Australian Army Cadets - South Australia Brigade

13/06/2026

NATIONAL AAC CADET DRONE CHAMPIONSHIPS

The National AAC Cadet Drone Championships are now underway, with eight of our South Australian cadets currently competing against the top 24 drone pilots from across Australia.

Representing SA AAC Brigade are:

🚁 Subb20 – CUO Rhys James
🚁 McQueen – CDTWO2 Angus Porter
🚁 Dicko – CUO Angus Dickson
🚁 Maccas – CDT Max Fiveash
🚁 Mango – CDTCPL Josh Alphonso
🚁 Parakeet – CDTWO2 Darcy Rosemeyer
🚁 Neovision – CDTSGT Owen McHugh
🚁 YHZero – CDTLCPL Connor McGlynn

South Australia continues to lead the way in cadet drone capability, with 400 ACU - Drone Racing proudly holding the distinction of being the Australian Army Cadets’ first dedicated drone racing unit and currently the only unit operating 5-inch FPV drones. The success of the drone program has helped position SA AAC Brigade at the forefront of this rapidly growing field.

Our pilots are currently putting their skills, precision and composure to the test against the nation’s best, and we are incredibly proud to see such strong South Australian representation on the national stage.

Good luck to all competitors, and especially to our SA AAC Brigade team. We look forward to following your progress throughout the competition.

📺 Watch the action live via the stream below and cheer on our pilots as they compete on the national stage.

Australian Army Cadets Drone Racing Championships

11/06/2026

SA HEADS TO NATIONAL DRONE CHAMPIONSHIPS

Today, 8 members of the South Australian AAC Brigade are travelling to Melbourne to compete in the Australian Army Cadets National Cadet Drone Championships.

The team will be representing South Australia against cadets from across the nation in a series of drone challenges, testing their skills, teamwork, precision, and problem-solving abilities as they compete for national honours.

Selection for the championships is a significant achievement and reflects the dedication and effort these cadets have put into developing their drone and STEM capabilities.

We wish our South Australian team every success as they take on the best cadets from around Australia. Safe travels, good luck, and make South Australia proud!

Go Team SA!



400 ACU - Drone Racing Australian Army Drone Racing Team

08/06/2026

KING’S BIRTHDAY TRI-SERVICE CADET PARADE

On Saturday 6 June, cadets from all three services came together at Keswick Barracks for the 2nd Annual King’s Birthday Tri-Service Cadet Parade.

The parade showcased the strong partnership between the Australian Navy Cadets, Australian Army Cadets and Australian Air Force Cadets, with cadets proudly representing their units in a display of leadership, discipline and service.

The parade was honoured to be reviewed by Air Vice-Marshal Jason Begley, CSM.

A special thank you to 413 ACU Pipes and Drums, whose outstanding performance added tradition, pride and ceremony to the occasion.

Events such as this provide cadets with the opportunity to come together as one cadet community, strengthening friendships across the services while honouring the service and dedication of His Majesty King Charles III.

Congratulations to all cadets, staff and volunteers who contributed to the success of this significant parade. We look forward to continuing this tradition in the years ahead.

Stay tuned for more photos as we receive them from the photographer.

Weapons used in this ceremony are permanently modified and unable to be fired.

06/06/2026

Today I had the privilege of attending the King’s Birthday Cadet Tri-Service Parade at Keswick Barracks.

Watching the cadets on parade, I couldn’t help but reflect on the commitment these young people make at such an early age.

In a world that often focuses on what young people aren’t doing, cadets are a reminder of what they are doing. They are learning responsibility, developing confidence, respecting tradition, and contributing to their communities.

What stands out most is that none of this is mandatory. They choose to be there. They choose to give up their weekends, challenge themselves, and be part of something bigger than their individual goals.

Behind every cadet is also a family, a volunteer instructor, and a community helping to shape the next generation of Australians.

As someone passionate about supporting military and veteran families, I see tremendous value in programs that help young people build connection, purpose and belonging.

Thank you to everyone involved in today’s parade. It was a wonderful reminder that leadership isn’t defined by age, and that our future is being shaped by some truly impressive young Australians. 🇦🇺

06/06/2026

RECOGNISING VOLUNTEER MILESTONES

The South Australian Army Cadet Brigade proudly recognises the dedication and commitment of our volunteers, with awards presented in acknowledgement of their valued service to the organisation and the development of cadets across South Australia.

Congratulations to LT (AAC) Daniel Smith, 44ACU (Hampstead), on reaching 5 years of dedicated service to the Australian Army Cadets. A dependable and highly respected member of the unit, LT (AAC) Smith consistently provides guidance and support to both staff and cadets. His commitment to fostering a positive training environment has made a significant contribution to the success of his unit and the development of young people within the AAC.

We also recognise CAPT (AAC) Nicolo Catinari from SA AAC Brigade Headquarters, whose dedication and professionalism have made him a valued member of the Brigade team. Drawing on his experience as a former cadet, CAPT (AAC) Catinari continues to contribute valuable insight and support to the Australian Army Cadets program across South Australia.

Congratulations also to CAPT (AAC) Mel Green, 49ACU (Smithfield), whose leadership as Officer Commanding has helped deliver engaging, rewarding, and highly successful training for cadets. Through her commitment and initiative, CAPT (AAC) Green has played an important role in the continued growth and success of her unit.

Thank you all for your continued service and contribution to the Australian Army Cadets.

05/06/2026

Join us for the King’s Birthday Tri-Service Cadet Parade!

Members of the public are warmly invited to attend the King’s Birthday Tri-Service Cadet Parade at Keswick Barracks on Saturday, 6 June (tomorrow).

This special event brings together cadets from across the Australian Navy Cadets, Australian Army Cadets and Australian Air Force Cadets to celebrate His Majesty’s official birthday and recognise the achievements of our young people.

📍 Keswick Barracks
📅 Saturday, 6 June 2026
🕜 Guests are requested to arrive no later than 1:45 pm & to bring your own chair

This marks only the second time a Tri-Service King’s Birthday Parade has been conducted in South Australia, making it a unique occasion for cadets, families and the wider community.

We look forward to seeing you there!

04/06/2026

TAKE YOUR SKILLS TO NEW HEIGHTS!

The South Australian Army Cadet Brigade is encouraging interested cadets to nominate for the upcoming Drone 1 Course, an exciting opportunity to develop practical skills in operating and understanding drone technology.

Participants will have the opportunity to learn the fundamentals of drone operations and safety, develop their flight planning and ex*****on skills and strengthen their teamwork and problem-solving abilities.

Event information:

Course Dates: 19–21 June 2026
Location: Keswick Barracks

Participants will be accommodated and fed throughout the course at Keswick. Please note that transportation is not provided.

Be quick with nominations — places are limited, and once the maximum number of participants has been reached, no further nominations can be accepted.

Nominations close Friday, 12 June 2026.

Nominate using the form below:
https://forms.cloud.microsoft/r/BiKk9pJn0z

This is a fantastic opportunity to learn new skills, challenge yourself, and experience the exciting capabilities of drone technology within the Australian Army Cadets.

For more information, speak with your chain of command.

03/06/2026

CURIOUS ABOUT CYBER SECURITY?

PECAN+ Capture The Flag 2026 is coming to Adelaide!
The Australian Army Cadets are encouraging interested cadets currently in Years 10–12 to take part in the PECAN+ Capture the Flag Cyber Security Competition, a free national event hosted by Edith Cowan University.
This exciting competition provides participants with the opportunity to develop and test their skills in:
- Cryptography
- Web Exploitation
- Digital Forensics
- Reverse Engineering

Event information:
Training Day: 22 August 2026
Competition Day: 23 August 2026
Adelaide Venue: The University of Adelaide

Cadets can compete as part of a team of up to four participants, while individual entrants can be placed into a hybrid team.
This is a fantastic opportunity to learn new skills, challenge yourself, network with like-minded students, and represent the Australian Army Cadets in a national cyber security competition.
For more information or further questions, scan the QR code on the flyer or contact CAPT (AAC) Monique McGrath (Activity OIC) via email: [email protected]

01/06/2026

43 BATTALION BIVOUAC

Over the weekend of 22–24 May, cadets and staff from 43 (Schools) Battalion conducted a bivouac at Murray Bridge Training Area, providing valuable opportunities for cadets to develop their skills in a challenging field environment.

Throughout the activity, cadets worked towards a range of Cadet Development Continuum (CDC) objectives, participating in fieldcraft, navigation, leadership activities, and tactical training. A highlight of the weekend saw one platoon tasked with carrying a number of innocuous weapons for the duration of the activity, testing their endurance, teamwork, and determination.

The bivouac was a great success, with cadets demonstrating resilience, professionalism, and teamwork while building valuable skills and experiences in the field.

Well done to all cadets and staff involved for their efforts throughout the weekend.

📸 : MAJ (AAC) Tamara Barrow

25/05/2026

CELEBRATING MILESTONES

The South Australian Army Cadet Brigade proudly recognises the dedication and commitment of our volunteers, with awards presented by COMD SA AAC BDE, COL Ilona Horan on the recent 43 (Schools) Battalion Bivouac, in acknowledgement of their valued service to the organisation and the development of cadets across South Australia.

Congratulations to MAJ (AAC) Tamara Barrow, Commanding Officer of 43 Battalion, on reaching 10 years of dedicated service to the Australian Army Cadets. A driven and passionate leader, MAJ (AAC) Barrow consistently brings new ideas and initiatives to the organisation, with her hard work and commitment helping to expand and support opportunities within AAC electives. Her leadership, dedication, and continued support of cadet development have made a lasting contribution to the Brigade and the wider AAC community.

We also recognise CAPT (AAC) Ben Foxwell and LT (AAC) Hope McGrath from 432ACU Modbury, whose leadership, initiative, and ongoing commitment have contributed significantly to the continued growth and strong performance of their unit, helping it establish itself as one of the more consistently high-performing units within the Brigade. CAPT (AAC) Susann Phair from 425ACU Tatchilla Lutheran College is also acknowledged for her dedicated and reliable service to her unit, consistently supporting cadets and contributing positively to the delivery of the Australian Army Cadets program.

Thank you all for your continued service and contribution to the Australian Army Cadets.