12 August 2025
Drone racing became a channelling force for Army Officer Cadet Bruno Hickey after joining the Australian Army Cadets in Year 7.
“I’ve always had an interest in flying drones as a hobby,” Officer Cadet Hickey said.
“But after going to a drone racing boot camp with the cadets, my knowledge and enthusiasm for the sport grew very quickly.”
Soon after, Officer Cadet Hickey launched head-first into the drone racing community and was mentoring other cadets on how to build, fly and repair their own drones.
Warrant Officer Class 2 Mick Davis, who runs the Army Cadet Drone Racing Team, knows the value the program brings to the fields of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM).
“The drone racing program allows cadets to think creatively, problem-solve and be on the cutting edge of a relatively cheap and evolving technology,” Warrant Officer Class 2 Davis said.
“It provided Bruno the opportunity to develop as a leader, think creatively and, ultimately, to focus on an exciting career path.”
Officer Cadet Hickey is now studying a Bachelor of Arts at the Australian Defence Force Academy, majoring in Indo-Pacific Studies, which will help him become a better officer.
“We’ve been focusing on a lot of modern examples to better understand the Indo-Pacific, which has been enlightening,” Officer Cadet Hickey said.
“I’ve been interested in being an Army officer for a long time now, so I’m so glad that I’ve landed where I am.”
Army’s is one of four ADF teams that make up the ADF Drone Racing Association focused on building STEM engagement in ADF personnel and young Australians.
