Cadets mark 150th birthday

TEN-HUT: Deputy Mayor Hamish McDouall reviewing the Wanganui parade talks with Cadet Luke Goldsbury of No 9 Squadron, Air Training Corps, while Squadron Leader Beau Frericks, Unit Commander No 9 Squadron looks on. PICTURE: TRACY QUIRK

The Wanganui New Zealand Cadet Force Units of TS Calliope, Cadet Corps and No 9 Squadron paraded on Sunday to mark 150 years of cadets in New Zealand. The three units, as part of New Zealand Cadet Forces (NZCF), have this year been celebrating 150 years as one of the oldest youth organisation in New Zealand.
The first unit was at Dunedin High School, now Otago Boys' High School, making it one of the oldest youth service organisations in the country. From 1864 to 1902 the training followed that used by British public schools. The emphasis was on rigid discipline and shooting marksmanship and it was entirely controlled by the headmaster, the army not being involved. The Education Act of 1902 was responsible for most of the secondary schools forming cadet units and the army became directly involved in the cadets' training following their Boer War participation.
The Defence Act of 1919 introduced compulsory military training for all males aged from 14 to 21 so cadet training became compulsory throughout New Zealand. On completion of secondary school, these boys were posted to Territorial regiments.
Compulsory military training was abolished in 1932 but most cadet units continued on a voluntary basis, supported by teachers who had experienced World War 1. During World War 2 the army could not support the cadet units and cadet officers ineligible for war service continued to manage the organisation.
The first Sea Cadet Unit was formed in 1929 and these were managed by the Navy League while being attached to the New Zealand Navy, up until the formation of NZ Cadet Forces.
The Air Training Corps was formed in 1941 when the Dominion was considered to be at risk from Japanese invasion and British Forces were not in a position to help. Its purpose was to train potential airmen, supply basic knowledge and provide an insight into air force work to prepare young men for the air force when they were old enough.
Compulsory military training was reintroduced in 1951 for all men of 18 years of age. At this time specialist training appropriate to their parent service was introduced to the cadet units. Meanwhile compulsory military training was abolished again in 1958 and replaced by the ballot system of conscription service for randomly selected 20-year-old men.
In 1970 the Government announced the decision to remove funding for cadets. However, after community representation the 1971 Defence Act established the New Zealand Cadet Force, as a volunteer organisation, for which the Minister was responsible.
The role of Cadet Forces ceased being primarily of military training and the preparation of young men for the armed services and became predominantly adventure and development motivated, with a military flavour, with female cadets able to join in 1978.
The loss of Government financial support and the turbulent social change in the 1970s saw units abandoned to such a level that by 1985 only nine remained.
In recent years there has been renewed interest in the Cadet Forces, This has been due to the discipline and training, provision of rank by achievements, association with the New Zealand Defence Force, number of skills learnt that assist the cadet in both military and civilian life, and the activities provided.
The success of the activities, the opportunities and the qualities and skills gained depends mostly on the local community. Of special importance is the calibre of the Cadet Force Officers who themselves receive quality training and strong guidelines provided by the NZ Defence Force.
Today there are 99 Cadet Units nationally with 3500 cadets and 400 officers. All these units have a parent support committee which provides the link between the community, unit and defence.
Every cadet in the country paraded at the same time on Sunday in front of their local community. In Wellington 150 cadets, one from each unit, paraded on Parliament grounds to represent the 150th anniversary of the NZCF. The parade was reviewed by Lieutenant General (Ret) McIvor, the immediate past-president of the Royal New Zealand Returned and Services Association (RNZRSA).
"Today's co-ordinated parade not only commemorates that November was the signing of the armistice following the end of World War 1, but also that the first cadet unit was raised in November 1864 and it is fitting that this parade concludes the NZCF 150th anniversary celebrations," said Commander (CDR) Glen Stokes, Commandant of NZCF.
"It was great for the cadets to be able to parade in front their local communities, and in particular their local RSA, which is a major supporter of NZCF," he said. The RSA directly supports community cadet units, including donating more than 250 pairs of dress shoes which were worn by cadets during Saturday's parade.