Thousands of Australian Defence Force Cadets will proudly march in ANZAC Day parades in communities large and small throughout Australia, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Defence, Mr Peter Lindsay MP said. “Each year, many of our 21,000 Navy, Army and Air Force cadets in 464 units and squadrons across the country, march to honour and remember those Australians who sacrificed their lives for the freedoms they enjoy today,” Mr Lindsay said.

“For many of these young Australians, marching in the ANZAC Day parade is the highlight of their cadet career. It gives the cadets and their communities a great sense of pride to participate in this most iconic Australian event, which has such deep cultural and historical meaning. The ADF Cadets plays an invaluable role in promoting the values and ethos of the Australian Defence Force in the community, particularly in remote and regional areas. Cadets honour past sacrifices through ANZAC and Remembrance Day events and work together to preserve memorials and other important community facilities,” he said.

Mr Lindsay said the cadet contribution is not just felt at the community level. “These young Australians also provide a significant talent pool for the Australian Defence Force. Cadets make up just one percent of their age group in Australia, yet contribute ten percent of applications and 11 percent of total enlistments to the ADF,” Mr Lindsay said.

“Cadets also comprise between 35 and 40 percent of all Australian Defence Force Academy entries. Former cadets are highly represented in senior military and civilian ranks, are more likely to hold tertiary qualifications and are more successful in training. The ADFC teaches young Australians the value of community, makes them better citizens and sets them up with skills for life,” he said.

The Australian Defence Force Cadets is a youth development organisation where 12 and a half to 20 year olds take part in adventurous, military-like activities, while learning about leadership, team building and themselves. www.cadetnet.gov.au