What is a Cadet Force Officer?

The New Zealand Cadet Forces (NZCF or Cadet Forces) is a voluntary military-style training organisation for New Zealand youth.

 

Run in partnership between the New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF) and a number of locally appointed community organizations, it is composed of three Corps (similar to the New Zealand Defence Force): the Sea Cadet Corps (SCC), the New Zealand Cadet Corps (NZCC) and the Air Training Corps (ATC).

 

Cadet Force Officers are adult volunteers who form the backbone of New Zealand Cadet Force units.

 

Cadet Force Officers come from all walks of life, and share the same desire, passion and commitment to youth development in their communities. They have demonstrated their suitability to safely supervise cadets in a fair and equitable manner. This requires a variety of skills including leadership, empathy, communication and professionalism, as well as acceptance of responsibility and a duty of care to cadets.

 

Cadet Force Officers attend weekly parade nights as well as a range of weekend activities throughout the year, to aid in developing New Zealand's successful leaders of tomorrow.

 

As well as leadership experience, Cadet Force Officers can also gain a variety of NZQA qualifications, including:

 

- New Zealand Certificate in Business (Introduction to Team Leadership), Level 3

- New Zealand Certificate in Adult and Tertiary Teaching, Level 4

- New Zealand Certificate in Outdoor Recreation (Leadership) - Bush Walking, Level 3

 

Cadet Force Officers also participate in training courses covering aspects such as health and safety, first aid, duty of care, adolescent behaviour, youth development, instructional technique, and military etiquette.

 

Find out more about the New Zealand Cadet Forces (NZCF) on their website:

https://www.cadetforces.org.nz/index.html (external link)

 

Watch to find out more:

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9rtUJcR5WYE