Introduction
Training has a unique military theme and includes activities that are not available to other youth organisations. It is a mix of class lessons followed by field practice.
The training supports personal development and fosters a spirit of adventure. Training aims to develop qualities and skills that are essential to being good citizens and leaders. It provides challenging and disciplined activities that are useful in service or civilian life.
Parade nights
The Unit 'parades' every Wednesday from 6.30pm to 9pm during the school term at Monte Cecilia School, 72 Hillsborough Road, Mt Roskill, Auckland.
Drill and public parades are practiced and formal public parades are held throughout the year at the Auckland Domain, the New Lynn RSA and various Queen Street events.
Parade nights are around 2-3 hours and begin and end with a parade. The starting parade is to inspect uniforms and to inform the Cadets on the parade night's activities. The final parade is to inform the Cadets on upcoming events. Between the start and end parades, the Cadets have practical instruction (physical training) and classroom lessons.
Bushcraft
The Unit conducts classroom training in bushcraft and survival skills, and holds regular Basic and Advanced bushcraft camps in the local area during weekends. There is a national bushcraft course held either at Dip Flat near RNZAF Base Woodbourne or at the Waiouru Army Camp.
Leadership and initiative
Leadership and initiative skills are developed using approaches, techniques and strategies for organising people to get practical tasks accomplished. Cadets learn how to give lessons, and eventually learn to lead others and pass their knowledge on.
Fitness
Fitness is a basic activity using team work events and sports, rather than activities with the sole aim of improving fitness. One activity for example, that fosters teamwork and employs different strategies, is the annual Tug-O-War at the national Cadet Skills Competitions.
Confidence courses
Confidence courses are held to encourage teamwork and leadership and they aim to get everyone through the course in the quickest possible time.
Search and rescue, and first aid
S&R and First Aid is given in the first year of training. Cadets are involved in teams for search and rescue and in the second year they begin learning first aid techniques.
Bushcraft survival
Bushcraft survival is one of the biggest areas of training. The first year involves basic skills to survive in the bush including how to shelter with a hoochie, and ration food and clothing.
The second year is more detailed with Cadets learning how to eat from the bush, track, build advanced shelter, and more.
Weapon safety and shooting
Weapon safety and shooting is taught to a similar level to that of a firearms licence with the addition of commands and sequence of firing. Cadets must pass a one-on-one test before firing.
The Unit conducts regular range training with smallbore rifles. Cadets must pass a TOET (Test of Elementary Knowledge) before being allowed on the range. The rifle used at present is the No 8 Mk 1 .22 rifle, a converted 303 style weapon.
Navigation
Navigation involves increasing skill levels, starting with basic work using a compass and map grid references that is similar to orienteering. Later, their skills are built up to route selection for a team and the use of GPS.
Abseiling, caving, high ropes
Abseiling, caving, high ropes are occasionally offered at various sites such as Motutapu Island and Waitomo. Qualified and experienced people lead these events.
Radio-telephone procedure
Radio-telephone procedures are a favourite. Cadets are taught international call sign standards, words and the phonetic alphabet. They use the Army ANPRC77 handsets or privately owned VHF handheld radio-telephones.
Other activities
There are often weekend activities either compulsory or optional. These may be parades such as those on Anzac Day, or weekend sports days, or Friday to Sunday bush and barrack camps. The Unit usually has two to three weekend camps, and one or two day events per school term.
Some selected second or third year Cadets can go on advanced bushcraft courses, held around the country. These courses are run at no cost to the Cadets. They are selected and are flown to their destination by the Air Force.
Also, all Cadets may receive:
Weather reading skills
Observation
Assault Courses
General Service Knowledge / Cadet Force Knowledge
Adventure Training
Watermanship
Duke of Edinburgh's Award Scheme
Courses
Tri-Corps courses
Junior leaders Course
Senior Leaders Course
Advanced Leaders Course
Junior Outdoor Leaders Course
Senior Outdoor Leaders Course
Cadet Shooting Coaches Course
Officer courses
Officers Commissioning Course
Instructional Technique & Management Course
Officers' Outdoor Leaders Course
Range Safety Officer Course
Command Course
Area Cadet Skills Competition
National Cadet Skills Competition
Gunson Cup Shooting Trophy
Fennel Cup Shooting Trophy (Commonwealth Award)