New Zealand Cadet Forces | |
---|---|
I Ngā Toa Pōtiki o Aotearoa (Māori) | |
Active | 1864 – present |
Country | New Zealand |
Allegiance | HM The King |
Branch | Sea Cadet Corps New Zealand Cadet Corps Air Training Corps |
Type | Volunteer Youth Organisation |
Size | 98 Cadet Units - 49 ATC Squadrons - 33 NZCC Units - 16 SCC Training Ships ~2,918 Cadets[1] ~735 Commissioned Officers' and Support Staff |
Headquarters | Trentham Military Camp |
Motto(s) | Training Youth for Tomorrow |
Anniversaries | 12 November |
Website | www.cadetforces.org.nz |
Commanders | |
Minister of Defence | Hon Judith Collins |
Chief of Defence Force | Air Marshal Tony Davies |
Commandant NZCF | Wing Commander Bruce Creedy, RNZAF |
Executive Officer NZCF | Squadron Leader Bruce Sinclair, RNZAF |
Assistant Commandant | Wing Commander Shane Cole, NZBM QSM NZCF |
Warrant Officer Cadet Forces | Cadet Warrant Officer Jonathan Moore |
Insignia | |
Navy Cadets Logo | |
Army Cadets Logo | |
Air Cadets Logo |
The New Zealand Cadet Forces (Cadet Forces or NZCF) is a voluntary military-style training organisation for New Zealand youth between the ages of 13 and 21. Run in partnership with the New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF) and local community organisations. Through its three branches, the New Zealand Cadet Forces provide young adults with a four-year training curriculum, while a number of local, area, and national camps and courses provide further experience and qualifications. It is jointly funded by the Ministry of Defence, the Royal New Zealand Returned Services' Association, local communities, and the Associated charities belonging to each branch (CCANZ, SCANZ, ATCANZ). Overall it is directed by Air Marshal Kevin Short,[2] Chief of Defence Force.[3][4] Cadets are not under any obligation to join the New Zealand Defence Force, however many choose to do so upon turning 18 years old.