Cadets conduct a water crossing activity at the 2012 Adventure Training Award at Majura Military Training Area near Canberra.
During the week the teenage cadets were tested on their navigation, field engineering and survival skills, physical and mental endurance, and their teamwork abilities, initiative and leadership. The cadets marched an average of 70 kilometres during the week and completed two activities each day. Most of the cadets participating in the ATA had spent several years in the Army Cadets or Air Force Cadets, learning the skills they would use during the week.
The ATA is the toughest competition the cadets will face during their time in the youth development organisation. Despite, or perhaps because of, the hard physical nature of the ATA, the activity was the highlight of their young lives.
Cadet Warrant Officer Class Two, 17-year old Paul Inkratas from Hornsby, Sydney said of his experience, “You only live once. You get out what you put in. Live the most while you can. The ATA gave me that opportunity to challenge myself”.
16-year old Cadet Sergeant Mai Trakulsri from Norfolk Island said simply, “Life is not fun if it is easy”.
The cadets’ spirits were boosted by visits from several high ranking Army officers during the activity, a real thrill for young Australians with an interest in the armed services. The Chief of Army, Deputy Chief of Army and Army Headquarters Chief of Staff, Brigadier Andrew Bottrell, were pleased to speak with the cadets and congratulate them on their accomplishments.
“These are awards well earned, the result of a challenging week and an enjoyable time,” said Major General Angus Campbell as he presented the successful cadets with their Adventure Training Award badges. “Australia needs its young people doing marvellous things in their lives.”
The Commander Australian Army Cadets Gold Commendation for Student of Merit was given to Cadet Under Officer Nicholas Demasi (18-years of age), from 226 Army Cadet Unit (Normanhurst), New South Wales.
The Deputy Commander Australian Army Cadets Silver Commendation for runner up was given to Cadet Sergeant Callum Moses (16-years of age), also from 226 Army Cadet Unit (Normanhurst), New South Wales.
This year a total of 100 Australian Army Cadets and ten Australian Air Force Cadets from across the country took part in the Adventure Training Award.
Read more about the Chief of Army’s visit here.