Starting Cadets
Knox Grammar School has a compulsory cadet year which commences at the start of Year 9. Below are answers to some commonly asked questions.
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When do I start?
The compulsory cadet year typically begins for Year 8 students on Friday afternoons in Term 3 with the training sessions running from the completion of school until 5.30pm.
What uniform items do I have to buy for cadets?
Students need to purchase the following items:
• 1 pairs of cadet pants (DPCU - disruptive pattern camouflage uniform)
• 1 cadet shirt (DPCU - disruptive pattern camouflage uniform)
• 1 set of Knox flashes (small blue and black rectangles of felt fabric which slide onto the epaulette)
• 1 250 page notebook that can fit in cadet pants pocket, to be used for cadet material only
• 1 protractor
• 1 navigational compass (in MILLS)
• 1 Balmoral
• 1 Hat badge for Balmoral
• 1 Bush hat
• 2 Pairs of Cadet Socks
The Unit will provide a pair of boots, a second set of uniform and a jumper for Year 9 Recruits in 2009.
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Do I need other equipment?
During the compulsory year, cadets are issued with some field equipment while other items must be supplied by the cadet. A full list of all the equipment required for field exercises (camp, bivouac), descriptions of the items and where to get them, as well as whether it needs to be purchased or if it is issued, is located on the Equipment page (see menu at left). Before committing to expensive items (such as the sleeping bag, backpack, air mattress etc), please seek advice from the Unit - with some good advice, the equipment bought for outdoor education camps in Yr7 can last a student through to the end of Yr12 cadets.
What will I be doing when I start?
The first term of cadets is dedicated to providing students with basic skills. Students are trained by the senior members of the cadet unit and the adult staff. With Bivouac at the end of term and ANZAC Day in the first week of Term 2, Term 1 is a very busy time for all cadets.
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What training is involved?
Cadets should expect to attend training sessions every Friday during term time. There are some weeks when there is no training, and this will be advised in Routine Orders each Tuesday, here on the website and on the Cadet Noticeboard. It is in these sessions cadets learn the basic skills required for both parades and field exercises.
What do I do if I can't come to cadets one Friday?
Leave will be granted for a Friday afternoon home training at the discretion of the Commanding Officer or Operations Officer of the unit. If more than three consecutive home training afternoons are missed, cadets are required to do an extra month after the completion of the compulsory year.
Leave applications must be submitted no later than the Wednesday prior at lunchtime. All applications received after this time will incur a Friday afternoon detention parade. The necessary forms can be downloaded from the Leave section of this website.
What activities happen during the compulsory year?
The cadet year usually runs from October to September when final year cadets and those not continuing with the unit leave. During their time in cadets the students will participate in the following activities:
- Home training (Friday afternoons, approximately 3.30-5.30pm), within school grounds.
- Bivouac (a 3 to 4 day field exercise at the end of Term 1).
- Annual camp (a 6 day field exercise at the end of Term 2).
- Anzac Day ceremonial parade (usually early in Term 2).
- Passing Out / Retreat Parade (September).
- Presentation Parade by OKGA (October or November).
All cadet programs for Yrs 8-10 include, at an appropriate level, climbing, abseiling, canoeing, bushwalking, orienteering, first aid training, ropes course, quick decision making exercises and initiatives. The Yr10 program includes high ropes course, communications sessions and solo work. The field exercises are based at various locations including military areas (such as Singleton) or in national forest areas.
Does Cadets qualify for the Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme?
During the compulsory year in cadets, cadets satisfy the requirement of the NSW Department of Education for participation in outdoor recreation. If a part of the Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme, the cadet camps will satisfy students' expeditions for bronze and silver, as well as the service component of the scheme. Staff in the cadet office will sign off DofE books.
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