Association with cadets renewed

Police has hosted the latest New Zealand Cadet Forces leadership course at the Royal New Zealand Police College, renewing its association with the cadet programme.

Cadets on the parade ground. Photo: NZ Photo: NZ Defence

Thirty-eight young people aged between 16 and 20 years attended the nine-day Advanced Leaders course held in Porirua at the end of January.

Lieutenant Commander Brian Stokes, Assistant Commandant of the cadet programme explains the course is the final promotion course for senior cadets. “It is designed to give them the leadership skills they need to promote the ethos and values of the Defence Force to their peers.

“All cadets learn vital life skills including self-discipline, commitment and self-respect, as well as to aspire,” says Brian.

Physical Training Instructor Gareth Reynolds demonstrates climbing techniques to cadets. Looking on, from left, are Under Officer Gwen Douglas; Flying Officer and Constable Matt Tailby, Northland District; Training and Development Officer, Youth Education Services, Senior Sergeant Glyn Rowland and Lieutenant Commander Brian Stokes. Photo: Superintendent Bill Harrison

The advanced course gives the seniors the tools they need to guide younger cadets. It includes team building, functional leadership, ceremonial drill, risk management, presentations, administration and youth law.

Hosting the course allowed Police input in the training. As well as completing the physical competency test and viewing the firing range, the cadets covered other police topics including youth at risk, recruiting and parade ground drill.

Superintendent Bill Harrison, National Manager Youth Services, has been championing the reintroduction of a policing element to the cadet programme since 2006, and was delighted Police was able to have a positive input in the latest course.

“The New Zealand Cadet Force provides a fantastic opportunity for young people to gain and develop a range of key life skills. The cadets who come through this process are the leaders of the future.”