Cadets join NSW brigade at 2026 Annual Field Exercise

Cobar Army Cadet Unit 221 cadets and
their commanding officer, Captain (AAC)
Colleen Boucher, joined other cadet units
from all around NSW for the 2026 AFX
(Annual Field Exercise) at the Australian
Army Lone Pine Barracks in Singleton last
week.
The group of 1,500 Cadets aged between 13
and 18 years participated in an evaluation of
the year’s training in home Units, supported
by adult staff and Defence personnel from
across NSW.
Captain Boucher said this form of training
allows Units to mix and Battalions to hold
competitions.
“Any Cadet who is registered can attend,”
she said.
Cadets are divided into Tiers that reflect
their training level with Tier 1 juniors, Tier 2
cadets who have been enrolled approximately
two years and Tier 3 are the more experienced
cadets and are eligible to do Field Training as
a Junior Soldier.
Over the course of the week the two Cobar
Tier 2 cadets participated in a number of
physically and mentally challenging activities
including rock climbing, field engineering,
first aid, night navigation, laser tag, an army
swim test, land and water obstacle courses as
well as weapon simulation training and live
firing on the range under Australian Defence
Force supervision.
The exercises also included a range of water
activities at nearby Lake Sinclair including
kayaking, raft building and boating.
The NSW SES Singleton Unit and Marine
Rescue helped out to provide a hands-on
opportunity with SES equipment, allowing
cadets to experience their flood rescue boat
and take part in practical emergency response
challenges.
For their final activity, the Commander’s
Cup, cadets were split into teams and took
part in volleyball, badminton, pickleball, mini
golf and soccer games.
The challenges encouraged teamwork,
leadership, problem solving and practical
skills while building resilience and putting
their knowledge to the test.
Captain Boucher said, from all reports, a
good time was had by all.