Defence

Vice Chief of the Defence Force

High value in Cadet involvement

The Australian Defence Force Cadets is a "high value organisation" that can make an even greater contribution to Defence, youth development and the community, according to the new Head, Cadet Policy, Major General Mick Fairweather.

"There is a lot in Cadets for Defence, and a lot in it for Australia's youth and the communities in which they live. Over the term of my appointment I want to focus on three key areas - improving the level of support from Defence, particularly the parent Services, enhancing the type of military-like activities available to Cadets and building stronger links with the community," he said.

Improving Defence support

Major General Fairweather's vision is to have a fully developed and supported Cadet organisation that is valued by the parent Services.

"Defence benefits from Cadets in an holistic sense, and this point needs to be underscored. Each year, the ADFC provides Defence, particularly the Australian Defence Force and the Australian Defence Force Academy, with some of the best and brightest in this country - young people with an interest in serving their country in a range of ways.

"Cadets also provides Defence with the opportunity to play a major role in developing the future of Australia, which is an honour for anyone. And Cadets, through its active engagement at the local level, enhances Defence's reputation in metropolitan and regional communities.

"Cadets are in a way prequalified for the Services, so I want to work with Navy, Army and Air Force to get a better Return on Investment by looking at new ways of keeping these young people in the ADFC so they will go on to join the ADF, ADFA and the department.

"Cadets have different information needs. They are already familiar with and interested in military-like environments, so I will work with the recruitment area to make sure their specific requirements are met. I want to improve our recruiters' understanding about what Cadets is all about because the pathway offered to the Services is fundamental.

"Cadets also really enjoy meeting serving men and women, so the Services need to value the organisation as a whole, and make any engagement with these young people a mutually beneficial experience," he said.

Improving the Cadet experience

A key to keeping Cadets in the ADFC and following the pathway to Defence is in providing quality military-like experiences and support, according to Major General Fairweather.

"I want to improve the quality of the Cadet experience, so they engage in safe and exciting activities. As Head, Cadet Policy I will be looking at ways to improve access to firearms training and increase the opportunities for military-like experiences, where appropriate.

Improving the relationship with the community

"I also want to improve the partnership with the community, so we have a greater understanding of each other's needs. I don't think the ADFC or Defence has fully explored the opportunities offered by greater community engagement, and I want to spend some time on that.

"By working with the Services I want to take the first step towards gathering further information on what communities want and need from us, through some sort of working group."

Positive legacy

While Major General Fairweather has outlined a detailed agenda for his term as Head, Cadet Policy he believes a great deal has already been achieved by the ADFC and the Directorate of Defence Force Cadets.

"I've taken over an organisation that is very much in good shape. I want to build on the very important work that has been done to date, because Cadets is a valuable organisation.

"Cadets gives young Australians life and decision-making skills, so they can meet almost any challenge. The career opportunities offered to Cadets by Defence are endless - from a trade, to being a soldier or officer, to becoming a public servant.

"Cadets sets up Australia's youth for just about any kind of career you can name. It is a great organisation and my appointment as Head, Cadet Policy is a very exciting opportunity," he said.

Major General Mick Fairweather AM

Major General Fairweather brings to his new position a unique depth and breadth of experience in business, Defence command and control and training and development.

Major General Fairweather began his career as an agriculture teacher in Queensland secondary schools. He left teaching in 1985 to pursue a career in business and gained wide experience in sales and senior management roles in the wholesale, distribution, retail and international trade industries.

Major General Fairweather currently operates a business management consultancy that assists businesses in developing governance, decision making and innovative cultures through the establishment of advisory boards and the planning of processes, structures and training. He also owns and operates a developing internet service provider business called Anyport.

Major General Fairweather has also served more than 30 years in the Army Reserve in a range of training, staff and command postings.

Prior to his appointment as Head, Cadet Policy, he was Commander of the 11th Brigade in Townsville. Before this command, Major General Fairweather was Commander of the 17,000 Australian Army Cadets in Army Headquarters.

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