Video: 206 ACU in action

Recruits at 206 ACU

At 206 ACU we take in recruits every six months - at the beginning of the year, and midway through. Each recruitment completes 6 months of basic cadet training, before graduating to the next level. More information can be found on the unit website, and recruit information nights held before every recruitment. Usually, recruits can join the unit by attending the information night, where forms will be provided. The minimum joining age is 12 and a half years.

What are new recruits in for?

One of the first things a recruit undertakes is the recruit induction day, where new recruits are issued basics such as Auscam clothing, field webbing and various items of equipment and uniform. The day takes place on a Saturday, lasting all day; recruits also learn some initial cadet things, such as badges of rank, uniform maintenance, and other stuff like that. It's a gruelling day, but most recruits end up happy, as they're able to take home their stackload of issued equipment, and show off those cams to their parents.

On Tuesday nights, recruits show up to join in to 3-Platoon training, where they get instruction on a myriad of subjects, from navigation, to drill, to first aid. In most areas, recruits get to work together, developing essential teamwork skills, as well as making new acquaintances.

Recruit training over 6 months culminates in the Maroon Beret test; if a recruit passes, he or she will earn a promotion to the rank of Cadet, and will henceforth be entitled to wear the unit's Maroon Beret. This privilege is extended to only one other cadet unit in Australia (which they wear only because their affiliations allow them to do so). So, strictly speaking, 206 ACU is the only unit in Australia entitled to wear the maroon beret. That said, it is both a privilege and an honour to be wearing the headdress also worn by parachuting regiments worldwide.

Gallery: Recruit induction day

Gallery: 3-Platoon on parade nights