In the AAC Drill and Ceremonial is a military parade in which a formation of cadets whose movement is restricted by close-order manoeuvring knows as drill or marching. Within the AAC you will get to learn how to correctly navigate a group of Cadets using basic techniques and proper military courtesies, such as saluting and how to address ranking staff.
Perform Drill without firearms for periods of up to one hour:
Cadets will participate in drill during instruction periods, and also on ceremonial activities. This involves both static drill and also marching in formation. Drill is defined as the performance of a series of actions as a group. Drill as part of a ceremonial activity may see Cadets stand at attention for periods of not more than 20 minutes while a dignitary or special guest reviews the parade.
These types of ceremonial activities occur annually in the unit and for selected cadets on significant occasions such as ANZAC Day.
Perform Drill with firearms for periods of up to one hour:
Cadets may also get the opportunity to perform Drill with the Service Rifle of the Australian Defence Force, the F88 Austeyr. The F88 Austeyr weighs approximately 3.6 kg depending on attachments. Those Cadets holding the rank of Cadet Under Office (CUO) or undertaking the training to attain this rank, may also carry the 1897 Pattern Infantry Sword weighing approximately 2 kg, on ceremonial parades. For special occasions and ceremonial parades, units may involve selected Cadets to participate in Drill with Firearms.
Some units may not have the opportunity to use the F88 Austeyr and will execute the Drill with the firearms with older innocuous firearms such as the .303 which weighs approximately 6 kg, or the SLR which weighs 5.5 kg. Army Cadet Staff will specifically choose which have the upper body strength to perform the movements without causing undue stress on smaller framed cadets.
Participate in ceremonial parades for periods up to two hours:
In the Australian Army Cadets, you may get the opportunity to participate in ceremonial parades such as those held on days of nation significance. These Ceremonial Parades (i.e. ANZAC Day) may take longer than normal due to their significance, the location, audience and others participating.
During these periods, cadets are expected to remain standing for long periods of time. However in most cadets, only the more experienced cadets will be chosen for these parades. This is primarily due to these cadets being more disciplined over time.
In addition to the above The Army Cadet Staff in units also choose cadets who are capable of performing the drill movements to the highest standard, which requires periods of instruction over years of participation in the cadet program.