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Yasmin McDonald
03 December 18
Archives
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Assembly notes
For the four Year Twelves in the unit, the year started with a jolt as the burden of responsibility landed upon us from a great height. The three CUO's formed into a tightly knit and highly efficient leading machine after spending part of their holidays in training and as CSM, at least made an effort to look like I knew what I was doing.
The first outdoor activity ofthe year was a camp for Years Eleven and Twelve. Leadership, courage, teamwork and persistence were all rigorously tested and built upon. In some cases swimming ability was also tested as we attempted to cross a very wobbly suspension bridge. Other features of this camp were a flying fox spanning an entire valley and the deceivingly innocently named 'pamper pole'. The aim of this was to scale a post the size of a power pole, stand up and then leap off and hopefully grab the horizontal bar positioned well out of reach. In the case of CUO Lodge, this was to be done blindfolded.
A major improvement to the Unit has been the arrival of Captain Williams who has the previously chaotic Q-store in perfect order and who has been able to use his army contacts to organise many new activities. These activities have included the aforementioned camp and training at 16th Battalion army base in Karrakatta. During this training, cadets were instructed by regular army per- sonnel on first aid" radio telephony (RATEL) procedure and the operation ofthe Styne gun. Cadets were also lucky enough to experience some good old army disci- pline which consisted of running repeatedly around an old tin shed and doing push ups. The army training proved to be a good taste of what army life would be like and I know that it will have influenced the career decisions of many cadets, one way or another.
In mid third term the new cadets had their first experience in the bush and the Year Elevens had a chance to lead in a preparatory camp to Moray. The Year Twelves, unfortunately, were unable to attend due to other pressing commitments. Cadets were given a go at one of the more exciting facets of army life, rifle shooting. While the targets were as safe as houses, a good time was had by all. Cadets had an introduction to navigation and I believe were quick to learn one of my favourite 'armyisms' - geographically embarrassed'. Hopefully everyone gained some experience for the big event of the year, our annual camp at Ninghan Station.
As well as all these fun activities, the cadets managed to raise nearly $2,000 for Princess Margaret Hospital which, considering the football was on the morning of the door knock, was a good effort. Many a Wednesday afternoon lately has been put into preparation for the Year Twelve march out and my thanks go to all who regularly attended. Mr De Grussa also deserves many thanks for his organisation of and training for the parade. His professionalism has given drill a much more positive feel than ever before. Mr Barrett is also continuing to help keep the Unit running but has been absent of late due to his demonstration of how to fashionably damage one's arm at the Mothers' Auxiliary Fashion Parade. We hope Mr Barrett makes a quick recovery.
The future of the Unit looks bright but different, with the Unit severing ties with the army to become The Scotch College Special Emergency Services Cadet Unit. Along with a significantly bigger name, the Unit will also get a new parade uniform, greatly increased funding and a streamlined training system which utilises helpers from outside the school.
The Unit will retain its current uniform in the field and the rank structure will remain the same. There will be no sacrifices of any kind under the new system and the extra funding opens many new doors for our usually cash strapped Unit. Good luck to the Year Elevens who take the Unit into this next phase. A thank you is extended to Captain Barrett, Mr De Grussa and Captain Williams ' who have put much time and effort into this valuable opportunity for boys. Also a thank you to my fellow Year Twelves who leave the Unit this year CUO's: Alex McCormack, Lindsay Dodd and Marcus Lodge, who have shared with me the various experiences and challenges on offer through Cadets.
Author: SM James Pears (OSC1998)
Published in the 1998 Scotch College Reporter.