Australian Army Cadets travelled from across South Australia, including Port Lincoln, Victor Harbor, and the Riverland, and from Broken Hill NSW, to a weekend activity called ‘Exercise Bublacowie’. The exercise was held at Bublacowie Military Museum complex on the Southern Yorke Peninsula.
 
The activity saw 160 cadets, ranging in age from 12 to 18 years; participate in challenging training, including a simulated major casualty evacuation task. Also on the agenda was new cadet recruit training, field engineering tasks, military-like planning, radio communications and leadership lessons.

Commanding Officer of 41 (Eyre) AAC Battalion, Major (AAC) Nick Gerrie, said the bivouac was a great way for cadets to develop their teamwork and leadership skills

“The scenarios were challenging and took most of the cadets out of their comfort zone at some stage of the weekend,” said Major (AAC) Gerrie.

“For some cadets, a weekend bivouac may also be their first time away from home, so we always have to keep that in mind. The weekend allowed the more senior cadets a great opportunity to mentor those with less experience.”

"Preparation for the weekend activity took several months of planning. It's a big task even to feed nearly 200 people, especially when most of them are hungry teenagers. All food for the weekend was purchased locally, which helped out local business owners,” he said.

Bublacowie Military Museum owner and curator Chris Soar was very keen to see the bivouac conducted on his property and the surrounding farmland. Local property owners were invited to drop in for a visit during the bivouac and to observe the training scenarios. Visitors to Mr Soar’s military museum were given an added attraction as the cadets were put through their paces nearby.

The Parliamentary Secretary of Defence, Senator David Feeney, said there are always opportunities for teenagers to join local cadet units.

“The Federal Government encourages local teenagers to consider the cadets if they are looking for adventure and self development,” said Senator Feeney.

”There are also opportunities in some country areas for adult cadet staff to assist in a training and supervisory role,” he said.

An image of the Australian Army Cadets is available at: http://images.defence.gov.au/11123283

Media contacts:

Senator Feeney: Dimity Paul 0477 334 324