204 Army
Cadet Unit
NEWS & EVENTS at 204ACU
Promotional Courses Jan 15
Posted January 2015 - Written by CDT Bailey Strahan
During the holidays I was granted the opportunity to attend the Australian Army Cadets New South Wales Brigade 2015 Junior Leadership Promotion Course. This event was held at Steele Barracks, Moorebank and was attended by cadets from all over NSW.
For the duration of the course we stayed in standard military accommodation and had lecture room facilities. The Routine of the exercise was fairly straightforward with the wake up call at 5:30 in the morning and a lights out at 10:00 at night. Between the admin breaks and meal times we would spend the rest of the day in class learning everything we needed to know to become a Junior Non-Commissioned Officer within the AAC.
After they had finished teaching us everything on that subject we were then tested on it soon after. However there was no failing in a test if you didn’t pass you would simply be taught again but in greater detail which in some cases you would be better off with it and then you would be retested until you succeeded.
The best part of the whole exercise however was all the new people that I got to meet from all over New South Wales. Some of who lived so far away in fact that they had to catch a plane to arrive or even a train that took 14 hours to get here. But all the same everyone I met was a great person to talk to and hang out with; especially with the roommates you get who will be spending most of your afternoons with. All and all I have to say that this course was actually my most favourite camp I have ever been on both for its enjoyment and its semi stressful challenges.
End of Year Parade 2014
Posted December 2014 - Written by CDTWO2 Gray
This annual event hosted by the Unit every year is to show case the units ability to perform on the parade ground providing their parents, family and friends with a greater insight into the Drill of the Australian Army Cadets.
This event also allows the unit to be inspected by an Inspecting Officer from the Australian Army and the inspection by Merrylands RSL. This year we had the honour of having the Commander of the Australian Army 8th Brigade, Brigadier A Murray as the inspecting officer and Mrs Margaret Gong, President of the Community Support Group for Merrylands RSL. Throughout the night Promotions and Awards were presented and congratulation to them on their efforts.
The entire unit should be commended on their efforts throughout the heat of the afternoon and night; they all displayed great cadet qualities and throughout the year have developed as a team. Good Luck to all members of the Unit attending the 01/2014 New South Wales Promotion Courses.
Trivia Night 2014
Posted November 2014
204 ACU are excited to announce will be holding a Trivia Night on 24 Nov 14 to raise funds for the Dining In Night for 2015.
Parents and guests are welcome.
There is a $5 per person charge for non-unit members and drinks will be available for purchase.
Please RSVP to 2LT (AAC) Allen by 17/11.
Exercise Hostel
Posted November 2014 - Written by CDTWO2 Gray
This year, 204 Army Cadet Unit has been working closely with other units with in the Northern Sydney District to develop a greater relationship between the units.
This joint exercise was with 201 Army Cadet Unit (Dee Why), which was held at a property in Goulburn on 21-NOV-14 to 23-NOV-14. This weekend exercise was a survival and field craft weekend which allowed the cadets to develop their survival and field craft skills as well as developing their leadership and teamwork abilities.
The joint exercise proved to be successful as the units co-operated in a range of task and correctly completed them working together. This Bivouac was another successful joint exercise with another unit and allowed the units to develop a greater relationship and understanding of how they operate, improving both units in the process. We would like to thank 201 Army Cadet Unit for allowing us to have this experience and thank them for jointing our exercise.
July Courses
Posted July 2014 - Written by CDTCPL Tom Waibel
The latest promotion course was held at Singleton Military Area. The weather up at singleton was a shock to everyone especially those who didn't bring jumpers with them.
The course ran for 8 days with cadets from all over NSW. Each candidate was tested on their ability to conduct drill and theory lessons, accurately navigate to a grid reference using a map, compass and common sense, perform drill movements and marching to a high standard and much much more.
The purpose of this course was to provide the training needed to be able to teach the cadets back at the home unit, and advance their leadership and communication skills. Apart from the fact that we are learning how to be leaders, we have also made life long friends.
Biv 2 - Ex Joint Effort
Posted July 2014 - Written by CDTWO2 William Gray
This year 204 Army Cadet Unit and 203 Army Cadet Unit participated in a Joint Bivouac at Holsworthy Military Training Area on 23-25 May 14. The joint operation was to strengthen the relationship between the units, observe the different operation training and skills, and to further the training of both units.
We arrived at the location at dusk; meeting the unfriendly advance party forces and pack marched to the safety brief. After arranging sleeping areas and constructing our headquarters we got some sleep.
The next day we had breakfast and started the full day of activities from Navigation exercises to quick discussion exercises, contact drills with the opposing sides to the simulations. After dinner we commenced our Night Operations, sending forces from both opposing LOC’s to capture their Commanders, this is where all our training was used in patrols and defensive measures; bunkers, forward warning measures and forward observation points. This exercise was to go through to the morning, sleeping was piqueted and patrols were conducted until the operation cease fire.
In this operation we saw that the morale of the forces strengthen throughout the night, we saw skills that improved and the knowledge being practiced. The ending result being that the commanders were not captured although there were some close calls.
In the morning after breakfast we packed up the equipment and conducted team-building exercises until transport arrived to return us to the barracks. Due to the success of this Exercise both units have decided to make this Joint Bivouac an annual exercise.
Thank you for all the cadets, NCO’s and ACS that attended this exercise we look forward to next year.
STARS Training
Posted July 2014
So far this year, our senior cadets (advanced platoon) have been participating in a newly developed training program which has incorporated advanced First Aid, survival skills, advanced camouflage and patrolling and will also incorporate pioneering and advanced communications and running a command post.
This team is known as the Special Tactics and Rescue Squad and will be our "go-to" squad when other platoons require assistance.
In the Survival phase of their training, the STARS recently learnt to filter water using uniforms.
Upcoming Events
SUN 19 APRIL
COMMEMORATION SUNDAY SERVICE
ANZAC Sunday service held at Merrylands RSL
MON APR 20
Parent Information Night for Recruit Intake 1 for 2015.
SAT APR 25, 04:30am
ANZAC DAY DAWN SERVICE
Our ANZAC service begin at Dawn at Merrylands.
The Unit will also support RE Tebbutt Lodge Aged Care Facility and a contingent will participate in the March in the city.
This year we will also be supporting Epping by providing a contingent for their Cenotaph.
More information to follow.
MON APR 27
Intake Night and the official beginning of Recruit Intake 1 of 2015
SAT 2 - SUN 3 MAY
Recruit training weekend - compulsory for NCO's and Recruits to successfully complete their Recruit Course.
FRI 23 - SUN 25 MAY
Our second bivouac of the year will be held being the first bivouac based on our specialised training conducted over Term 2.
This will also be the field phase for the second recruit induction of 2014.
Past Events
SAT & SUN 9-10 Aug 14
22 BN is holding Ex Powderhead - a BN Shoot including the WTSS and a Live shoot for eligible cadets.
There will be assessments for the RSM-A Drill competition and COACTC conducted concurrently.
20th - 27th SEP
22 BN will be holding AFX 14 - current information indicates this will still be at Singleton however this is subject to change due to ADF Training Requirements.
More information to come.
MON FEB 02 15, 6:00pm
Unit training resumes. Welcome back to 2015
MON MAR 02 15
204 Annual Dining In Night for 2015
FRI 13 - SUN 15 MAR 2015
Bivouac 1 for 2015 - Joint Bivouac with 203 ACU Lancers to be held at Holsworthy.
More information to follow.
FRI 21 - SUN 23 MAR
Upcoming Bivouac - Ex Running Blind incorporating a range of practically based training and the field phase of our first induction recruit course for 2014.
MON OCT 13, 6:00pm
Unit training resumes for Term 4 and the next Recruit Information night is held.
SUN NOV 09
Remembrance Sunday service held at Merrylands.
FRI - SUN 21-23 NOV
Excercise Hotel Holsworthy
MON NOV 24
204 ACU Trivia NIght