Cadets Timaru

This page is used to Promote Cadet Forces involvement in Timaru and district for young people between the ages of 13 and 19. The Cadet Forces is an attractive opportunity for young people that want something a little different, whether they want a military career or not. The difference between Cadet forces and any other youth organisation is the structure and culture. Cadet Forces units are based upon a military framework , with three branches. Each following their parent units in the regular Navy, Army or Air Force.

Many senior folk recognise the good citizenship which was birthed by disciplining our youth through the Compulsive Military Service programme and comment that since the 1970's when it was withdrawn, our youth today miss out on it's benefits. Cadet forces is not CMS but uses the structure and culture of the forces training, to bring about its vision "To prepare New Zealand's Leaders of tomorrow"

The culture is challenging and allows many opportunities for the development of character. Like a soldier goes through basic training, so the culture in a cadet unit could be described as a bit like being permanently on a recruit course. Much is expected and through rigorous adventure and military flavoured training you will learn such things as ironing your own clothes to look smart.

You will discover the pride that comes from marching in a public parade honouring heroes that have gone before. You will feel your body ache when pushed beyond your physical comfort zone until you discover a new tougher and more capable, you!

After completing several years in the cadets you will not fear public speaking, you will be able to approach challenging home and public situations boldly and will show respect and thankfulness to your seniors. You will call others "Sir" and "Ma'am" without awkwardness.

You will pull your weight in tasks at home and as opportunities arise, you will be fully involved in community focused projects. You will dare to make awkward phone calls and look for and hold down a decent job to provide for the whanau.

In short we know that our graduates carry identifiable traits that will set you apart from your peers. You will walk tall and not pull back from duty. (see this article from the NZ Herald,written by an 11 year old on the benefits of CMT) http://www.nzherald.co.nz/college-herald/news/article.cfm?c_id=1502920&objectid=10755543

The huge range of experiences and activities in New Zealand Cadet Forces is endless. From national competitions and courses, international exchanges, visits to military bases all around New Zealand and so much more.

Other things that Cadet Forces have to offer are Leadership training courses, Shooting, foot and rifle Drill, First Aid, Navigation, Physical Training, Duke of Edinburgh programme, NZQA Credits, Tramping, Bush Craft, Radio Procedure , Flying and gliding, Sailing, Paintball, Air soft, and Life Skills just to name a few.

There is something for everyone, why not give it a go!

Please feel free to post questions or queries on this page. Better still come along to our parade nights and see what we do, without any obligation :)

If this build up encouraged you parents, or grandparents, please remember that we need Officers, Supplementary staff and Support parents to make our units run. If your youth is involved, then it is your turn to help the community by being involved in some way please.

At this time as we approach the new intake in February, We particularly need just one or two Officers for the Army Cadet Unit.

If you have an ex service background or know someone who has, you will be able to bring an authentic flavour to support our two current officers which will share the load for them, but will also give you huge rewards as these young people are keen to learn and that brings its own pleasure, just being a part of their maturing into decent citizens.

You can expect to be Police checked, and rigorously interviewed. Fully trained and paid for that training. You will be issued with a full new Defence Force uniform and will wear again, whatever insignia and medals you are entitled to. You will once again swear allegiance to the crown as you are commissioned.

The Officer role is not easy but brings the most fulfillment as you lead the way.

Prior involvement with any of the services (Including Police, Fire, Ambulance, Mountain Safety etc) is not necessary to become an Officer, as many fine officers have never served in the military, but have discovered that they too, grow immensely from the challenges in personal development as they go on leadership courses and bring fine aspects of character as great role models to those in our care. Many ex cadets come back to us in later life and bring their life skills with them.

It is good in life to give back a little to the community.

Here are the Cadet forces Aims;

Vision:
Preparing New Zealand’s successful leaders of tomorrow.

Mission:
To develop and enable self-disciplined, confident and responsible young New Zealanders.

Core Values:

Courage – Confronting challenges, both physical and moral, to overcome any adversity.

Commitment – Being reliable and loyally serving and supporting the New Zealand Cadet Force (NZCF), local communities and New Zealand.

Comradeship - Looking out for each other. Having respect for all, and championing the benefits of friendship, teamwork and diversity.

Integrity – Having self discipline and always being honest, trustworthy and responsible.

Aims:

To foster a spirit of adventure and teamwork, and to develop those qualities of mind and body essential for good citizens and leaders.
To provide challenging and disciplined training activities, which will be useful in either Service or civilian life.
To promote an awareness of the Armed Forces, and the role they play in the community.