Secondary News
Australian Airforce Cadets Experience
My journey with the Australian Airforce Cadets started in the year of 2021. I joined to fulfil my dream of becoming a pilot and to follow in the footsteps of my grandfather. My grandpa joined the Airforce in 1976 at the age of 20, he joined with the passion of serving his country, which led him to serve for exactly 21 years as a Russian train driver. He then retired in 1997. My mum lived on many different bases around the world which gave her first class insight. I grew up continuously hearing stories of their travels, of my grandpa’s friends and many other things, because of this, I consider him as one of my biggest role models and my biggest supporters.
Some days being part of the Australian Airforce Cadets can be very tough, as it is all about discipline. They push you to your furthest point to ensure you give your best even under extreme measures. Other days, Cadets is a treat. The pride you feel wearing a uniform that people show so much respect to is a different feeling, the connections you make with people become unbreakable.
Over my course of Cadets, I have attended many different opportunities and activities. One significant activity was the celebration of the Airforce’s 102nd birthday and the British War Ceremony. The highlight of these ceremonies were my speaking roles, I was delighted to be chosen to read at both services in front important people such as the Governor of South Australia. Another important activity was the Tri-Service Ball. This was for people from the Navy, Airforce, and Army (hence the name ‘tri-service’). This ball was held to commemorate all three services and come together in unity.
One of the most significant days of my life was the Anzac Day March in 2022. This march is held every year in the city to commemorate old veterans and other soldiers who served the country. Each cadet who participated in the march was given a different role; I was with a lovely veteran who served in the Vietnamese War. Last year was unfortunately his last march as he was diagnosed with Stage 4 cancer. I was more than honoured to be given the opportunity to march him down the city and watch his face light up as he took the march for the very last time.
When I tell people about the Airforce Cadets their main two questions are, do you know how to fly planes? Or have you ever shot a gun before? I have been lucky enough to be given the opportunity to fly gliders and do many simulators at Aldinga Airport and Parafield Airport. I have also been qualified to shoot .22 rifles, after two long days filled with theory and 150 rounds of live bullets. At the end of the training, we were rewarded with gold rifle badges that are worn on our ceremonial uniforms signifying our qualification.
Being apart of the Airforce Cadets is a feeling like no other. You meet so many new people, you gain new knowledge, new experiences. Getting to wear the uniform, getting to represent the Royal Australian Airforce, volunteering to help other organisations, this all makes the hard work worth it. If someone asked me to do this whole experience all over again, I would. I would do it in a heartbeat.
Avani Grewal, Year 10 Student
