A.P.S.L Cadet Ranks
Our Cadet Ranks are our young and youth ranks under the age of 18. Their rank insignia is signified by a lighter shade of blue as it's background. This ensures that the Cadets are only overseen by adults whom have completed special training and hold a current working with children's check. Often the cadets are tied in with their family, overseen by their parent/guardian members. There are currently six cadet ranks. Some cadets form local units, where there is demand for our youth program. Unlike many other organisations, our Cadets receive the same training as our adult members and go on to contribute their skills, well into their adult years when available to do so. Being a part of our cadets is not just a cadet unit, but involvement in something that offers opportunities into the future where they can participate as valued adult members to pass on their skills to new adult and cadet members.
Junior Cadet
A junior cadet is a child member whose age is between 5-12. A junior cadet does not lead anyone, but aspires to increase their skills and get involved, leading to become a cadet. Junior cadets do not have any insignia and often do not wear a uniform, but some who are attached to a local unit wear a royal blue polo. All Junior cadets wear their membership identification as required.
Cadet Recruit
A cadet recruit is in training to become a cadet (survivalist). They have no insignia since it's not a rank, but do wear plain uniforms.
Cadet
A cadet is a youth member 13 years and older who has been upgraded to the status of 'survivalist'. This is the result of their training and attendance efforts, minimum number of basic training units completed and fully inducted. A cadet does not lead anyone, but aspires to increase their skills and get involved.
Leading Cadet
Leading cadets lead their immediate household of cadets or a small number of 2-3 cadets in their neighbourhood. Leading cadets can assist a cadet corporal by filling in when the cadet corporal is unavailable.
Leading cadets are markers in a section, if a cadet is attached to a unit. Leading cadets step in to the duties of a corporal in their absence.
(Special consideration is given to solo members who may earn this rank as recognition of their service or contributions.)
Cadet Corporal
Cadet corporals are in charge of 4-6 cadets, inclusive of a leading cadet. This is called a section. Cadet corporals can fill in when Cadet Sergeants are unavailable.
Cadet Sergeant
Cadet Sergeants are in charge of 2 or more groups of cadet corporals and their cadets, making a total of approximately 12. Currently this is the highest Cadet rank available and it offers the opportunity to be recognised for a ranked promotion when the cadet reaches adult age of 18. (A.P.S.L recognises cadets achievements and further fosters their leadership by issuing an appropriate adult ranked promotion).
Note: rank responsibilities, oversight and number of ranks are subject to ongoing improvement changes.