My Journey in the Australian Army Cadets

I’m Cadet Warrant Officer Class Two (CDTWO2) James Viggers, and I’m currently the Company Sergeant Major (CSM) of 224 Army Cadet Unit (224 ACU), Canberra. I’ve been in the Australian Army Cadets (AAC) for 4 years now, in multiple units, in different ranks, and I’d like to share a bit about my journey — the experiences that shaped me, the challenges I’ve faced, and what I’ve learned during my time. 

I first joined the Army Cadets in early February 2022, starting out with 213 ACU Cronulla-Sutherland in Sydney. Like most new recruits, I wasn’t sure what I was getting into, but after a few weeks, I got the hang of how things worked, started my recruit training, and made some friends with whom I’m still in contact today. 

During my first six months, I worked through recruit training and completed it. Later that year, I attended my first Annual Field Exercise (AFX) 2022. Spending a week in the field, eating ration packs, doing my piquet shift at 2 a.m., learning to live and work in a team, and facing all kinds of challenges taught me a lot about resilience, mateship, and leadership. I’ll never forget that first AFX—it was a turning point for me. 

Later that year, I graduated as a cadet and proudly received my Kahki Fur Felt slouch hat at the End of Year Parade. I felt honoured to wear the headdress that the Australian Army has worn for almost a century.

After selection in mid-2023, I attended a Lance Corporal Course at Holsworthy Barracks, which gave me my first proper leadership training and qualified me for promotion to LCPL. Afterwards, I was given the chance to act as a Section Commander, leading a group of seven recruits—an experience that tested my leadership and patience in new ways. It was tough.

Not long after, a change in unit senior leadership meant some of us had to step back from our acting positions. At the time, this was a pill to swallow, but looking back, it was a lesson in adaptability and understanding that leadership isn’t about the title — it’s about how you set a good example, not complain, and see it through. A few of my mates left cadets at this time; I’m still glad I didn’t follow.

I participated in every single activity that my unit ran that year, from swim test qualification to remembrance day, and I learned that you should put your hand up for all opportunities. You can always withdraw if necessary, but they might not come around again.

At that year’s End of Year Parade, I was humbled to receive the “Outstanding Service Cadet” award, which reminded me why I kept showing up and giving my best, even when things didn’t go my way. 

In early 2024, I attended the NSW Brigade Corporal Course, which was a big step up in leadership training. It lasted a week and pushed me to be better, not just in skills like delivering orders and teaching lessons but also in how I support and lead others.

At the same time, my family moved to Canberra, and I transferred to 224 ACU, where I was welcomed into a great team. On my second parade night at the unit, I was promoted to Corporal and given command of a recruit section — a huge moment for me, stepping straight into a leadership role in a new unit. I was unsure at first, but my peers and Platoon Sergeant (PLSGT) gave me the confidence I needed.

A highlight of my cadet career was being selected to represent the NSW Brigade in the Regimental Sergeant Major of the Army (RSM-A) Drill Competition — a national drill competition judged by WO Kim Felmingham, RSM-A. Training alongside the eight other cadets in the team from across NSW and competing at ADFA was an incredible experience and one I won’t forget. We really came together, and it showed on the parade ground. Our team came second in Australia, and COL White, the NSW Brigade Commander, later awarded us Bronze Commendations.

In mid-2024, I completed the Sergeants Course, and not long after, I was promoted to Sergeant, taking on the role of Platoon Sergeant — a job I took very seriously, as my own Platoon Sergeant did when I was a recruit, knowing how important it is to guide and support junior cadets.

At the AFX 2024, I was given the chance to serve as a Platoon Sergeant, which was a completely different experience from my first time at AFX as a recruit. Now, I was responsible for leading my platoon, running activities, and making sure everyone was safe, learning, and having a positive experience. It was really enjoyable.

One of the standout experiences on AFX was live-firing the EF88 with qualified Australian Defence Force instructors—an awesome opportunity that reinforced how seriously we take safety and professionalism in the AAC.

AFX 2024 also featured a mass parade of over 1,200 cadets across NSW, the first of its kind in over a decade. Standing there as part of the NSW Brigade, surrounded by mates from my old unit and others I met on promotion courses and activities, was an unforgettable reminder of the community cadets builds.

I was proud to be recognised with an Honourable Mention on parade. Later that night, I was awarded Best Senior Non-Commissioned Officer (SNCO) of AFX 2024 — something I never expected when I first joined as a recruit. 

Having completed the Cadet Under Officer & Warrant Officer Course (CWC) in January 2025 and been promoted to Cadet Warrant Officer Class 2, I reflect on my journey so far. I see how much cadets have shaped me — not just as a leader but as a person.

I’ve learned that leadership is about serving and supporting others and that resilience comes from pushing through when things get hard. I’ve used skills learnt like public speaking, formal email writing, teamwork, integrity, and more at school, in my job, and home, and I can take these things with me for the rest of my life.

To any new cadets starting their journey: 

• Say yes to every opportunity — even the ones that scare you. You might never get the opportunity again, so don’t waste it.
• Be mature — there is a time to have fun and a time to be serious. Understand when it’s appropriate to focus and follow instructions, especially during field activities or unit training.
• Look after your mates — cadets are about teamwork and will look after you when you need it.
• Don’t give up — some of the best moments come after the most challenging days.
• Remember the values — Service, Courage, Respect, Integrity, and Excellence. 

Today, as the Company Sergeant Major (CSM) of 224 ACU, I’m proud to help mentor other cadets, just like I was mentored when I first joined and throughout my journey. I’m looking forward to seeing where my cadet experience continues to take me — and I hope to inspire others to make the most of every moment they have in the Australian Army Cadets.