PYMBLE LADIES COLLEGE CADET UNIT

Eligibility for Cadet Rank

Cadet Lance Corporal/Corporal
Year 9 cadets aspiring to the rank of Cadet Lance Corporal or Corporal must:

• Have attended at least one field training exercise at the time of selection

• Have completed the Junior Leader Assessments

• Upon appointment as Cadet Corporal within the PLCCU, attend a Junior Leader’s Course

Cadet Sergeant
Year 10 cadets seeking promotion to Cadet Sergeant must:

• Have attended at least two field training exercises at the time of selection

• Have completed the Senior Leader Assessments

• Upon posting as Cadet Sergeant within the PLCCU, attend a Sergeant’s Course

Cadet Under Officer (CUO) / Cadet Warrant Officer Class 2 (WO2)
Year 11 cadets wishing to become a Cadet Under Officer or Warrant Officer must:

• Have attended at least three field training exercises at the time of selection

• Have completed the relevant CUO/Warrant Officer Assessments

• Upon appointment within the PLCCU, attend a CUO/WO Course

Selection Criteria for Cadet Rank

At PLCCU, the selection policy for cadet promotions aims to be fair and transparent, ensuring that the most capable leaders are placed in positions where they can benefit both the unit and their peers.

General Selection Criteria:

• Minimum 75% attendance at weekly parades

• Consistent preparedness for training, demonstrated by arriving with a positive attitude and correct equipment

• Positive conduct, including encouraging others, accepting feedback, showing willingness to learn, and respecting the rank structure

• Demonstration of the College Values: care, courage, respect, responsibility, and integrity

• A report card from the Cadet Under Officer of the candidate’s platoon

Results-Based Selection Criteria:

• Uniform inspections, reflecting pride in wearing the Australian Army uniform

• Performance in written exams and assignments set prior to rank selection

• Demonstrated knowledge and skills in drill, fieldcraft, and first aid, assessed during camps and parade training

• Ability to design and deliver cadet theory and practical lessons

• Competence in giving and receiving orders during camps and training sessions

Staff Discretion and Final Selection:
In addition to the above, unit staff continually observe cadets during training and exercises to assess personal qualities relevant to leadership. The selection process also considers input from the Cadet Under Officer, as well as feedback from College staff members such as Heads of School, Year Coordinators, and Connect Teachers. Candidates applying for key leadership roles must attend an interview with a panel of senior staff.
Promotion decisions are final and will not be reconsidered or debated with cadets or their parents/guardians.

Changes to Leadership Positions:
Should adjustments to the leadership structure become necessary during the program, these will be discussed directly with the cadet(s) concerned to ensure understanding and support. Such changes are typically made when a cadet is not meeting the challenges of their posting and may be reassigned to a role that better matches their skills, personality, and attributes.

Ranks

Cadet Recruit (CDTREC):
Cadet Recruits begin their training in Term 3 and are assigned to a section led by a Section Commander (CPL) alongside approximately eight other recruits. This rank does not have a rank insignia and is identified by wearing a bush hat.

Cadet (CDT):
Upon successful completion of recruit training at the end of Term 2 the following year, cadets participate in a graduation parade where they are awarded a KFF (slouch hat). From this point, cadets may apply for the Junior Non-Commissioned Officer (JNCO) course, leading to promotion to Lance Corporal or Corporal if successful. Alternatively, cadets may opt to specialise in areas such as Medics or Reconnaissance without pursuing a promotions pathway. Cadets at this rank also do not wear a rank insignia.

Cadet Lance Corporal (CDTLCPL):
Typically serving as the section's Second-in-Command, Cadet Lance Corporals assist with recruit training and may also be assigned to specialist sections like Medics. The rank insignia is a single chevron.

Cadet Corporal (CDTCPL):
A Cadet Corporal serves as Section Commander across Recruit Platoons and specialist sections such as Medics. This rank is denoted by two chevrons.

Cadet Sergeant (CDTSGT):
Cadet Sergeants take on the role of Platoon Commander. Their insignia consists of three chevrons.

Cadet Warrant Officer Class Two (CDTWO2):
This position is the Company Sergeant Major. In future, PLCCU may introduce additional CDTWO2 roles such as Training Warrant Officer and Regimental Quartermaster Sergeant. The insignia is a St Edward's crown within a square border.

Cadet Warrant Officer Class One (CDTWO1):
This role is designated as the Cadet Regimental Sergeant Major. In time, the unit may appoint a CDTRSM at the CDTWO1 rank. The insignia features the Australian Coat of Arms.

Cadet Under Officer (CUO):
The Cadet Under Officer is the cadet equivalent of a junior officer, though they are subordinate to all adult staff and do not hold a commission. CUOs lead each Company within the unit, and one is selected to be the Senior CUO (SUO). The insignia is a large hollow diamond shape, known as a 'lozenge of chevronelles', outlined with 27½ chevrons.

For further information please visit; https://armycadets.sydney/ranks-in-the-aac/