4 minute read
Female leadership in cadets
Emma Choi, Year 12 student and Cadet Unit 2IC
It’s not every day you see two females at the head of Kinross Wolaroi School’s Cadet Unit. However, Year 12 students Catherine Crisp and Emma Choi are challenging the status quo. They are the School’s highest ranking Cadets as Student Under Officer and Second in Charge, respectively.
The well-established Cadet Unit of more than 300 students is an important part of the School’s program, with an emphasis placed on self-reliance and leadership.
Students normally participate in the Cadet Unit in Years 7 to 9. However, after the passing-out parade in Year 9, students can elect to continue Cadet training by completing promotion courses.
Catherine and Emma said they knew they wanted to be leaders from the moment they became Cadets.
Now, they say it’s been one of their Secondary School highlights.
“Both my brother and sister were Cadets, so I knew it was something I wanted to be involved in,” said Catherine. As the Student Under Officer, Catherine is responsible for planning and organising weekly training activities, and coordinating the Cadets’ movements and activities at camp.
“I love my rank because it enables me to support others and make sure that everyone has a positive Cadet experience just like I did,” said Catherine.
“Sometimes, I feel self-conscious, but the other students in the headquarters really support me and my decisions, which enabled us to build a strong friendship and lead the Cadet program together.”
Emma said being 2IC of the Unit has developed her confidence and shown her the importance of teamwork.
“It can be stressful at times as I feel the need to uphold the reputation of the KWS Cadet Unit and adhere to the needs of every individual. However, I have learnt that the collective goal is just as important,” said Emma.
Emma’s role is to oversee the activities of the Company Commanders, who are responsible for all unit activities.
“I organise parades and training programs, and often help issue uniforms and supplies, particularly leading up to camps,” she said. “On the field, I help organise the activities of each company and solve logistical problems when they arise. I essentially offer support to the Senior Under Officer - a second opinion on relevant issues.”
Cadet training is delivered through weekly afternoon sessions called home training. These are conducted through theory lessons, demonstrations, practical and field activities. It encompasses topics such as bush craft, field craft, navigation, survival, search and rescue, watermanship, radio procedures, abseiling, first aid, orienteering, drill, field engineering, catering, first aid and signals.
Each year, Cadets attend Annual Camp and Bivouac, with leadership training courses being offered to those seeking promotion.
“I love going to camp. You get to know your year group so well. You support each other if someone is struggling and learn that everyone has different challenges. You also get to know people from different year groups and talk to them about Cadets and school life,” said Catherine.
“My favourite thing is being surrounded by nature. I love all the outdoors activities we do on camp including trekking up mountains, abseiling, canoeing and obstacle courses. Sleeping under the stars was also a beautiful experience. It was great to explore different landscapes including Top Valley, Macquarie Woods and the KWS farm,” said Emma.
Cadets is an opportunity for male and female students. While Emma and Catherine are proud to have climbed the ranks, they equally value the roles of their male counterparts. “In Cadets, you have to work together. During camp, the boys and girls travel in separate groups, so it is vital to have a good balance of girls and boys in the headquarters to provide different perspectives and be able to communicate with the companies about their experiences while on camp and during weekly training,” said Catherine.
“I believe anyone can be a leader, regardless of gender. What matters is upholding a standard of morality and conduct that reflects KWS values. Females are equally deserving of respect and recognition as men, and often the decisions that need to be made can benefit from input from both genders,” said Emma. Both leaders say being Cadets has helped them to prepare for life after School.
“Being in cadets has improved my organisational skills and ability to stay focused in stressful situations, delegate and lead a group. It has also been a highlight during my years at KWS and I will treasure many memories from it. It has built friendships that will last for years,” said Catherine.
“I believe Cadets has taught me discipline, resilience and gratitude. Being on a seven-day camp in the bush has taught me to appreciate the little things, like a bed and shower. I also have grown strong relationships that will continue throughout my life, and have amazing memories of abseiling and canoeing in a beautiful landscape,” said Emma •
