SATU (Service and Adventure Training Unit)
Overview
The Service and Adventure Training Unit has been offered as a co-curricular
activity of our School. This information is for those who wish to know a little
more of what the SATU is about, the expectations of its members, and uniform
requirements. Please feel free to call Mr Rob Barter on (02) 4929-5811
if you still have questions after reading this information.
Australian Army Cadet Corps
The Australian Army Cadets (AAC) are a component of the Australian Services Cadet Scheme.
The aim of the Australian Services Cadet Scheme is:
"By shared contribution and commitment from the Australian Defence Force
and the community, the Australian Services' Cadet Scheme will operate as a
community based youth training organisation, which stimulates interest in the
Australian Defence Force, while providing opportunities to develop personal and
team qualities of benefit to the individual and the community."
All members of the ACC are subject to the Cadet Forces Regulations and the Australian Army Cadets Policy Manual.
The School Service and Adventure Training
Unit aims to strike a balance between offering adventurous and military training to our cadets within the school context.
The Service and Adventure Training Unit aims to encourage and foster in its members the following qualities:
- Leadership
- Discipline
- Teamwork
- Initiative
- Independence
- Adventure
- Community Service
- Proficiency in outdoor pursuits
- An awareness of the organisation and training methods of the Australian Army
The SATU strives to achieve these aims by following a training programme which consists of the following:
- Regular classroom training on navigation, first aid, radio operating procedures, field craft, and leadership.
- A number of parade periods where "drill" is taught to prepare members for ceremonial occasions, such as marching on ANZAC Day.
- An opportunity to obtain the St John Ambulance Senior First Aid Certificate for cadets in Year 10.
- Members are promoted and carry rank within the Unit after demonstrating
proficiency of both knowledge and skills, as well as displaying consistent
leadership and initiative. Various promotions courses are offered for those
members of the SATU who are eligible for promotion.
- Regular bivouacs and an annual camp that provide activities such as:
- Living in the field, health, hygiene, cooking.
- Navigation by map and compass, trekking and orienteering.
- Field first aid and radio operating procedure.
- Abseiling, ropes courses, rock climbing, wall climbing, canyoning, caving and canoeing.
- Initiative exercises, team building, obstacle courses.
- Use of Army training facilities such as those at Singleton School of Infantry.
- Visits to RAAF Williamtown.
- Administrative practice such as Headquarters and Q-Store duties.
- A link with the Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme where students can fulfil some
requirements for these awards by participation in SATU activities.
Awards are co-ordinated by one of our officers, who can guide students through the
completion of one of these awards.
- Cadet activities conducted with other Units in the region and state.
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Staff
The SATU is led by teachers of the School who have expertise and experience in
outdoor training. Many of the SATU staff members are also qualified Officers of
Cadets who have been trained by the Australian Army Cadet Corps.
At present, the staff members (Officers of Cadets) of the SATU are:
- Capt. Rob Barter - Officer in Command
- Capt. Les Potter - 2IC
- Lt. Lois Simpson - Officer in Charge
- Lt. Bob Hicks - Quartermaster
- Lt. Amanda Bolton - Training Officer
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Compulsory Attendance
- Each Tuesday afternoon for "Home Training" 3.15pm - 5.00pm.
(Please note that the first Tuesday of each term is for SNCO's only)
- Annual Camp - 5 days.
- Two bivouacs (weekend camps) held each year.
- ANZAC Day. The SATU marches each year in the Newcastle Parade.
- Ceremonial Parade - Founders Day
- Leadership Courses* (for those seeking promotions positions) are
usually 6-7 days conducted with the Australian Army Cadet Brigade.
Please note that specific dates are found in the School calendar.
Cadets who cannot attend a compulsory activity are requested to forward a
note to Capt. Barter beforehand.
Lessons are conducted in classrooms and occasional drill instruction is held on
the basketball courts.
Occasionally members have the opportunity to experience
instruction from Reserve Officers of the University of Newcastle Army Reserve
Unit, Un Coy UNSWR (University of NSW Regiment). UNSWR is our "Foster
Unit" and at times provide uniform and support for cadet activities.
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Uniform and Equipment Requirements
In short, SATU members are obliged to wear the Australian Army Cadet uniform to
School each Tuesday. If travelling in public, all members of cadets are advised
to wear School uniform to School and get changed at a suitable time prior to
3.15pm. This dress code is in keeping with expectations of the Australian Army
Cadets and the correct wearing of this uniform is strictly enforced.
Hair should be neat and tidy. Cadets are often representing the School as well as the
Australian Army Defence Force Cadets. Girls are required to tie hair up in a bun with a
plain ribbon.
The Army Cadet Policy manual states:
"Although, the Australian Army Cadets (AAC) is not part of the Army, it
is often recognised as being such. It is important therefore that the AAC
maintain uniforms and appearance to a high standard so as not to cause
disrepute to the AAC or the Army."
Army policy on all matters of dress can be found in the Army Standing Orders for
Dress (ASOD) website. If interested go to
www.defence.gov.au/ARMY/ASOD/.
The uniform consists of "Auscam" (DPCU) style trousers and shirt,
Howard Green jumper (winter), parade belt (black belt with brass), green socks,
G.P. army boots, bush hat and embellishments.
It is expected that the uniform be worn properly at all times.
Uniform items are issued on loan by the School and must be returned when leaving the unit.
Cadets are issued with two types of hats. Slouch hats are to be worn
on special occasions such as ANZAC Day and our Passing Out Parade. The bush hat
is to be worn on each Tuesday afternoon for all cadets of the rank below
corporal unless otherwise advised.
Cadets should also have a notebook and pens for Tuesday lessons.
New members of the SATU are not expected to wear the uniform until they are issued before annual camp.
Most camping equipment is issued to SATU members prior to each activity free of
charge. This equipment is then to be returned at the completion of the activity.
Not included however are sleeping bags, ground sheets, cooking/eating utensils,
compass and some personal items. Specific army messing utensils can be
purchased through the School if required.
Equipment lists are issued to cadets outlining specific needs before each camp or bivouac.
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Further Information
-
General information on the Australian Army Cadets can be found on "Cadetnet":
http://www.aac.adfc.gov.au/
-
Information sheets that are distributed throughout the year are also posted on
this page, under SATU Notices.
-
Information is regularly published in the
school newsletter
regarding reports and forthcoming SATU activities.
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SATU Notices
Current notices are below.
