A Glimpse into the Annual Field Exercise: A Pinnacle of Cadet Training

Every year, the Annual Field Exercise (AFX) marks a high point in the training calendar for the Australian Army Cadets and the cadets of our unit. Despite being scaled back this year, our Regional AFX at the Majura Training Area was a resounding success, filled with various enriching activities and learning experiences.

What is an Annual Field Exercise (AFX)?

The Annual Field Exercise, commonly known as AFX, is a pivotal event in the training calendar of the Australian Army Cadets. It is a comprehensive field training exercise that usually spans several days, designed to consolidate and apply the skills and knowledge cadets have acquired throughout the year.

During an AFX, cadets are immersed in a realistic and often challenging military-style environment where they engage in a variety of activities. These activities can include fieldcraft, navigation, first aid, leadership tasks, and teamwork exercises. The AFX provides a unique opportunity for cadets to experience life in a field setting, applying practical skills in scenarios that mimic military exercises.

Aside from the practical and technical skills, the AFX is also a test of resilience, adaptability, and leadership. It challenges cadets to work together, solve problems, and overcome obstacles, fostering a sense of camaraderie and teamwork. The AFX is not only about skill development but also about personal growth, leadership, and building confidence.

In essence, the AFX serves as a culmination of a year’s training, offering cadets a valuable and memorable experience that prepares them for future roles in the Australian Army Cadets and beyond.

Majura Training Area

For this year, AFX was held in the expansive Majura Training Area (MTA), a dedicated military range located in the Australian Capital Territory. The Majura Training area allowed our cadets to immerse themselves in a realistic military environment.

The MTA setting provided the perfect backdrop for the range of training exercises designed to test not only their skills and resolve but also their courage and teamwork.

A Diverse Range of Activities

While the Annual Field Exercise focuses on challenging cadets and testing their military-style skills, such as fieldcraft and navigation, this year, our cadets travelled to Questacon in Canberra.

The visit to Questacon offered cadets an interactive learning experience in science and technology. This excursion complemented their field activities while providing a broader educational perspective. You may be interested to know that the Australian Army Cadets has and is developing electives in STEM, short for “Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics”.

We were also lucky enough to get a visit from the Australian Army History Unit, which brought a historical display, including innocuous firearms and uniforms from throughout the ages. This showcase provided a tangible connection to Australia’s military heritage and educated cadets on the history of the Australian Army.

Core military skills were not overlooked, with cadets engaging in navigation exercises and first aid training with simulated casualties. These practical experices reinforced essential skills that are crucial in field scenarios.

Leadership Reaction Course (LRC)

A key element of the AFX was the Leadership Reaction Course (LRC). This challenging course is designed to test cadets’ leadership skills, problem-solving abilities, and teamwork when facing obstacles to overcome.

With limited supplies and minimal information, cadets were tasked with overcoming complex obstacles, whilst under direct supervision from adult staff. The LRC was a testament to the emphasis we place on developing capable, adaptable young leaders with the Australian Army Cadets.

Before closing, we want extend our heartfelt gratitude and appreciation to the dedicated staff members from across the 24 Battalion who contributed their time, expertise, and enthusiasm to our recent activities.

Your commitment and hard work have not only enriched these events but have also profoundly impacted the development and experiences of our cadets. Your willingness to share knowledge, mentor, and support cadets across various units exemplifies the spirit of collaboration and community that is the cornerstone of the Australian Army Cadets.

Your invaluable contributions have significantly enhanced the effectiveness of our programs and left a lasting impression on all those who participated. Thank you for your outstanding dedication and for being such an integral part of our cadet community.

In closing AFX 2023 at the Majura Training Area was a multifaceted event that encapsulated the essence of cadet training.

It was an opportunity for our cadets to apply their learned skills in a practical setting, to explore new areas of knowledge, and to foster leadership qualities.

As we reflect on the success of this year’s AFX, we are reminded of the invaluable role these experiences play in shaping the next generation of leaders.