Australian Navy Cadets

The Australian Navy Cadets (ANC) is a youth development organisation supported by the Royal Australian Navy, with a focus on the maritime domain. The organisation promotes activities, both on land and in water, with key objectives including building self-confidence as well as developing teamwork and leadership skills.^[1]

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Australian Navy Cadets

Active	1907 – present
Country	Australia
Role	Volunteer youth organisation
Size	81 units 2,600 cadets 566 staff
Part of	Australian Defence Force Cadets
Headquarters	Directorate ANC, Brindabella Business Park, Canberra
Motto(s)	Integrity and Endeavour
Anniversaries	1 July
Website	https://www.navycadets.gov.au/
Commanders
Chief of Navy	VADM Mark Hammond RAN
Director General ANC	CDRE David Greaves RAN
Director ANC	CMDR Mark Cohayney RAN
National Commander ANC	CAPT Peter Alderson ANC
Insignia
Australian Navy Cadets Ensign (2001–present)
Naval Reserve Cadets Ensign (1973–2001)
Australian Sea Cadet Corps Ensign (1956–1973)
Naval Ensign (Still considered as the British navy flag going all the way back to the Napoleonic wars (1907–1956)

The program, which comprises 81 training ships and about 2,600 cadets nationwide, is available to all young Australians between the ages of 12 and 18.^[1]

Together with the Australian Air Force Cadets and Australian Army Cadets, it forms the Australian Defense Force Cadets.

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History

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Perspective

Established in the early 1900s, the organisation received official recognition in 1910 with the passing of the Naval Defence Act.^[2] Before 1973, the Royal Australian Navy and the Navy League of Australia shared administrative duties for the group, which was then known as the Australian Sea Cadet Corps.

The organisation was renamed the Naval Reserve Cadets after the Navy assumed full control of it in 1973. In 2000, Australian Navy Cadets was the final name change that was suggested by an Australian Government review known as "Cadets The Future".^[3]

In November 2024, the Australian Navy Cadets' Training Ship Mersey was renamed Training Ship Sheean in honour of Ordinary Seaman Edward "Teddy" Sheean, VC. The name commemorates Sheean's actions during World War II.

Boys Naval Brigades (Victoria), 1901–1911

The Boys Naval Brigades were the earliest youth naval organization in Australia. This organisation was run in conjunction with the Church of England. In 1901, Chief Gunner Robert Kearns of the Victorian Navy pioneered the Boys Naval Brigade movement, forming the first group near Swan Island, Port Phillip. Soon after, in 1903, the second group was formed in Ballarat.^[4] The Boys Naval Brigade disbanded in 1911, when the government issued compulsory training from 1 July 1911 resulting in its members joining the Defence-run Australian Naval Cadet Corps.

Australian Naval Cadet Corps, 1907–1950

In March 1907, recruitment for the Australian Navy's Australian Naval Cadet Corps began, and activities commenced in July of 1907. The ANC Corps had been active up until 1911 when the Government's Compulsory Training legislation transferred them into the newly created RANR (M) Militia where they continued training throughout the First World War. After the war, the ANC Corps was re-established, and later on in 1929 compulsory training of the ANC Corps had ceased. Once again in 1939, with the breakout of the Second World War, the ANC Corps deferred training as all Naval personnel were needed in the fight. The organisation had resumed its efforts after the war.^[4]

Navy League Sea Cadet Corps NLSCC, 1920–1950

In 1920, a second private Sea Cadet body was formed following the formation of the third Navy League Branch in New South Wales. This NSW Branch established the Navy League Sea Cadet Corps for young boys. The NLSCC operated in parallel with the ANC Corps which was re-established after the war. During the 1920s, the NLSCC expanded, with other states forming Navy League branches along with their own Navy League Sea Cadet units.

Unlike the ANC Corps that had halted operations during the Second World War, the private NLSCC remained operational but was reduced in units as many volunteer trainers had enlisted to serve in the war. The Royal Australian Navy recognised the effort of the NLSCC, that up until now operated with no assistance from the Navy. Negotiations commenced with the Navy League regarding future support, but because the Australian Navy League was a branch of the United Kingdom's Navy League, this was not possible. To resolve this problem, all Australian Branches joined to form the Australian Body, the Navy League of Australia, renaming its cadets the Australian Sea Cadet Corps.^[4]

RANR Cadets, 1950–1973

The RANR Cadets ran alongside the Australian Sea Cadet Corps. The program was small compared to its counterpart, with roughly 300 cadets.

Australian Sea Cadet Corps ASCC, 1950–1973

The Australian Sea Cadet Corps, now with support from the Navy, expanded rapidly under the leadership of its volunteer ex-service trainers. By 1970 the organisation had reached 2,500 cadets. The Royal Australian Navy expressed concerns about the increasing number of cadets and the cost of maintaining them. ASCC took responsibility for the cost, and by late 1972 the group had 2,000 members.

Representatives from the Navy League and the RAN talked about their shared concerns in 1972 on the rising costs of managing and sustaining the ASCC program. In the end, the RAN and Navy League decided that the Navy would be solely in charge of training the 2,000 strong ASCC and 300 strong ANC. Under new Defence law, the ANC and the ASCC cadets united into the newly formed Naval Reserve Cadets (NRC). The Navy League was given time to restructure its ASCC in the event that the Navy decided to stop training cadets, under an agreement with the Australian Commonwealth Naval Board (ACNB). The ASCC members of the Navy League were transferred into the new Naval Reserve Cadets (NRC) of the RAN in January 1973.^[4]

Naval Reserve Cadets NRC, 1973–2000

Problems sprouted early in the newly conjoined Naval Reserve Cadets, when the 21st Prime Minister of Australia, Gough Whitlam cancelled all cadet activities and withdrew ADF support for cadets in 1975.^[5] The Navy League's agreement with the Australian Commonwealth Naval Board was honoured by the government who informed the Navy League and gave time for the reorganisation of the ASCC structure. The end of 1975 saw the Whitlam government voted out, and Malcolm Fraser elected the 22nd Prime Minister of Australia. The cadet situation was reviewed, and the Fraser government reinstated cadet training. In 2002, the name was changed back to Australian Naval Cadets - the original name of the 1907 Australian Navy Cadet Corps.

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Aims

Training

The Australian Navy Cadets provide nautical training that involves primarily water-based activities. Navigation, communications, first aid, drill, maritime history, and firearms proficiency are among the skills taught. With its program, the ANC hopes to offer the following:^[6]

develop an interest in the Navy, its tradition and moral values,
encourage cadets to continue military or community service,
give cadets a foundation of military knowledge and discipline,
develop the qualities of leadership, self-discipline, self-reliance and initiative, and
provide training that may later assist in achieving competencies required during Navy induction training.

Purpose

Australian Navy Cadets is a youth personal development program conducted by the Australian Navy in collaboration with the community. Its goal is to develop the individual, the community, and the Australian Navy in order to benefit the nation.^[6]

Values

The Australian Navy Cadets adopts the values of the Australian Navy (Service, Courage, Respect, Integrity and Excellence) to empower youth to achieve their potential.^[6]

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Structure

Summarize

Perspective

The organisational structure of the ANC is based on three hierarchical levels: national, flotilla, and training ship.

The country (Australia) is split into regions, the regions have flotillas, which have several training ship units. Inside of the training ships is Staff and Cadets, who take on positions to run the training ship accordingly every parade night or weekend camp.

National

Director General Australian Navy Cadets

The position of Director General Australian Navy Cadets (DGANC) is responsible to CN, through the Deputy Chief of Navy (DCN), and to CJC, through the Head of Joint Services Support Division, for the following responsibilities:

delivery of a strategically based, productive and cohesive ANC program designed to enhance the cadet experience and encourage greater youth participation in the ANC
provision of specialist advice to the RAN and JSSD on matters relating to ANC organisational structures, policy, governance, personnel, administrative procedures, training of personnel, safety management and oversight of ANC resources
liaison with the Defence organisation and other external agencies.
ensuring ANC policies, procedures and practices align with the DYSF
conducting annual reviews of youth facing positions and WWCC positions within DGANC and provide any updates to DNWM for annotation in PMKeyS.
DGANC chairs the ANC Senior Leadership Group (ANCSLG) and the ANC CadetSafe Board.

The current DGANC (as of July 2024) is CDRE David Greaves, RAN.

Director Australian Navy Cadets

The position of Director Australian Navy Cadets (DANC) is responsible for the day-to-day management of the ANC Directorate including the management of all RAN and Australian Public Service staff allocated to the ANC Directorate.

DANC through DGANC is responsible for:

provision of timely advice to the RAN and Government on ANC issues of representation, policy, resources, safety, and reputation management
management and governance of Commonwealth financial resources allocated for ANC support IAW the Public Governance, Performance and Accountability Act 2013 (PGPA Act)
command liaison with Defence and other external agencies
ANC policy coordination and promulgation.

The current DANC (as of July 2024) is CMDR Mark Cohayney, RAN.

National Commander Australian Navy Cadets

The position of National Commander Australian Navy Cadets (NCANC) is responsible through the DGANC, to CN and HJSSD for the following:

the safe and effective delivery of the ANC youth program IAW the guidance provided by the DYSF and supporting documentation
for the management of international relationships between the ANC and members of the International Sea Cadets Association (ISCA)
for the recruitment, effective leadership and management of ANC members in accordance CN direction and the supporting guidance provided within YOUTHPOLMAN Parts 1 and 2, the YOUTH HQ website and this publication

The current NCANC (as of July 2024) is CAPT Peter Alderson, ANC.

Flotilla

Flotillas are groups of training ships (TS), each commanded by a Flotilla Commander (FLOTCOM), and supported by a small flotilla HQ staff of Unit Support Officers (USO). Flotillas draw support from the Functional Directorate staff within National ANC HQ and Director Flotillas (DFLOT) personnel.

The current flotillas and their Flotilla Commanders (as of July 2024) are:

More information Flotilla Name, Flotilla Commander ...

Flotilla Name	Flotilla Commander	Motto
Attack Flotilla	LCDR Lara Rice, ANC	"Force in the North"
Daring Flotilla	LCDR Chris Moyle, ANC	"We Stand As One"
Kellatie Flotilla	LCDR Bill Mckay, ANC	"To Serve"
Lonsdale Flotilla	CMDR Lisa Foley, ANC	"Wisdom Is Strength"
Moreton Flotilla	LCDR AJ Hughes, ANC	"Strong And Steady"
Taipan Flotilla	LCDR Matt Neville, ANC	"Swift And Sure"
Torrens Flotilla	LCDR Pieter Scott, ANC	"Faith And Fortitude"
Waratah Flotilla	LCDR Connor Boesel, ANC	"Advance Together"
Westralia Flotilla	CMDR Spike Jones, ANC	"Faithful And Bold"
Gallipoli Flotilla	LCDR Max Condon, ANC	"The Fighting Spirit"

Training ship

Training ships operate throughout many locations in Australia and are attached to a flotilla among other TS units. Each TS is commanded by a Commanding Officer (CO) who holds the rank of LEUT. The CO is often supported by an Executive Officer (XO) who holds the rank of SBLT. Some training ships also have Training Officers (TO) and a Whole Ship's Coordinator (WSC). The number of adult members and cadets can vary considerably, dependent on local circumstances.

Most training ships have a division(s). A division is a group of cadets, normally led by a senior cadet such as a CDTPO or CDTCPO. The ANC division system:

provides constructive ANC (Australian Navy Cadets) guidance toward career progression
facilitates effective two-way communication between all levels of the ANC
promotes teamwork and positive morale
supports and assists individuals to resolve intra-unit and interpersonal problems

The current training ships (as of July 2024) are: