New Zealand Cadet Forces

Introduction

The NZCF is a disciplined, uniformed organisation which provides military-based leadership, personal development and operational training to persons aged between 13 and 18 years old. Through its three branches, the Cadet Forces provides personnel with a three-year training curriculum, while a number of unit, area and national courses provide further experience and qualifications in specific training areas. It is jointly funded by the Ministry of Defence and four national Recognised Civilian Support Organizations.

Training is provided by Cadet Force officers and NCOs through 99 units nationwide, supported by three Cadet Force Training and Support Units, composed of NZDF Regular Force (RF) personnel. The Cadet Forces also play a large role in supporting community projects through volunteer labour. The NZCF currently has about 5,000 personnel.

Branches

The Cadet Forces is made up of three branches or corps. Each corps is modelled on a corresponding branch of the NZDF: the Royal New Zealand Air Force (RNZAF), the New Zealand Army and the Royal New Zealand Navy (RNZN).

Each corps has its own training curriculum, uniforms and organizational structures aligned with its parent regular force branch.

Air Training Corps

The Air Training Corps (ATC) is the aviation arm of the NZCF, and is aligned with the RNZAF. Formed in September 1941 originally for the purpose of training young pilots ready for active service. There are 49 A.T.C. Squadrons located throughout New Zealand with a vision to foster the spirit of adventure and teamwork, and to develop those qualities of mind and body essential for good citizens and leaders .

The ATC curriculum contains aviation, bushcraft, drill commands, leadership, search and rescue (SAR), survival skills, organizational knowledge of NZDF and NZCF and weapons training. National courses are provided in powered flying, aeronautical navigation, gliding and bushcraft.

New Zealand Cadet Corps

The New Zealand Cadet Corps (NZCC) is the land component of the NZCF, founded in 1864 and is aligned with the NZ Army. There are 34 units nationwide.

Cadet Corps training includes drill, first aid, land based navigation, land-based SAR, survival skills and weapons training. A Cadet Skills competition is held annually, pitting the units from across New Zealand against each other to find the best overall. A National course in bushcraft is also offered.

Sea Cadet Corps

The Sea Cadet Corps (SCC) is the maritime arm of the NZCF, and is aligned with the RNZN. The smallest of the three branches, the SCC has 16 units in all three CF areas.

The SCC training focus is maritime based, with a high level of sailing time allowing personnel to develop their skills on the water including a swimming test in the beginning of service. It also includes shooting, bushcraft and other useful skills. Each area (Southern, Central, Northern) hold an annual regatta with all units, focussing on competitive application of corp skills, with the winning team from each area later in the year competing at a national competition. Many units own their own yachts and other nautical equipment.

The sailing boats that the SCC use is the 'Crown' which is specifically designed for the use of the units. It is the standard boat in the Regattas until recently where RS Feva was also allowed in the regattas.

NZCF Structure

The NZDF and the NZCF work together in a combined structure to deliver the NZCF’s Mission and Core Values.

The NZDF provides 27 RF personnel and six NZDF civilian employees to perform training development, administration and logistics for Cadet Force operations. These operations are commanded from HQNZCF, based in Trentham Military Camp in Wellington.

There are three Cadet Force Training Support Units (CFTSUs), each covering a Cadet Force region and operating from an NZDF establishment. Northern Area CFTSU is based at HMNZS Philomel in Auckland, Central Area CFTSU at RNZAF Base Ohakea near Palmerston North and Southern Area CFTSU at Burnham Military Camp just South of Christchurch.

New Zealand Cadet Forces is under the command of the Commandant NZCF, Lieutenant Colonel Grant Morris, JP, RNZALR. The Commandant of the NZCF is given a three-year appointment.

Working alongside the NZDF personnel are NZCF Officers and Senior Cadets from all three Corps appointed to key strategic, operational and tactical positions.

They provide:

NZCF Active List

NZCF Active Service is under the current regulations of the Policy and Administration Manual (PAM) where such service is in direct support to recognised and authorised units in accordance with the Defence Act. Every NZCF Officer attached to the strength of a unit is on NZCF Active Service and has the option of taking Cadet Unit Commander’s Leave or transferring either to the Supernumerary List of that unit or to the NZCF Reserve or NZCF Standby Reserve as the regulations allow.

NZCF Non Active List

The NZCF Non Active List is for NZCF Officers who do not belong to a NZCF Unit but remain committed to providing local, area and national support. It is intended that those on the NZCF Non Active List are senior officers who have commanded units and have the experience to provide support at National and Area level. The NZCF Non Active List will initially be restricted to those officers appointed to national and area support roles.

NZCF Retired List

The NZCF Retired List provides an avenue for those officers who, although having provided long and dedicated service, can no longer provide the commitment to NZCF Active List or NZCF Non Active List. Those officers on the NZCF Retired List will normally be those considered for retirement below the age of 70 years and of an equivalent rank not below substantive Major. These officers are governed and managed under this framework by the S1-1 Personnel Support Officer who also acts as the approving authority for the wearing of uniform on special occasions or on requests from units to assist where able. Officers are invited to join this List.

There are no conditions of service for the NZCF Retired List other than an expectation of fostering esprit de corps among NZCF officers and promote community interest in the NZCF. As these positions are not linked directly to any unit or permanent support position, there is an opportunity to also act as a member of a Unit Support Committee and/or as a regional representative or even seek election to the National Council of a recognised support organisation. This effectively gives life membership to deserving officers and provides a pool of experience and knowledge that can be utilised on an ad-hoc basis if necessary.

Association National Executives

Three non-profit organizations, the Air Training Corps Association of New Zealand Inc. (ATCANZ), the Cadet Corps Association of New Zealand Trust (CCANZ) and the Sea Cadet Corps Association of New Zealand Inc. (SCANZ) have been appointed by the CDF to play an integral role in the Cadet Forces' management. They are responsible for developing policy in regards to training and NZDF involvement, national marketing, liaison with non-recognized organizations with CF involvement, and additional logistical support. They also represent individual units and their support committees in the Standing Committee of the Cadet Advisory Council and via direct consultation from the Commandant Cadet Forces.

All associations have a National Executive to deal with the NZCF directly, while each unit is represented by an association branch.

SCANZ has the additional responsibilities of acquiring national resources and assets for SCC training use - as the Navy is unable to provide these facilities - and provide a disputes resolution process for SCC unit support committees.

Royal New Zealand Returned Services Association (RNZRSA)

The RNZRSA supports NZCF involvement in its ceremonial and commemorative activities, encourages its members to join the support committees of individual cadet units, and provides additional support and resources.

Many RNZRSA members have formally served for branches of the Cadet Forces.

Cadet Unit Support Committees

Each individual unit has a Cadet Unit Support Committee. Made up of voluntary members of the community, often parents and relatives of cadets, the committees assist units with fundraising and the supply of voluntary labour and resources when required.

Vision, Mission, Values and Aims

Vision: To be recognised as New Zealand's youth organisation of choice.

Mission: To develop confident, responsible young citizens who are valued within their community by providing them, within a military framework, safe, enjoyable and challenging opportunities.

Core Values

Aims:

The aim of drill:

Service eligibility

Any person between the ages of 13 and 15 years may join the NZCF. The full consent of parents or guardians is required to apply, and while under the age of 18 parental consent is required for all training and exercises undertaken. A person younger than 13 may join if presently attending Year 9 at a New Zealand Secondary School.

Any person may join the Cadet Forces directly as a commissioned officer, provided they are above the age of 21. Personnel may serve as a cadet or NCO until the age of 18, at which time they must commit to serving as an Under Officer or Supplementary Staff, or leave the unit. Cadet Force officers may serve to any age after receiving a commission.

Units normally charge a membership fee to be paid annually, ranging from NZ$10 – $200 depending on the unit. Participating in unit exercises may incur extra charges, although any costs outside of government funding are often subsidised by sponsors. NZCF personnel are not subject to the Armed Forces Discipline Act 1971, and hence cannot be deployed into active service.(See Legal Standing for more details)

Courses

The NZDF funds and co-ordinates several national and regional courses for the Cadet Forces, which are staffed with a mix of RF and CF personnel. Tri Corps promotional courses normally are held in each area twice per year depending on requirements, and essentially hold the same format as their RF equivalents.

Tri Corps

Air Training Corps

New Zealand Cadet Corps

Sea Cadet Corps

Pay

Excluding the Regular Force Element, all service is voluntary and unpaid apart from commissioned officers and Cadet NCOs who are paid by the NZDF for staffing nationally organised (authorised) courses.

Medallic Recognition

Cadet Force Officers are awarded the Cadet Forces Medal (CFM) after 12 years of continuous service from the age of 18.

After each further eight years of continuous service a clasp to the CFM is awarded.

Government funding

The Cadet Forces is partially funded through the Miscellaneous Support Activities (M22) appropriation in Vote Defence Force. This covers provision of the Defence infrastructure and planned support to regional defence forces and the New Zealand community. It includes the Mutual Assistance Programme, New Zealand Cadet Forces, Service Museums and assisting with the training of Limited Service Volunteers.

Association policy control

The NZDF provides financial, logistical and training assistance to the NZCF within the limitations directed by the Government. The policy for the use of this assistance is largely established in consultation with the recognised civilian support organisations.

Legal Standing

The New Zealand Cadet Forces (NZCF) are established and maintained under Part 6, Section 74 of the Defence Act 1990. This legally empowers the Minister of Defence to raise and maintain cadet forces: the Sea Cadet Corps (SCC), the New Zealand Cadet Corps (NZCC), and the Air Training Corps (ATC).

Sub section 1A of Part 6, Section 74, of the Defence Act 1990 delegates and empowers the Chief of the Defence Force (CDF) to maintain the NZCF. The NZCF is not, however, a component of the New Zealand Defence Force. Aspects of the CDF delegation are then sub-delegated to the Commandant NZCF who is responsible for the strategic direction and operational functioning of the organisation.

1864-1902

The first unit raised was at Otago Boys High School in 1864, making it one of the oldest youth service organisations in New Zealand. By 1870 there were several secondary school units in existence, among the first being Nelson College, Christ's College, Wellington College and Auckland Grammar School.

From 1864 until 1902 the training followed that used in the British public schools. The emphasis was on rigid discipline and shooting marksmanship and it was entirely controlled by the Headmaster; the Army was not involved. The Education Act of 1902 was responsible for most secondary schools forming cadet units and the Army became directly involved in the Cadets training following their Boer War participation.

1903-1940

In 1911, Lord Kitchener stated, during his visit to New Zealand, that the Cadet movement had an important role to play in the Defence of the Empire. Subsequently, the Army began to provide uniforms, rifles and other equipment to the units. This Army support continued through World War I, with many school cadets making up the officers and non-commissioned officers of the First Expeditionary Force.

In 1919 Compulsory Military Training was for all males from 14 – 21 years, thus Cadet units were structured into Cadet Battalions. Territorial regiments were raised and on completion of Secondary school schoolboys were posted to these Regiments.

In 1932 CMT was abolished, but most Cadet Units continued at the schools on a voluntary basis, supported by teachers who had experienced World War I. During World War II the Army could not support the cadet movement but Officers ineligible for war service continued to manage the organisation.

In 1929 the first open Sea Cadet Corps was formed in Christchurch, by the Canterbury Navy League. Units formed in the four main centres and were controlled nationally by the Canterbury branch of the League. The Navy League continued to manage these open community Sea Cadet units even when they came under the control of the Royal New Zealand Navy.

1941-1970

The Air Training Corps was formed in September 1941, Its purpose was to train potential airmen, providing basic knowledge and training as well as to provide an insight into Air Force work to prepare young men for the Air Force when they were old enough.

In the 1950s specialist training appropriate to their parent service was introduced for the cadet forces. The rate of increase in the cadet movement from 1948 – 1960 eventually proved counter productive in the 1960s as the Army could not effectively support the numbers while meeting their own commitments.

By 1964 the NZCF reached peak strength, mainly in school units of 198 units, with 1000 officers and about 54,000 cadets.

Reorganisation saw many schools cease cadet support and by 1965 there were about 20,000 cadets; further changes to support by the Army and the communities reduced school cadet numbers to 34 units and 10,300 cadets by 1970. Open community Sea Cadet Corps and Air Training Corps units had, meanwhile, slowly decreased to 55 units with 3,200 cadets.

1971-1984

The 1971 Defence Act, established the NZCF, as a volunteer organisation, for which the Minister of Defence was responsible. The open units were required to be initiated and funded by the community and the Chief of Defence Force was authorised to “direct and supervise” the NZCF and provide military support which was initially confirmed as uniforms, training and some equipment at a cost of no greater than $400,000.

Centralised supervision was established by the Chief of Defence Force of all three Corps and a Commandant appointed with Regular Force Defence personnel, under the control of the Commandant, provided at 5 locations around New Zealand to support units. Cadet Force officers were appointed by the Minister of Defence with Cadet Force commissions, on a voluntary unpaid basis with authority to wear military uniform and rank.

The role of the NZCF ceased being primarily of military training and the preparation of young men for the Armed Forces and became predominantly adventure and development motivated with a military flavour and about 50% military subjects associated with providing knowledge of the roles and functions of the NZDF. The new thrust was to provide “good citizenship skills” to young men under the training methods used by the Military Forces. Female cadets were accepted from approximately 1978 and although the service flavour and well tried and tested services training methods and character was retained, additional training was introduced by units, which were desired by them and the community supporters.

1985 to the present day

The loss of Government financial support and turbulent social change in the 1970s caused school units to be abandoned such that by 1985 there were only 9 remaining units, including the two earliest formed at Christ's and Nelson Colleges. Meanwhile, the Sea Cadet Corps had increased to 17 units and the ATC to 50 in the open community units. A significant development saw the introduction of Cadet Corps Units into the open community to satisfy the demand which the schools had abandoned, the first open Cadet Unit being City of Porirua unit in October 1985.

The NZCF celebrated its 150th anniversary in January 2014, with an exercise held at Waiouru Military Camp, involving more than 1200 personnel from around the country, as well as cadets from Canada and Australia. In late 2014 the internal structure of the NZCF also changed, with NZCF commissioned officers now taking a bigger role in running the organisation at the national and area levels. This change saw the appointment of the first ever senior NZCF officer at the rank of a Wing Commander who has control over the day to day CF volunteers, and their operational running of the organisation in consultation with the Commandant NZCF.

In July 2016 Cadet Forces was restructured further to: