The Australian Defence Force Cadets (ADFC) are a community-based, youth development organisation of approximately 22,000 cadets and 2,200 cadet staff in 464 units and squadrons across Australia. Coordination of the Australian Defence Force Cadets is via the Cadet Policy Branch (part of the Department of Defence). The ADFC is funded by the Australian Government through the Department of Defence, in partnership with the community.
The Australian Defence Force Cadets have been a large part of the Australian community since the 19th century. After the cadets were re-raised in 1976 the three cadet services were grouped together as the Australian Services Cadet Scheme. In 2001 this was changed to the Australian Defence Force Cadets.
Cadet units are referred to differently depending on the parent service. Airforce Cadet Units are referred to as Squadrons, Navy Cadet Units are referred to as Training Ships and Army cadet Units are referred to as Army Cadet Units. The ADFC comprise three organisations:
- Australian Navy Cadets (ANC)
- Australian Army Cadets (AAC)
- Australian Air Force Cadets (AAFC)
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“Beyond the horizon, or even the knowledge, of the cities along the coast, a great, creative impulse is at work—the only thing, after all, that gives this continent meaning and a guarantee of the future. Every Australian ought to climb up here, once in a way, and glimpse the various, manifold life of which he is a part.”
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