New Zealand Cadet Forces

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The New Zealand Cadet Forces (NZCF or Cadet Forces) is a voluntary military training organisation for youth. Run in a partnership between the Minstry of Defence, New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF / DF) and a number of appointed community organizations, it is comprised of three branches: the Air Training Corps (ATC), the New Zealand Cadet Corps (NZCC) and the Sea Cadet Corps (SCC).

The NZCF is commanded by the Minister of Defence, Phil Goff. It is directed by Lieutenant General Jerry Mateparae, Chief of Defence Force, and Lieutenant Colonel Robert (Bob) Campbell, Commandant Cadet Forces.[1][2]

Contents

[edit] Introduction

The NZCF is a disciplined, uniformed organization which provides military-based leadership, personal development and operational training to persons aged between 13 and 20 years old. Through its three branches, the Cadet Forces provides personnel with a three year, Defence Force-prepared training curriculum, while a number of unit, area and national courses provide further experience and qualifications in specific training areas.[3] It is jointly funded by the Ministry of Defence and appointed National Civilian Organizations.[4]

Training is provided by Cadet Force officers and NCOs through 107 units nationwide, supported by three Training Support Units, comprised of NZDF Regular Force (RF) personnel.[5] The Cadet Forces also play a large role in supporting community projects through volunteer labour. The NZCF currently has about 1,500 personnel.

[edit] Composition

Lieutenant Colonel Bob Campbell, Commandant Cadet Forces
Lieutenant Colonel Bob Campbell, Commandant Cadet Forces

[edit] Branches

The Cadet Forces is made up of three branches or corps. Each corps is modelled on a respective branch of the NZDF: the Royal New Zealand Air Force (RNZAF), the New Zealand Army and the Royal New Zealand Navy (RNZN).

Each corps has its own training curriculum, uniforms and organizational structures aligned with its parent DF branch.

[edit] Air Training Corps

Main article: New Zealand Air Training Corps

The Air Training Corps (A.T.C.) is the aviation arm of the NZCF, and is aligned with the RNZAF. Formed in September 1941 for the purpose of training young pilots ready for active service, there are 50 A.T.C. Squadrons located throughout New Zealand.

The ATC curriculum contains aviation, bushcraft, drill, leadership, search and rescue (SAR), survival skills, organizational knowledge of NZDF and NZCF and weapons training. National DF courses are provided in powered flying, aeronautical navigation, gliding and bushcraft.

[edit] New Zealand Cadet Corps

Main article: New Zealand Cadet Corps

The New Zealand Cadet Corps (N.Z.C.C.) is the land force arm of the NZCF, founded in 1864 and aligned with the NZ Army. There are 39 units nationwide.

Cadet Corps training includes from drill, first aid, land based navigation, land-based SAR, survival skills and weapons training. A Cadet Skills competition is held annually, pitting the units from across New Zealand against each other to find the best overall. A National DF course in bushcraft is also offered.

[edit] Sea Cadet Corps

Main article: New Zealand Sea Cadet Corps

The Sea Cadet Corps (S.C.C.) is the maritime arm of the NZCF, and aligned with the RNZN. The smallest of the three branches, the SCC has 18 units in all three CF regions.

The S.C.C. training focus is almost entirely maritime based, with a high level of sailing time allowing personnel to develop their skills on the water. A National Regatta between all units is held every three years, while a number of DF courses are provided. Many units own their own yachts and other nautical equipment.

A New Zealand Cadet Corps unit on exercise
A New Zealand Cadet Corps unit on exercise

[edit] RF Element

The NZDF provides the Cadet Forces with 27 RF personnel and four DF Civilian Employees to oversee training development, administration and logistics for CF operations. These operations are commanded from HQNZCF, based in the Wellington CBD. There are three Training Support Units (CFTSUs), each covering a Cadet Force region and operating from an NZDF base. Northern Area CFTSU is based at RNZAF Base Auckland, Central Area at RNZAF Base Ohakea and Southern Area at Burnham Military Camp.

The RF Element is under the control of Cadet Force Commandant Lieutenant Colonel Bob Campbell. The Assistant Commandant is Lieutenant Commander Lana Knaapen(RNZN), and Staff Officer in charge of Training Development is Warrant Officer 1st Class Chris Tews.[6]

[edit] Recognised National Civilian Organizations

[edit] Association National Executives

Three non-profit organizations, the Air Training Corps Association of New Zealand Inc. (ATCANZ), the Cadet Corps Association of New Zealand Trust (CCANZ) and the Sea Cadet Corps Association of New Zealand Inc. (SCANZ) have been appointed by the CDF to play an integral role in the Cadet Forces' management. They are responsible for developing policy in regards to training and NZDF involvement, national marketing, liaison with non-recognized organizations with CF involvement, and additional logistical support. They also represent individual units and their support committees in the Standing Committee of the Cadet Advisory Council and via direct consultation from the Commandant Cadet Forces.

All associations have a National Executive to deal with the NZCF directly, while each unit is represented by an association branch.

SCANZ has the additional responsibilities of acquiring national resources and assets for SCC training use - as the Navy is unable to provide these facilities - and provide a disputes resolution process for SCC unit support committees.[7]

[edit] Royal New Zealand Returned Services Association (RNZRSA)

The RNZRSA supports NZCF involvement in its ceremonial and commemorative activities, encourages its members to join the support committees of individual cadet units, and provides additional support and resources.[8]

Many RNZRSA members have formally served for branches of the Cadet Forces.

[edit] Cadet Unit Support Committees

Each individual unit has a Cadet Unit Support Committee. Made up of voluntary members of the community, often parents and relatives of cadets, the committees assist units with fundraising and the supply of voluntary labour and resources when required.

[edit] Mission statement

The New Zealand Cadet Forces (NZCF) comprise the Sea Cadet Corps, the New Zealand Cadet Corps and the Air Training Corps. It is a voluntary, disciplined, uniformed training organisation for youth.

Training programmes emphasize personal development and include a quality, nationally co-ordinated annual programme, which aims to:

  • foster a spirit of adventure and teamwork, and to develop those qualities of mind and body essential for good citizens and leaders.
  • provide challenging and disciplined training activities, which will be useful in either Service or civilian life.
  • promote an awareness of the Armed Forces, and the role they play in the community.

Success is measured by the numbers of cadets recruited and retained by Cadet units and who graduate from the NZCF training courses programmes, having met predetermined performance criteria.[9]

[edit] Service Eligibility

Any person between the ages of 13 and 15 years may join the NZCF. The full consent of parents and guardians is required to apply, and while under the age of 18 parental consent is required for all training and exercises undertaken. A person younger than 13 may join if presently attending Year 9 at a New Zealand Secondary School.

Any person may join the Cadet Forces directly as a commissioned officer, but it is extremely rare for someone below the age of 20 to be commissioned, even with previous service.

Personnel may serve from Cadet until the age of 18, at NCO rank until the age of 20, at Under Officer until the age of 21, and up to any age after receiving a commission.

Units normally charge a membership fee to be paid annually, ranging from NZ$10 - $60 depending on the unit. Participating in unit field exercises may incur extra charges; so too may DF-funded courses, although any costs outside of government funding are often subsidised by sponsors.

NZCF personnel are not subject to the Armed Forces Discipline Act 1971, and hence cannot be deployed into active service.[10][11](See Legal Standing for more details)

[edit] Courses

The NZDF funds and co-ordinates several national and regional courses for the Cadet Forces, which are staffed with a mix of DF and CF personnel. Tri Corps promotional courses normally are held in each area twice per year depending on requirements, and essentially hold the same format as their DF equivalents.

[edit] National Courses

[edit] Tri Corps

  • Junior Leaders' Course - Equivalent of DF Junior NCO Course. Held at RNZAF Base Auckland, Linton Military Camp, RNZAF Base Ohakea and Burnham Military Camp.
  • Senior Leaders' Course - Equivalent of DF Senior NCO Course. Held at RNZAF Base Auckland, Linton Military Camp and Burnham Military Camp.
  • Advanced Leaders' Course - For promotion to Warrant Officer, Under Officer and Master Cadet ranks. National course held at RNZAF Base Auckland.
  • Junior Outdoor Leaders' - Intermediate level bushcraft, survival, SAR and outdoor first aid course.
  • Senior Outdoor Leaders' - Builds upon content learnt on Junior Outdoor Leaders'. Successful candidates are eligible for New Zealand Mountain Safety Council qualification.
  • Officer Outdoor Leaders' - For the training of commissioned CF officers. Successful candidates receive necessary credentials to lead unit expeditions and staff Outdoor Leaders' courses, including New Zealand Mountain Safety Council qualifications.
  • Officers IT&M Course - Training for commissioned CF officers in Instructional Technique.

[edit] Air Training Corps

  • National Aviation Course - Course consists of two phases: Powered Flying (9 days), in which candidates study towards the FRTO section of PPL exam and improve their solo flying skills in light aircraft, and Navigation (7 days) in which candidates study towards the Aeronautical Navigation PPL exam in a practical environment. Held at RNZAF Base Woodbourne annually.
  • National Gliding Course - Held annually at both Matamata and Waipukurau Aerodromes. Five days of practical glider training.
  • Air Force Experience - An opportunity to visit all three RNZAF Bases and discover the work of the Air Force in a tourist-style setting. Includes travel in a range of RNZAF aircraft. Replaces the more hands-on Live and Work course, in which candidates spent an actual week in the life of a chosen Air Force career.

[edit] New Zealand Cadet Corps

  • Cadet Skills - Area competitions between units held at Whangaparoa, Linton Military Camp and Burnham Military Camp. National competition held at RNZAF Base Auckland.
  • Army Experience - Candidates choose a trade and are given a practical, four day tour.

[edit] Sea Cadet Corps

  • Cadet Sailing Charge Course - Whangaparoa (5 days)
  • National Sailing Regatta - Between all units, held every three years. Whangaparoa (2 days)
  • Operation SEENAVY - A programme touring the Navy's bases and craft.
  • Officer Marine Supervisor - FPTO HMNZS Philomel (4 days)[12]

[edit] Pay

Excluding the RF Element, at present all service is voluntary apart from commissioned officers who receive payment for attending and staffing National Courses.[13]

[edit] Government Funding

The Cadet Forces is partially funded through the Miscellaneous Support Activities (M22) appropriation in Vote Defence Force. This covers provision of the Defence infrastructure and planned support to regional defence forces and the New Zealand community. It includes the Mutual Assistance Programme, New Zealand Cadet Forces, training of Limited Service Volunteers and Service Museums.

In year 2006/2007, Miscellaneous Support Activities received NZ$12.568M in total funding. This was up from $7.307M the previous year, only due to a change in accounting practices.[14]

The NZCF has virtually no public profile in New Zealand, and as a result many politicians pay little attention to the Cadet Forces, with most parties holding no CF-specific policy. However, during the 2005 election, NZ First MP Ron Mark promised more specific funding for the NZCF if they came into power. Although the party have seven MPs in Parliament and reached a Supply and Confidence agreement with the Labour Party, they have yet to deliver on their promise.[15]

[edit] Association Policy Control

The NZDF provides financial, logistical and training assistance to the NZCF within the limitations directed by the Government. The policy for the use of this assistance is largely established in consultation with the recognised civilian support organisations.

Such policies have been highlighted in recent times with the canning of co-operative field exercises between CF and TF forces. Their widereaching control was also evident in their decision to replace of ceremonial drill rifles with painted wooden cutouts. Cadet Forces official response to such changes has been that the community no longer finds it acceptable to have 'children playing with guns' and that such changes are in line with the Cadet Forces attempt to rebrand itself away from its military history. WO Buzz Harvey (RNZAF) from SACFTSU states that more risky sides to training were also unlikely to return, as certain people in the organization feel uncomfortable with the legal risk and potentially negative PR.[16]

[edit] Legal standing

The New Zealand Cadet Forces is currently covered by the Defence Act 1990. The Minister of Defence holds ultimate control, with the Chief of Defence Force (CDF) in a compulsory direction role. Any unit of the Cadet Forces must be attached to the Air Training Corps, New Zealand Cadet Corps or Sea Cadet Corps. The Minister and CDF have the power to authorize the formation, disbandment and limits on the number of units, appoint cadet officers, and determine policy.[17][18]

Parliament may appropriate funding to the Cadet Forces, which the CDF is responsible for approving its spending. The CDF also has the authority to pay wages, allowances and grants to CF personnel out of government funds, so in theory the Cadet Forces could become a professional organization.[19] However a significant increase in funding would be required, as present levels barely sustain the organization's current activity. Personnel would also have reduced labour rights, as they are not covered by the Voluntary Employment Protection Act 1973.[20]

Although the Cadet Forces is gradually drifting away from its original purpose of preparing youth for military service, there are no legal boundaries in civil or military law in regards to military training; rather this is provided through Cadet Force policy at the discretion of the Chief of Defence Force. Because CF personnel are not bound by the Armed Forces Discipline Act 1971.[21] or the State Sector Act 1988,[22] no part of the Cadet Forces can be placed under an active service order, although any individual CF personnel who engage in Armed Forces service, training or exercises are still bound by the Armed Forces Discipline Act and are not eligible for exemption by Governor-General Order in Council. In this case, rank is recognised in relation to the Act.[23][24] CF personnel still must be over the age of 17 to engage in active service, however.[25]

Members are still covered by the War Pensions Act 1954,[26] entitling personnel and their families to compensation for any disablement or death incurred during service.[27] They are not entitled to any additional superannuation, as they are exempt from the Government Superannuation Fund Act 1956.[28]

The Terms and Conditions of Service to the Cadet Forces are separate to those of the Armed Forces. Known as the NZCF 2A,[29] any changes must be approved by the CDF.[30]

[edit] History

[edit] 1864-1902

The first unit raised was at Otago Boys High School in 1864, making it one of the oldest youth service organisations in New Zealand. By 1870 there were several secondary school units in existence, among the first being Nelson College, Christ's College, Wellington College and Auckland Grammar School.

From 1864 until 1902 the training followed that used in the British public schools. The emphasis was on rigid discipline and shooting marksmanship and it was entirely controlled by the Headmaster; the Army was not involved. The Education Act of 1902 was responsible for most secondary schools forming cadet units and the Army became directly involved in the Cadets training following their Boer War participation.

[edit] 1903-1940

In 1911, Lord Kitchener stated, during his visit to New Zealand, that the Cadet movement had an important role to play in the Defence of the Empire. Subsequently, the Army began to provide uniforms, rifles and other equipment to the units. This Army support continued through World War I, with many school cadets making up the officers and non-commissioned officers of the First Expeditionary Force.

In 1919 Compulsory Military Training was for all males from 14 – 21 years, thus Cadet units were structured into Cadet Battalions. Territorial regiments were raised and on completion of Secondary school schoolboys were posted to these Regiments.

In 1932 CMT was abolished, but most Cadet Units continued at the schools on a voluntary basis, supported by teachers who had experienced World War I. During World War II the Army could not support the cadet movement but Officers ineligible for war service continued to manage the organisation.

In 1929 the first open Sea Cadet Corps was formed in Christchurch, by the Canterbury Navy League. Units formed in the four main centres and were controlled nationally by the Canterbury branch of the League. The Navy League continued to manage these open community Sea Cadet units even when they came under the control of the Royal New Zealand Navy.

[edit] 1941-1970

The Air Training Corps was formed in September 1941, Its purpose was to train potential airmen, basic knowledge and provide an insight into Air Force work to prepare young men for the Air Force when they were old enough.

In the 1950s specialist training appropriate to their parent service was introduced for the cadet forces. The rate of increase in the cadet movement from 1948 – 1960 eventually proved counter productive in the 1960s as the Army could not effectively support the numbers while meeting their own commitments.

By 1964 the NZCF reached peak strength, mainly in school units of 198 units, with 1000 officers and about 54,000 cadets.

Reorganisation saw many schools cease cadet support and by 1965 there were about 20,000 cadets; further changes to support by the Army and the communities reduced school cadet numbers to 34 units and 10,300 cadets by 1970. Open community Sea Cadet Corps and Air Training Corps units had, meanwhile, slowly decreased to 55 units with 3,200 cadets.

[edit] 1971-1984

The 1971 Defence Act, established the NZCF, as a volunteer organisation, for which the Minister of Defence was responsible. The open units were required to be initiated and funded by the community and the Chief of Defence Forces was authorised to “direct and supervise” the NZCF and provide military support which was initially confirmed as uniforms, training and some equipment at a cost of no greater than $400,000.

Centralised supervision was established by the Chief of Defence Force of all three Corps and a Commandant appointed with Regular Force Defence personnel, under the control of the Commandant, provided at 5 locations around New Zealand to support units. Cadet Force officers were appointed by the Minister of Defence with Cadet Force commissions, on a voluntary unpaid basis with authority to wear military uniform and rank.

The role of the NZCF ceased being primarily of military training and the preparation of young men for the Armed Forces and became predominantly adventure and development motivated with a military flavour and about 50% military subjects associated with providing knowledge of the roles and functions of the NZDF. The new thrust was to provide “good citizenship skills” to young men under the training methods used by the Military Forces. Female cadets were accepted from approximately 1978 and although the service flavour and well tried and tested services training methods and character was retained, additional training was introduced by units, which were desired by them and the community supporters.

[edit] 1985 to the present day

The loss of Government financial support and turbulent social change in the 1970’s caused school units to be abandoned such that by 1985 there were only 9 remaining units, including the two earliest formed at Christ’s and Nelson Colleges. Meanwhile the Sea Cadet Corps had increased to 17 units and the ATC to 50 in the open community units. A significant development saw the introduction of Cadet Corps Units into the open community to satisfy the demand which the schools had abandoned, the first open Cadet Unit being City of Porirua unit in October 1985.

[edit] References

  1. ^ [1], Defence Act 1990, Part 6, section 74
  2. ^ [2] New Zealand Cadet Forces website, front page
  3. ^ [3], New Zealand Cadet Forces Charter of Support, Mission Statement, page 2.
  4. ^ [4], New Zealand Cadet Forces Charter of Support, Section 13, page 6.
  5. ^ NZCF PAM 1996, Annex A, Pages 4-5, 4-6, 4-7
  6. ^ New Zealand Cadet Forces, Command Structure - Regular Force Element. 15/02/2005
  7. ^ [5], New Zealand Cadet Forces Charter of Support, Section 13, page 6
  8. ^ [6], New Zealand Cadet Forces Charter of Support, Section 12, page 6
  9. ^ [7], New Zealand Cadet Forces Charter of Support, Mission Statement, page 1
  10. ^ [8] NZCF 2A, electronic copy, hosted by No. 6 SQN (North Shore City) A.T.C.
  11. ^ [9], New Zealand Cadet Forces website, Officers page
  12. ^ NZCF Annual Training Plan 2006/2007, printed 09/03/2006
  13. ^ [10], Cadet Forces website, Officers page
  14. ^ [11]Vote Defence Force 2006
  15. ^ [12], Marks pledges funding boost, by Josh Eilken, 17squadronatc.com, October 2005.
  16. ^ Warrant Officer Buzz Harvey RNZAF, SACFTSU, in an interview with no17squadronatc.com
  17. ^ Defence Act 1990, Part 6, section 74. Retrieved on 2007-01-31.
  18. ^ Defence Act 1990, Part 6, section 76. Retrieved on 2007-01-31.
  19. ^ Defence Act 1990, Part 6, section 78. Retrieved on 2007-01-31.
  20. ^ [13], Volunteers Employment Protection Act 1973, section 2
  21. ^ [14] title=Defence Act 1990, Part 6, section 2
  22. ^ [15], State Sector Act 1988
  23. ^ [16], Armed Forces Discipline Act 1971, Part 1, section 10
  24. ^ [17], Armed Forces Discipline Act 1971, Part 1, section 7
  25. ^ Defence Act 1990, Part 4, section 33. Retrieved on 2007-01-31.
  26. ^ Defence Act 1990, Part 6, section 80. Retrieved on 2007-01-31.
  27. ^ [18], War Pensions Act 1954
  28. ^ [19], Defence Act 1990, Part 6, section 78
  29. ^ [20] NZCF 2A, electronic copy, hosted by No. 6 SQN (North Shore City) A.T.C.
  30. ^ [21], Defence Act 1990, Part 6, section 78

[edit] Bibliography

  • (1996) Policy and Administration Manual. New Zealand Cadet Forces. 

[edit] See also

[edit] External links


 
New Zealand Cadet Forces
New Zealand Cadet Corps | New Zealand Sea Cadet Corps | New Zealand Air Training Corps
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