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The o PeoPLe, strAtegIes AnD PoLICYf f i c i a l toPIC HeADIng

magazine

The official magazine

Firearms training gives Cadets Complete military experience


By Gai Brodtmann

a cadet staff member instructs a cadet on the safe handling of firearms at a recent camp in Tasmania. Photos provided by PSP and DSG.

oung australians join the australian Defence Force Cadets (aDFC) for many reasons. The chance to participate in unique military activities is a key enticing factor, with firearms training an integral part of the complete military experience. Firearms training has been an integral part of cadet training since it began in the 1860s and is one of the most popular activities enjoyed by cadets over the past 140 years. However, over the last decade, community standards have changed and firearms have become less acceptable, common and visible in the general community.
To meet community expectations and the cadet expectation of a fun and safe military experience, Cadet Policy Branch has developed an approach to firearms policy, registration, storage, transport and access that meets or exceeds State and Territory standards. According to David Anderson, Director Projects and Governance, the branch is keen to strike a balance because training in firearms is a core cadet activity.

and under ADF supervision. They can also use non-military single shot .22 calibre bolt action rifles, air rifles and innocuous bolt-action .0s, in accordance with the new ADFC policy. However, before taking part in firearms training, cadets are assessed on their maturity and tested on a number of competencies. It is then up to the unit Commanding Officer to determine their level of access to firearms training.

think our approach to firearms has struck Ithe right balance. Due to the tight controls

we have put in place, firearms training is a very safe activity.

David anderson, Cadet Policy Branch.


give cadets even more access to firearms training opportunities in more locations. Mr Anderson said the portable WTSS uses four modified Austeyr rifles, a control unit with projector and laser sensors, a screen and a compressed gas unit to provide simulated recoil when firing. The system gives cadets an opportunity to get the feel of a real rifle without any of the risks involved in using real firearms and live ammunition. Up to four cadets can undertake a practice at once in separate lanes and under the control of a trained system operator and supervising ADF or cadet staff member.

Firearms Register and storage


While the Commanding Officer has more discretion on who can and cannot take part in training, they also have more responsibility for firearms management. Last year, Cadet Policy Branch introduced a Firearms Register to allow units to record details of all non-military firearms used by cadets. The Firearms Register is accessed through CadetNet at www.cadetnet.gov.au. In the first half of 2008, all units that currently store firearms, or have indicated they wish to do so, will be inspected to ensure their security arrangements meet those set by Defence. Cadet Policy Branch will fund any necessary upgrades of security arrangements, including new storage containers. The inspection will review 72 units to ensure they continue to meet or exceed the current security requirements. All firearms are required to be audited fortnightly and must be inspected by a qualified gunsmith annually to ensure they are fit and safe for purpose. If they dont comply with the policy, units will not be able to use the firearms, Mr Anderson said. To ensure that Commanding Officers are clear about their roles and responsibilities in relation

to managing firearms, Cadet Policy Branch is also producing two posters for display in all cadet units. The posters outline the dos and donts of firearms storage, management, audits, registration and transport, and follow the unclassified elements of the Defence Security Manual, Mr Anderson said.

access to Ranges
The high operational tempo of recent years has reduced cadet access to ADF ranges and supervisors, particularly at the times that best suit a youth development organisation. In order to combat this, Cadet Policy Branch has allowed greater access to civilian rifle ranges that have been inspected and approved by either a Defence Range Inspector or an appropriate civil authority usually the police in the last five years.

under the supervision of cadet staff, cadets test their skills on the Weapons Training simulation system.

embedded in Cadet Histaory


Mr Anderson said that young Australians join cadets because they want to take part in military traditions, such as parades, wearing uniforms and undertaking firearms training. It is one of the fundamental things that separates the ADFC from other youth development organisations, he said.

The challenge for Cadet Policy Branch is to meet community expectations and provide the highest levels of safety while providing cadets with the military experience they signed up for. In the 1960s, cadets would ride on the tram to attend a parade night with their .0 rifles strapped over their shoulder. Nowadays, that would be completely unacceptable and rightly so. I think our approach to firearms has struck the right balance. Due to the tight controls we

have put in place, firearms training is a very safe activity.

ancillary equipment
Cadet Policy Branch is also funding firearm kits, including mats and siting equipment, to improve the quality and safety of the training experience. Firearms training is one of the most desirable cadet experiences. We want to provide cadet access to that military experience in a fun, safe, reasonable and sensitive way, Mr Anderson said.

enhanced Policy
In 2007, the then-Prime Minister approved an expanded firearms training policy for cadets that builds on the previous policy and provides greater access to firearms based on maturity and competence. Cadets can use the F88 Austeyr rifle and other ADF firearms on ADF ranges

simulated Training
In addition to firearms training on ranges, cadets also have access to permanent Weapons Training Simulation Systems (WTSS) on ADF bases. Recently launched in Tasmanian Navy, Army and Air Force cadet units and squadrons, Cadet Policy Branch is also trialling a portable WTSS to

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