A newly-graduated cadet from Tiwi Island Group checks out the shade of a hootchie. Photo provided by AAC

Remote kids graduate as Army cadets

By Julie Hope
THIRTY-four raw recruits from the Tiwi Island Group graduated as a fully-fledged Australian Army Cadet (AAC) platoon following the first Remote Communities Indigenous Cadet pilot training course held on Bathurst Island, north of Darwin last month.

A joint initiative between Norforce, AAC and local indigenous communities, the Bathurst Island pilot was the first of three indigenous cadet training courses aimed at establishing self development opportunities relevant to young Indigenous Australians in the Northern Territory.

Co-ordinator of the first pilot course was the AAC HQ-Northern Territory WO Cadets, Sgt Geoff Bowler who said the experiences of the Bathurst Island group had laid the groundwork for two similar training courses planned for Daly River and Port Keats in 2003.

“We learned a great deal with the Bathurst Is group that will ensure future cadet training courses are accessible and culturally relevant to Indigenous youth,” he said.

Sgt Bowler said the Tiwi Island recruits, who were aged between 12 and 16 years, were trained by AAC senior qualified cadets with support from Norforce and 2 Cav Regt.

“The recruits were instructed in drill, cadet history and traditions, living in the field and field hygiene. Norforce supplied them with uniforms and boots and conducted night patrol exercises.” he said.

Commander AAC Brig Michael Fairweather said the Indigenous Cadet training program brought together the best of the values, traditions and cultures that indigenous communities and the ADF have to offer young people.

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