Cadet enjoys challenge of training

Geraldton Senior College Year 12 student Ashley Parker has spent her school holidays training alongside some of the highest-performing army cadets in the State.

Ms Parker, part of the 506 Army Cadet Unit Geraldton, was recently selected to attend the prestigious cadet under officer/warrant officer course in Perth.

Ms Parker, who holds the rank of cadet sergeant, spent nine days learning a number of disciplines both in the classroom and in the field.

She said there were two main areas she had improved in greatly since completing the course.

“It’s hard to believe how much better my time management and organisational skills are compared to before,” she said.

“This course is a real challenge in that area because so many tasks have to be done in what seems like so little time.”

Cadets must first satisfy a list of eligibility criteria to be considered for the course.

On being approved they then face a tough few days at the Leeuwin Barracks and Bindoon Training Area, developing in areas such as service writing, practice sword and tactics in the field.

Ms Parker said she loved the challenge the cadets had provided.

“I really enjoy firing weapons and love the challenge of pushing myself, mentally and physically,” she said.

“My self-confidence has improved out of sight since joining the cadets and I’m even quite comfortable with public speaking now as well.”

On successful completion of the course, Ms Parker, as the highest-ranking cadet, can now be expected to be appointed as the cadet under officer in charge of the Geraldton Army Cadet Unit.