynne Cosgrove joined cadets and adult volunteer cadet staff from 340 (City of Griffith) Squadron and 223 Army Cadets Unit (Leeton) for their annual joint dining-in-night. Sir Peter presented the Patron coin to 10 cadets throughout the evening.
PHOTOGRAPHER: Danielle McKay Photography