1. History
     Colonial Military Forces 1870-1901    Beginnings    Modern Day Unit    Rationale for the unit    Captain Leonard Skewes    A new professionalism    Vietnam influence    Changes in style and emphasis    Recent history  

2. Structure and Command
     Headquarters Group    Alpha Company    Bravo and Charlie Company    Support Company  

3. Progression and Promotion

4. List of commanders

5. See Also

The St Aloysius' College Army Cadet Unit (SACCU) is Australia's largest fully volunteer cadet unit. The unit intakes cadets during Term 3 of Year 7 and cadets finish their time in the unit at the end of Term 2 of Year 12. The unit belongs to St Aloysius' College and is part of the 26th Battalion, 2nd NSW AAC Brigade which is where all of the school based units of NSW are placed. The unit undertakes 3 camps per year, Bivouac during the Term 3-4 holidays, Annual Field Exercise (AFX) during the Term 1-2 holidays and the Promotions Courses for selected cadets in the Term 2-3 holidays, all occurring at the Singleton Military Area.

History

Colonial Military Forces 1870-1901

From 1870 until 1901, each of the six colonial governments in Australia was responsible for their own defence and the governor of each colony was required to raise their own colonial militia. To do this, they were granted the authority from the British crown to raise military naval forces. Initially these were militias in support of British regulars, but when military support for the colonies ended in 1870, the colonies assumed their own defence responsibilities. The colonial military forces include unpaid volunteer militia, paid citizen soldiers, and a small permanent component. They were mainly infantry, cavalry and mounted infantry, and were neither housed barracks nor subject to full military discipline. By 1855, the forces number 21,000 men. Although they could not be compelled to serve overseas many volunteers subsequently did see action in a number of conflicts involving the British Empire during the 19th century, with the colonies raising contingents to serve in Sudan, South Africa and China. One of the militia groups was raised at Sydney University in November 1900.The University Volunteer Rifle Corps was raised as part of the Colonial Military Forces of New South Wales. In 1903,The UVRC changed its name to the Sydney University Scouts And the establishment had by then doubled to 2 rifle companies.

In 1913 a Cadet Unit was raised at St Aloysius' College and credentialed as part of the Senior Cadet Group of the Sydney University Scouts (later to become the Sydney University Regiment). Instructors from the university provided the initial training of the cadets both on College grounds and at the University fields. In 1921 the 17th Battalion was reformed as a militia unit on the North Shore of Sydney; Known as the 17th Battalion (North Sydney Regiment), it's origins began when the St Leonards Volunteer Rifles was raised in 1860 as part of the Military Forces of the New South Wales Colonial Defence Force.

Beginnings

You first mention of units in the college annuals was made in 1915 with the creation of a bugle band, there were 55 boys in the unit that year. Activities during that you included a military route march from Manly to Narabeen, 9 AM to 6 PM, under the command to the scholastic, CAPT Leo Murphy SJ, on 1 October. A second route march took place on 30 October from Brookvale to French's Forest. The third route march was from Manly to The Spit. These route marches were included in military regulations prescribed for Senior Cadets. Other regulations required regular parades and some basic training. Complaints were made the younger cadets were not showing much initiative; so a competition among the four squads in unit, 56 cadets in all, was held. This practice continued into 1916. Are the unit was disbanded in 1918 at the end of the Great War, but it was still registered in the Distribution of Military Forces, AMF document 1919–1920. In 1921 there is a mention of the college cadet unit as 12 Platoon, C Coy, 17th Battalion.

Modern Day Unit

There is no further mention of the cadets until 1940 when the modern-day unit was revived. Uniforms were distributed early in 1941 and the boys reported to keen and very well turned out. Parades were held every Wednesday from 3:30 to 5:30 PM and 51 boys appeared in the cadet photo that year. The annual camp of seven days as held during the May vacation, and an attachment marched in the city on Youth Day, 10 October. Lieutenant Leo Parry SJ, was the OC. In 1941 The college annual magazine reported that the college considered the training received an important part of the school curriculum and not a 'miniature war effort'. It was hoped that cadet training would inspire the boys a 'spirit of national loyalty and love from their school and its traditions and a prompt obedience to authority in any form'. Cadet's training had a important place in the forming 'the good citizen and Christian gentlemen', while getting scope the leadership and developing character. It teaches the boy obedience, unselfish service, a spirit of esprit de corps and give him a well disciplined mind and body.' Much time was spent in mastery of squad and arms drill, fire discipline, visual training, fire control orders, bayonet drill, section leading, scouts and patrols. On wet days, lectures were given on such topics as: military etiquette and military discipline, battalion organisation, weapons and their characteristics, and supporting arms and weapons. Classes for potential NCOs were held for 24 boys. Fifty boys attended the annual camp held at the Brookvale Showground, together with 80 boys from Riverview and 30 boys from Rose Bay. During the camp, the boys worked at military training from 6 am until 10 pm. Training included company in attack and defence, night manoeuvres, training in the field, and movement by night. Vickers machine gun drill, M action, and battle procedures were taught. Some boys used the Lee Enfield .303 rifles, while others kept their .310 rifles issued from school.

In 1942, Lieutenant Daniel McLoghlin, SJ became OC and there was the regular pattern of weekly parades, drill and specialist training. Forty-eight boys attended the annual camp at Cabramatta with 80 boys from Riverview. During the year there was range practice, NCO classes and a potential officers course. The following year was an important one in the history of the Unit, it was the year when Mr Leonard Skewes first came to the College at the invitation of the Rector, Father Thomas Hehir SJ. Lieutenant Skewes became 2IC, and then DC in 1946. Immediately, Skewes set a pattern of activity that was to develop in the years ahead. He used his many contacts in business, industry and politics to give the boys a wider education. The Cadets visited the steel works at Newcastle on Aloysius Day, and Canberra and The Royal Military College Duntroon later in the year. They were received by the Governor-General, Lord Gowrie, who inspected the ranks, and were presented to the Prime Minister, Mr John Curtin, by Senator Collins. Camps were held at Katoomba in May and later at Kiama. The former began badly when the Cadets locked out the OC from the showgrounds, and the Kiama camp was famous for the inclusion of a goat, as one of the boys required goat's milk daily. The Passing Out Parade at the College Oval was reviewed by the Minister for the Army who took the salute. Annual camps were held in various locations. Goulburn, Glenfield and Walgrove, Tamworth and lngleburn, all preceding Singleton in 1950. Visits to Canberra and the BHP Steelworks continued, as well as an annual visit to Jenolan Caves for the younger Cadets. Skewes became well known to the lady owners of the Caves Guest House, a very well accommodated place for guests. These trips became an important part of the annual Cadet ritual, and while they had little to do with military training, and much about social etiquette, they were memorable for building self-confidence and pride in the College and Cadet Unit.

The climax of the Cadet year was the Passing Out Parade, later called the Ceremonial Parade. Skewes always tried to obtain the most important person available at the time to take the salute. Excitement was experienced when the Cadets were asked to provide a Guard of Honour for His Royal Highness, the Duke of Gloucester, at Admiralty House in 1945. Year after year dignitaries were invited to review the Unit. At the annual Parade in 1951, Rear-Admiral H. A. Showers CBE, Flag Officer in charge of the New South Wales Naval HQ was the reviewing officer, and His Excellency the Governor of New South Wales, Lieutenant-General Sir John Northcott, KCMG, CB, MVO the following year. Major-General Ian Dougherty, CBE, DSO, ED took the salute in 1953, and Skewes' greatest triumph, was in 1954 when the Governor-General, Sir William Slim, accepted the invitation to take the salute. Jesuits continued to be involved with the Cadet Unit, usually as 2IC and in charge of the Q-store. Mr Gerald Drumm SJ was 2IC in 1946, followed by Mr Philip Kurts SJ, Mr Anthony d'Apice SJ and Father Patrick Morgan SJ. Father Tom Hehir SJ was the Unit Accounting Officer. Father Philip Hosking SJ was 2IC from 1962, Father David Strong SJ [SAC 1956) was Training Officer in 1967. First Old Boy teacher to be involved, John Bowie [SAC1957), later became 2IC and then OC. Father Hosking was an enthusiast who became an important support for Captain Skewes in his later years as OC. Hosking took over much of the administration of the Unit and influenced boys by his efficiency zeal and hard work.

Captain Skewes wasted little time in establishing an identity for the Unit. In 1 848 the beret replaced the slouch hat, and section competitions were held for the first time. The Cadet Dance was also held for the first time in a private home. This annual event grew in style and formality, becoming one of the social events of the year, not only among Aloysians, but with other Associated and GPS schools and, of course, with the young ladies. There was no formal school dance until 1855. By 1850, the Unit was declared to be performing efficiently and professionally. It was divided into specialist sections: Signals, Mortar, Band, and Q Store. Intelligence and Six-Pounder sections followed by 1953. Manoeuvres against Riverview were a feature of these years, usually at the St Ives showground. Major V.J. Flynn and Mrs Flynn donated National Colours to the Unit at the Passing Out Parade, reviewed by Major­General Ivan Mackay. The membership of the Unit rose to 152 in 1853. A highlight of that year was an invitation by the Governor to 20 members of the Unit to be in attendance at a Levee at Government House in honour of the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II. The following year, four Aloysians attended the 'Camp Royal' in Canberra, and were included in two of the Guards of Honour provided for Her Majesty the Queen on the occasion of her State visit to Australia. They also met the Duke of Edinburgh at the Garden Party given by the Governor-General. This was also the year when the band was enlarged with the addition of two side­drums and silver bugles, and the title of the Cadet Officers was changed. Until this year they had been called Cadet Lieutenants, with the full rank of Second Lieutenant. After complaints from the Regular Army personnel involved with the Australian Cadet Units, it was decided to down-grade the rank of these officers to Cadet Under Officer, which meant that they did not receive a full Queen's commission, nor were they entitled to the 'salute'. The Aloysius Unit required all its members to salute the Cadet Under Officers, and nominated one of their number, Senior Under Officer.

By 1856, the Unit was growing in stature and was well recognised in senior military circles. Len Skewes was able to obtain privileges for the Unit, such as special uniforms, military transport during holiday trips, and military equipment that few other units enjoyed. Not only was the reviewing officer at the Ceremonial Parade a very important person, but other senior military officers were also invited as guests. In 1956, the Administrator of the Commonwealth, His Excellency, General Sir John Northcott, KCMG, KCVO, CB, KStJ, took the salute, and the GOC Eastern Command, Lieutenant­ General Sir Eric Woodwood was in attendance. In addition to the annual trips to Jenolan Caves and the Snowy and Canberra region, the promotion courses for NCOs and Potential Officers were held at Studley Park, Camden, instead of Riverview. Officers from the Officer Cadet School, Portsea, and the Sydney University Regiment conducted the courses in a most professional manner. The Cadets were proud of this rigorous training.

During the next few years, 1958-59, the Unit reached its peak of fame and performance. In 1958, the Senior Under Officer, called Adjutant, Terry O'Sullivan, took his leadership so seriously that he wrote to all the Cadet Under Officers before the annual camp. He encouraged them to greater discipline and unity of purpose. 'Dress must be impeccable', setting a good example to others. He referred to the existing Unit Regulations booklet which included items such as the mode of addressing members of the Unit, promotion appointments, punishments, dress, annual dance, and competitions such as the best section and outstanding cadet, junior and senior, for the year.

At the 1959 Ceremonial Parade, 1500 guests were present, and the Cadet Officers carried swords for the first time. One former 2IC was heard to comment that all that was needed now in the Unit were horses for the Officers. It was hard to maintain the high standards already attained. But Len Skewes continued to draw men of high rank to inspect the Unit at the annual Ceremonial Parade. From 1958 onwards the following appeared in succession: Lieutenant General Sir Reginald Pollard, GOC Eastern Command; Lt-Gen Sir Ragnar Garrett, Chief of the General Staff; Lt­General H.G. Edgar, CB, CBE, GOC Eastern Command; Major-General J. R. Stevenson CBE, DSO, ED; Lieutenant General Sir William Oliver, the British High Commissioner. By 1964, Skewes thought it was time again to invite the Governor-General. When he last tried, in 1954, much protocol was required, but by 1964, the authorities were well conditioned to respond positively to the OCs wishes. That year, the Governor­General, Lord De L'lsle took the salute, and, at a later date, privately visited the College which, he said, was his neighbour. Air Vice­Marshall C.T. Hannah CB, CBE, Air Officer Commanding Operational Command gave the Governors-General a break the following year, but in 1966, another Governor­General, Lord Casey took the salute. Another Governor of New South Wales, Sir Roden Cutler, VC, KCMG, CBE, was the reviewing officer in 1968.

Rationale for the unit

In a document produced in the late 1960s, the school authorities believed that Cadet training exerted a good influence on the character of the boys, and was an integral part of the training of the senior boys. The object of Cadet training was: to give the youth of Australia a foundation of military knowledge and discipline; to develop them mentally and physically; to provide future leaders by developing self-confidence, the acceptance of responsibility and the ability to control themselves and others; and to develop a sense of citizenship and patriotism. The Cadet organisation was not a part of the Commonwealth Defence Forces, and therefore its members could not be employed on war service. It was purely voluntary, and unpaid, except for adult officers who were paid when they were in camp for periods of continuous training. The boys were enrolled in the Unit the year they attained the age of 14, and were expected to remain in the Unit for the rest of their schooling. Some boys in their final year were exempt. Regular Army instructors attended the weekly parades and most training activities of the Unit, and supervised the instruction given by the Cadet Officers and NCOs. The army also provided a syllabus for training. Cadet training was recognised by the Citizen Military Forces, and those who joined the CMF after leaving school were exempt from much of the recruit training. They were sometimes promoted according to the rank they held in the Cadets.

Numbers of boys in the Cadet Unit varied from 1 DD to a maximum of 270 in 1971. Aloysians were very proud of the fame of the Cadet Unit. It was only one of two Units that ran its own NCO course, and the only school that held an annual Cadet Dance. Other regular activities included the Anzac Day Mass and ceremonial at St Mary's Church, North Sydney, a two-day bivouac and various range days. The band was usually one ofthe place winners in the band competition among Cadet Units. In 1966 the Unit won the AMP Shield for general efficiency. Each year two shields were contested, one for country and one for city schools. The city shield was contested by the twelve Units of 9 Cadet Battalion, and St Aloysius' College was judged the most efficient that year.

Captain Leonard Skewes

In 1967, Major Len Skewes retired as OC of the College Cadet Unit, after 24 years of dedicated service. Before his association with the college he had been involved with the Scout movement and came to the college in 1943. All his life Len was a wonderful raconteur. He loved to tell stories of how he was able to get supplies from the Army during the difficult war years for his 'fellows'. Len inspired many boys to achieve their potential. He had the great educator's gift of giving students confidence in themselves to realise that potential, in whatever area of life. He gave many boys a sense of pride in themselves, the Unit and the College. His leadership was of high quality.

In the 1940s, Len was also DC of the Riverview Cadet Unit, but in 1955 he retired from that position.

Len built the Cadet Unit into one of the most respected in New South Wales, for its discipline, appearance, ceremonial parades, high quality training of Officers and NCOs and for well-organised annual camps. He always demanded high standards of performance and over the years achieved them. He had the ability of developing the boys' sense of responsibility and leadership, delegating authority as much as possible. He was able to engender a powerful esprit de corps among the boys. It is equally true that some cadets found the standards too high, or were hurt when Len was unable to meet their needs. However, he was generally experienced and treated boys with respect and justice. Boys who 'let him down' saddened him, but he always retained hope that they would succeed somewhere, sometime. He was the eternal optimist. He gave advice to and obtained jobs for many boys seeking careers. Many boys turned to Len when they were in trouble. His references were believed to be highly regarded. The military was only one aspect of the Unit life. Len seemed to enjoy the social aspects of the Cadets even more. In addition, he held a prominent business position and was very active in Church organisations, including the Jesuit Mission in India group. In 1958 he received a decoration from the Queen for service to Cadets and in 1967 received a bar to this decoration. For many years, Cadets had wanted Len's promotion, and that finally came in July 1967; he was promoted Major six months before he retired. This was a fitting climax to his career, but he would always be remembered by the boys as 'Captain Skewes'. As the years corresponding to the Rectorship of Father John Casey SJ resulted in an unprecedented number of boys entering religious life, that nine boys also entered The Royal Military College Duntroon was surely influenced by Len Skewes' respect for people and by the way he shared responsibility. Len always gave special encouragement to, and became the 'patron' of, boys who showed interest in the military life.

A new professionalism

It was not difficult to find a replacement to Len Skewes as DC of the Unit. Captain John Ellerton, from the Sydney University Regiment, had been involved with the College since the early days of the promotion courses at Studley Park, and the new Rector, Father O'Donovan SJ, asked him to take over the command of the Unit in 1968. At the time, John was serving with the Eastern Command Training Group and was a professional engineer. He brought with him, on a more regular basis, others associated with the Sydney University Regiment, LT Graham Findlay as 2IC; LT Robert Weir, QM; and LT Anthony McKenzie, as well as LTs Peter Gain and John MacMillan ED. These men gave greater emphasis to the military aspects of Unit activities, while retaining the annual rituals of the Unit. The new style Unit was organised into nine platoons. The two senior companies engaged in mortar, signals, medical and intelligence work, as well as infantry, whilst the third company engaged in recruit training. Work during the year included an exercise with the local CMF Unit and a rock-climbing weekend conducted by members of the commandos.

Vietnam influence

The College, parents and boys had never questioned the value of the Cadets or their activities until the era of the Vietnam War. Australia first sent troops to Vietnam on 29 April 1965, and from that time Australian society became divided over conscription and Australia's involvement in the war. Demonstrations against the war were held in every State. Finally, this had its effect on the College Cadet Unit. While most families were content with its activities, some objected. One complained about the military aspects of the Anzac Day Mass as it was perceived to offend against the spiritual nature of the Eucharist. Letters from parents were received by the Rector wanting sons exempt from the Cadets because, as supporters of 'Catholics for Peace', they objected to any involvement with the military. Some simply doubted the effect of military training, and expressed disbelief in the futility of war in solving human problems. 'Does the school have any sort of social welfare alternative or perhaps even a Red Cross group for students?' On advice from the school consultors, the Rector stated that as the Cadets were part of the school life, no exemptions were acceptable. He did not want to set a precedent for other boys. Other letters complained about the alleged absurd penalties imposed on boys by Cadet NCOs and Officers. Some parents followed up by requesting an interview. In 1971, many boys were absent from the annual camp, 16 with leave and 13 without leave. This was the first time the school had been openly challenged by parents on participation in a major school activity. The school responded in the only way it knew, to deny the appropriateness of alternative procedures. A dramatic intervention occurred in 1972 in the middle of the Anzac Day Mass at St Mary's, Ridge Street. A group of protesters invaded the Church and marched to the front with placards such as 'Thou shalt not kill', 'Cadets = Militarism', 'No more Gallipolis' just at the time the boys carrying rifles and bayonets were preparing to 'present arms' at the Consecration. The protesters were removed from the Church by others, but they then handed out leaflets to the congregation after Mass and wrote an open letter to 'Members of the Society of Jesus', expressing their sadness that the Jesuits were supporters of militarism and war, especially in the context of the liturgy. This was 'Catholic Action' of a kind that more traditional believers found hard to accept. Pluralism in the Church was expressing itself in an open and demonstrable way.

Changes in style and emphasis

John Ellerton tended his resignation to the Rector on 11 February 1972, and it was regretfully accepted. On 10 November 1975, John died at the age of 32. He was a most efficient and highly organised and professional military leader. He brought a new dimension to the Aloysius Cadets by focusing on field training rather than drill procedures and ceremonial. He was an excellent example to the boys, friendly but firm, challenging, ever demanding high standards, yet understanding. He was fun to be with, and he taught by example. John had been an Old Boy of Barker, and had been involved with the Sydney University Regiment since the age of 18 when he received his commission. Shortly before his death he was awarded the Efficiency Decoration. He was a tireless worker, and a practicing Anglican. He was meticulous in ensuring that the boys be given an opportunity to attend Mass while at camp. He always appreciated the presence of a Jesuit chaplain. Father Brian Moore SJ was always available. John Ellerton was succeeded by John Bowie as DC. Cadet training changed, with the camp in May and parades held once a month for a day at The College Oval. The Cadet year ended in July, and the orientation of training focused on field-work, first-aid, navigation and motor vehicle maintenance. The most dramatic change occurred in 1975 when the Government removed the financial subsidy for school Cadets. The Passing Out Parade that year was thought to be the last-it was, of the former style. The Last Post was sounded, and the Colours presented to the College, a symbolic end to the Unit. But in 1976, the College decided to continue the Cadets with 220 boys engaged in 'less military' training and more outward­bound activities and bush craft, navigation, first-aid, signals and intelligence procedures. Second-year Cadets enjoyed canoeing and rock climbing/abseiling. A four-day bivouac and camp was held, without Army support. Captain Quentin Evans [SAC 1967), an Old Boy/teacher, became the new DC, and remained in that position until 1982. In 1978, the Anzac Mass at North Sydney was held after an absence of several years. The College won the inter-school Orienteering Competition in which 39 schools competed. The Ceremonial Parade returned to the style of the earliest days of the Unit, with a number of demonstrations, an obstacle course, climbing and abseiling. The reviewing officer was Air Marshall Sir John McCauley, KBE, CB, retired Chief of the Air Staff. Annual promotion courses were held on the banks of the Shoalhaven River and a May bivouac was held at Springwood for four days. The Annual Cadet Dance continued at the end of term one. In this new climate, especially an anti-military society, Quentin Evans thought it important to communicate with parents in 1980 on the relevance of Cadets in the present age. He emphasised that he wanted to develop in all Cadets, especially those with rank, a concern tor others. The Cadets complemented a boy's spiritual and academic development by placing him in situations whereby he could develop confidence in himself. The boys were given an appreciation of the need tor careful planning and tor higher levels of cooperation to ensure the success of any venture. Boys raised in an urban environment were given the opportunity of experiencing life in the bush. Finally, the Cadets were provided with the basic training in matters of safety, personal hygiene and first aid. The military aspect of the Cadets gave the boys discipline and structure to their activities. No letters of protest seem to have been received by the Headmaster. In 1983, the College requested the Army for 'limited support to be able to maintain our Cadet Unit', that is, payment of Officers of Cadets while in camp. Q support for camps, access to the Singleton Firing Range training area, ration supplies tor seven days and transport to Singleton. None of these requests was granted; in fact, in October that year, the Government reduced its assistance to the Cadet Units even further. Some support continued in the form of assistance in camp, training of Officers of Cadets, camp travel subsidy and access to military stores and equipment. In 1985, Old Boy/teacher, Geoffrey Gemmel became OC. In 1984 the Cadet Unit was reclassified by Army as a 'limited support unit'. This meant that the committed support from 2 Cadet Group we had been receiving up to then might not continue. The College, convinced of the value of cadets in the life of the boys, decided to continne. albeit with 'a reduced program compared to past years. Canoeing, rock climbing, abseiling and survival continued to be the focus of camps and bivouacs.

Recent history

Officers Commanding through the 80's and 90's included; Captain Neville Williams 1988, Lieutenant Keith Chester 1989, Lieutenant Anthony Cox 1990, Captain Paul Collins 1991 and Fr. Michael Ryan SJ 1995. In 1988 the cadet year was changed to match the financial year and the annual camp was moved from Springwood to Barrington. 9 Transport Regiment were appointed our Army Support Unit in 1991 on a limited support basis, however, through a strong connection with W01 Robert Hilton at the Regiment, support grew over the next few years in number and services. In 1995 new Colours were presented to the unit by the Kirribilli Ex-Services Club. The unit walked the Six Foot Track, held promotion courses at Gan Gan and annual camp at Neriga. The first issue of the camouflage uniform (DPCU) made it's appearance in 1995 and tor a while both jungle greens and DPCU happily coexisted. Major John Ellerton, Officer Commanding since the retirement of Len Skewes, himself retired in 1972. With over 250 cadets in the unit Major Ellerton decided a more formal approach to all things cadets was called for and he introduced the ASO, the Aloysius' Standing Orders, a voluminous production setting out procedures, stores requirements, sequence of action and so on, covering all topics affecting the cadet year. By 1979, the Centenary Year for St Aloysius' College, the unit had grown to over 380 cadets and was led by LTCOL Quentin Evans. At the ANZAC Day service at St Marys North Sydney a special guest, Mr Rupert Rubie, who started at St Aloysius' in 1906 and later served at Gallipoli, was introduced to the unit. The Cadet Dance was popular this year but some older members complained the band was too noisy. Captain Neville Williams, OC wrote in his report in 1988, "The School Cadet Corps experienced a year of growth and change in 1988 as a result of a changing understanding of the role of cadets within the School", the unit did shed some of the emphasis on military training, whilst preserving the ideals of service, responsibility and initiative within a military framework. It was 1988 that the Year 12 cadet dinner was introduced as a way of thanking the graduating cadets for their 5 years of service. By the early 2000s the unit was focused on expanding the officer of cadets roles and responsibilities. LTCOL Laurie Newton was DC and he wanted to see the senior cadets taking a more prominent leadership role but with trained officer direction. Annual camp in 2002 was in Belangia State Forest. Unit numbers were about 270 and the unit participated in the HMAS Penguin Freedom of the City of Mosman March along Military Road. By 2004 we had a new Army support unit, 8th Force Support Battalion, and annual camp saw the introduction of the billy carts thanks to the ingenuity of Mr Simon Turner, a teacher at the College and great supporter of the unit. Hours were spent racing down the slightest gradient to the delight of cadets, many of whom had never ridden a billy cart previously. Mr Turner also introduced the tennis ball mortar to this camp. Major Anthony Chandler was OC and with Major Chandler's encouragement the parent support group of dads was established to handle the catering services for unit field exercise. Mr Gary Pasfield led this band of very merry men and great cooks. World Youth Day came to Sydney in 2008 and the unit participated in the visit of the WYO Cross to the Garden Island Shipyards. Bishop Max Davis, Catholic Bishop to the Australian Defence Force commended the cadets on their military bearing, performance and commitment. Major David Clancy was DC, succeeding Major Chandler in 2005. Annual camp saw the inaugural Sergeants Challenge conducted and the team comprising SGTS Michael Dennett, Joe McKenzie and Jack McLean won narrowly. The unit has gradually built its numbers as it headed towards the Centenary of Formation in 2013. Unit strength is just over 300 cadets and growing each year. Support from Army is much improved and we have a good relationship with our Army support unit, 145 Signals Squadron at Holsworthy. The unit continues to enjoy the encouragement and support of the College leaders and the respect of the staff and parent body.

Structure and Command

The unit is commanded by both Cadets and Adult Cadet Staff (ACS). Both work concurrently with the emphasis being on cadet leadership. ACS are assigned as company managers and in administrative roles. The unit's structure is as follows:

• Headquarters Group
  • Alpha Company
  • 4 Patrols
  • Bravo Company
  • 4 Platoons
  • Charlie Company
  • 5 Platoons
  • Support Company
  • 4 Platoons

Headquarters Group

The unit is commanded by the Senior Under Officer (SUO), who is assisted by the Adjutant (ADJ) and the Regimental Sergeant Major (RSM). HQ group is commanded by the Adjutant and consists of a Training Officer (TRGO) who is responsible for overseeing the training programs that cadets undertake, a Logistics Officer (LOGO) who organises logistical operations at a unit level, Communications Officer (COMO) who is responsible for publication of media and managing the unit's website.

Alpha Company

A Coy is commanded by a CUO. He is responsible for the overall planning of operations and exercises whilst on camp. He is assisted by a WO2 as Company Sergeant Major who is responsible for the standard of dress and bearing. On operations, the CSM acts a the Company 2IC. A Coy is divided into 3-4 patrols each lead by a Sergeant. A patrol comprises of around 10-15 cadets which includes a mix of Corporals and Cadets. A Coy exists in order to; a) provide a challenging environment for cadets who don't want the responsibilities of leadership, and to b) allow cadets the environment to participate in advanced activities that younger cadets aren't able to. A Coy is unique from B and C Coy in that it doesn't contain any 1st or 2nd year cadets, also because patrol leaders are put in the situation of having to command cadets that are often in years above them at school. Additionally, Corporals in A Coy don't generally hold any command over other cadets given that there is no sub-unit from a Patrol. In 2018/19 Alpha Company is led by Company Commander CUO Samuel Potter, CSM Thomas Sato, And TRGWO Jeremy Wells. Alpha Patrol Leaders Include SGT Fintan Lennon, SGT Arjan Kander, SGT Leon Rebeccchi, SGT Matthew Makin.

Bravo and Charlie Company

B and C Coy both have similar command structures. They are both commanded by a CUO, who is responsible for planning exercises on camp, as well as any company based activities on parades. The CUO is assisted by 2 CSM's who oversee drill, dress and bearing. Under a new restructure announced mid-2018, C and B Coy platoons will now be commanded by a CUO, assisted by a Sergeant. This move was made in order to allow more platoon based exercises on camp, as well as enabling the ability to have full sized platoons and sections. Bravo and Charlie Coy differ when it comes to the operations they do. C Coy instills basic training into the cadets, mostly by demonstration and explanation from their rank. Here they will learn the basics of navigation, first aid, ratel, field craft, drill and military customs. In B Coy, the cadet's knowledge of those areas is expanded through them performing the tasks. The rank in B Coy take a back step and put the focus on the cadets performing tasks by themselves. This is in order to prepare them for promotions courses and where they will have to be the leader. bravo Company in 2018/19 are led by Company Commander CUO Felix Scott, CSM WO2 Angus Pardington, and PLTCMD's CUO's Nathan brimson, Will Stewart, Ethan Gyeory and Brendan Doyle. Bravo PLTSGT's are SGT Kenneth Foster, SGT Nathan Choe, SGT Alex Tapia-Sealey and SGT Matthew Young. Charlie Company is led by Company Commander Nicholas Moratakis, CSM William Anstee, PLTCMD's CUO's Patrick Dixon, Jack McNeil and Matthew Manning. Charlie Company PLTSGT's are SGT Lachlan Campbell, SGT Daniel Bowron, SGT Tobi Thomes, SGT Spencer Curry and SGT Vincent Supirez.

Support Company

Each company is commanded by a Cadet Under Officer (CUO) and is assisted by a Company Sergeant Major (CSM) of a WO2 rank. Alpha Company consists of 4 patrols, each led by a Sergeant. Charlie and Bravo Companies consist of 4-5 platoons each commanded by a CUO as Platoon Commander and a Sergeant. Support company contains 3 platoons, each lead by a WO2. Those being, Engineers, Medics and Signals. Support is led by CUO Lachlan Powe, CSM WO2 Hamish Sinclair. The 4 specialities WO1 Mackenzie Fikkers (Q-Store), WO2 Caleb Neil (Engineers), WO2 Daniel Ingle (Medics), SGT Francis Bolster (Signals)

Progression and Promotion

Cadets start their journey in Charlie Company at the rank of Recruit, for the first term. After their first camp, they gain the rank of Cadet (CDT). In Charlie Company, Cadets learn basic skills of navigation, first aid, radio communications, fieldcraft and drill. Halfway through Year 8, after 2 camps and 1 year in the unit, cadets move into Bravo Company. In Bravo, they will learn more advanced skills of what they learnt in Charlie. On the Bravo AFX camp, cadets have the opportunity to undertake assessments in order to gain promotion to the rank of Corporal. If cadets pass this round of assessments, they are offered a place on the Junior Leaders Course (JLC).

The JLC assesses cadets on their ability to lead. If cadets, pass the course, most will be promoted to the rank of Lance Corporal with the top 6-8 cadets being promoted to Corporal. These cadets then have to option to command a Section in Charlie or Bravo Company, or join Support Company or Alpha Company. For cadets who don't attend the JLC, they have the option to join Alpha, Support or be a Section 2IC in Charlie or Bravo Company. All of these cadets have the option of being field promoted a rank at the discretion of the CUO up to the rank of CPL. After a year of being a CPL, cadets have the option of attending the Senior Leaders Course (SLC).

The SLC again assesses cadets on their ability to lead, but at a more advanced level than that on the JLC. Cadets that pass the course are usually promoted to the rank Sergeant and are appointed as Platoon Sergeants in Charlie and Bravo, as Patrol leaders in Alpha, or in Support. Following one year as a SGT, cadets have the option to attend the Officers Course. This is where the Senior Leadership Team is chosen for the upcoming year. After their final year of cadets, the Year 12 cadets officially leave the unit at the annual Passing Out Parade, held at the College War Memorial Oval and attend the Dining In Night at the college.

List of commanders

See Also

• St Aloysius' College

• Australian Army Cadets

• Sushil Kumar De
• Sushil Kumar (Jain monk)
• Sushil Mantri
• Sushil Modi
• Sushil modi
• Sushil Pyakurel
• Sushil Rajpal
• Sushil Ramgoolam
• Sushil Sharma
• Sushi mat
• Sushimi
• Sushi Mizutani
• Sushi Nakazawa
• Sushi of Gari
• Sushi Roku
• Sushi Saito
• Sushi Seki
• Sushital Ray Chowdhary
• Sushital Ray Chowdhury
• Sushital Roy Chowdhury
• Sushitsa
• Sushitsa, Kyustendil Province
• Sushi Typhoon
• Sushi (wrestler)
• Sushi Yasuda