“If you do not know what you are doing, fake it til’ you make it – it works from experience.”
MEET THE BAND CUOS MEET THE BAND CUOS
BANDCUO’SEXPERIENCES
How do you ensure the band remains disciplined during training parades or marching?
CUO N. Rothwell
In Band 1, we maintain discipline by setting clear expectations for the cadets to follow, our rank leads by example, and we address any and all issues punctually.
CUO A. Tran
I ensure the band remains disciplined using the chain of command Through my sergeant, and my eight members of junior rank, that ensure that all four of our platoon sections remain disciplined.
CUO G. Chen
Primarily, I delegate the responsibility of upholding drill and discipline to our SGTs and NCOs. In addition, I address the company as a collective to debrief our sessions
What are you looking forward to doing with Band Company this year?
CUO N. Rothwell
I look forward to doing the ANZAC Day march next April, as it exemplifies what we are capable of and the high standard we set
CUO A. Tran
I look forward to building my cadets’ fitness through the Confidence Course, trekking, and improving the rank’s ability to lead each other, especially since it’s such a big platoon.
CUO G. Chen
As Drum Major this year, I aim to heighten our standards and motivate cadets to help them enjoy band training.
What do you think of Band Company so far?
CUO N. Rothwell
Band 1 is a strong group with a mix of different personalities I think every cadet in Band 1 has great potential to grow and become a leader
CUO A. Tran
It’s the biggest it’s ever been, which means it's a challenge for us, as CUO’S, but it’s also really fun to have such a beautiful sound coming out of the band when they all play.
CUO G. Chen
We have the largest marching band in a decade; Band Company 2025 comprises around 80 cadets. Despite an unprecedented amount of cadets, they have started the year impressively, quickly grasping the basic skills of marching in the band Nonetheless, there remains to be numerous areas for development, which we will collectively improve on in the lead up to ANZAC Day 2025.
CUO’s what responsibilities does your rank entail?
CUO J. Mao
My role as TRG CUO entails managing the logistics of my seven SECTs, ensuring my sections are well-prepared and ready to host the training initiatives and introducing my initiatives to the incoming platoons
CUO C. Teo
Unlike other CUOs that run initiatives or manage a first/second year platoon, I’m tasked with things that are more niche, requiring more expertise in certain areas
CUO D. Xia
My responsibility as D&R platoon leader is to run STEM based activities, so that people in the Cadet Corps can learn and enjoy these activities
What is your platoon’s role within the TKSCC?
CUO J. Mao
To facilitate training of first and secondyear platoon in fostering teamwork, communication and various cadet skills through hosting presentations and team initiatives
CUO C. Teo
The role of Media Platoon is to exemplify the best qualities of the Corps and effectively communicate its mission and values to those outside of the Cadet Corps
CUO D. Xia
As with the other platoons, we’re here just to run initiatives to teach people certain skills or spark their interest in things such as D&R. Every now and again, we also get to do cool stuff like surveillance or drone racing
What are you looking forward to in Corps this year?
CUO J. Mao
I look forward to guiding my platoon in creating engaging activities for the upcoming AFX. Advance Party should be fun as well.
CUO C. Teo
I’m personally looking forward to taking photos at AFX because I like photography.
CUO D. Xia
AFX, because that’ll be really fun with the boys, and quite interesting as it is a different experience to what I experienced in first-year platoons and medics.
CUO WILLIAM FARRAH, CUO FINN SWIFT & CUO JETT THOMAS
“I'd rather be here for a good time, not a long time”
MEET THE CUOS MEET THE CUOS
As Specialist Platoon
CUO’s what responsibilities does your rank entail?
CUO W. Farrah
My rank entails taking responsibility of a platoon filled with boys in their 3rd and 4th year of Corps at TKS, aiming to make their experience within their final years memorable, whilst maintaining a sense of leadership amongst the group.
CUO F. Swift
As medics platoon CUO my number one priority is making sure that all medics are up to and exceeding the standard, ensuring all platoons that need a medic have one.
CUO J. Thomas
I have the responsibility of ensuring that all boys behave appropriately - avoiding danger and ensuring the safety of all boys, maintaining morale and platoon cohesion.
What is your platoon’s role within the TKSCC?
CUO W. Farrah
Within the TKSCC, the Pioneers and Engineering Platoon runs the obstacle course every training parade, and the confidence course at AFX, aiming to boost the confidence and resilience of boys across 1st and 2nd year platoons.
CUO F. Swift
The Medics Platoon’s role in the TKSCC is to ensure that the whole corps runs smoothly, has medical aid where it needs it, and that we meet all the standards
CUO J. Thomas
Pathfinders by day are helpers on the difficult parts of trek When a platoon is struggling, we help carry packs/relieve fatigued cadets on the dangerous spurs and ledges, ensuring their safety. cadets
What are you looking forward to in Corps this year?
CUO W. Farrah
As a CUO, I am looking forward to AFX and the construction of the confidence course that our platoon will run and facilitate. It is always enjoyable to watch boys push ‘out of their comfort zone’ in order to increase in confidence and resilience.
CUO F. Swift
I’m looking forwards to making improvements in the medics platoon, both in the quality and the expertise.
CUO J. Thomas
I am looking forward to the new opportunities presented to my platoon with new equipment, responsibilities, and goals.
FOOD SECURITY PLATOON PLATOON SPOTLIGHT
overview
PL COMD: CUO Tyler Mitchell
PL 2IC: WO2 Cameron Boyle
Strength: 31 Cadets
Company: BASE
What does Food Security do during Training Parades and AFX?
Food Security Platoon plays a vital role in the TKSCC by ensuring the effective planning, preparation, and distribution of meals. Our mission is to help cadets and staff maintain their energy and focus during demanding training sessions and events Additionally, we run presentations that inform first-year cadets about the significant points regarding food and hygiene.
What is the role of Food Security Platoon in TKSCC?
During Training Parades, Food Security is responsible for preparing meals for scheduled platoons and ensuring that all cadets understand food safety. We also maintain cleanliness and hygiene in food preparation areas, allowing training to run smoothly by minimising disruptions caused by meal-related concerns.
At AFX, the role of Food Security becomes even more critical Our platoon oversees the logistics of transporting, storing, and preparing food in field conditions We ensure that all meals meet dietary requirements, accommodate allergies, and are served efficiently to support the daily schedule. This adaptability ensures the Corps remains well-fed and ready to tackle challenges in the field.
Why should people join Food Security Platoon?
Joining Food Security Platoon offers unique opportunities for personal development and leadership. Cadets in our platoon learn vital life skills such as meal planning, food safety, and teamwork under pressure. Additionally, Food Security provides a chance to make a tangible impact on the Corps’ operations, as our efforts directly influence morale and performance For those interested in logistics, hospitality, or leadership, Food Security offers a rewarding experience where cadets can develop practical skills while contributing meaningfully to the success of the TKSCC.
What’s it like being in Food Security Platoon?
LCPL Aryan Gupta (Left)
“Yeah food security’s a great platoon, sets you up for life, learn how to cook which is vital.”
SCPL Jacob Khella
“We just eat... and cook, it’s fun”
FEATURE STORY FEATURE STORY
CADET CONFERENCE BREAKDOWN
AAC Senior Cadets Leadership Forum Debrief & Report
On the 2nd of November 2024, CUO OPSADMIN James Wu, CUO Padre Niko Hatzistamatiou, and CUO Drum Major Gerald Chen were joined by other senior cadet leaders from the 2nd NSW AAC BDE for an opportunity to gain insight from guest speakers The opportunity was for an event to network and learn about each other's cadet units at the AAC Senior Cadets Leadership Forum at Randwick Barracks.
The conference was hosted by COL Nick De Bont, who spoke to us about moral and ethical dilemmas and how to approach them from a military perspective through the test of integrity, and the test of ethics.
COL De Bont conveyed that to decide ethical correctness, it is essential to be aware of personal judgement, consequences for others, preparedness to have actions made public, as well as one’s ability to justify their decisions.
Another speaker, CAPT Scott Ferguson, taught us about the significance of having courage, being curious, being competent through difficulty, and understanding the people one leads. He summed up by showcasing leadership as not a science, but an art We were also fortunate enough to hear from civilian Andrew Price, who provided us with his experience of how cadets and stepping outside one’s comfort zone allowed for him to be able to more effectively lead his team as a partner at Ernst & Young
FEATURESTORY FEATURESTORY
CADETCONFERENCEBREAKDOWN
Guest Speaker CAPT Domanski (AAC)
Whilst we took away the fact that Mr Price was looking to send a child to Sydney Uni for accounting (a quest which he shall not give up on), we were able to learn
Our final guest speaker was CAPT (AAC) Domanski, a Commanding Officer of a local AAC unit. Being in her early 20s, she was someone who was more relatable to adolescents like us, and was open about her challenges, vulnerabilities, and mistakes with integrity She highlighted the obstacles faced when being in a leadership position as a young person, and the challenges with gaining trust.
Cadet Leaders Discussion
During recess and lunchtime, cadet leaders were able to network long into the afternoon, learning interesting ways of how cadets operate in other units, such as many units having Year 10 CSMs and RSMs, as well as the peculiar position of ‘Company Corporal’ at Trinity Grammar School Cadet Unit. More serious topics in discussion included the insidious impacts of sexism in mixed-sex units such as at Newington and Trinity. We were also captivated by the variations in uniform from unit to unit, such as different coloured puggaree and unit patches, which we traded with several units
Q-STORE PLATOON PLATOON SPOTLIGHT
overview
PL COMD: CUO Charles Micthell
PL 2IC: WO2 Harry Chadwick
Strength: 31 Cadets
Company: BASE
What is the role of Q-Store Platoon in TKSCC?
In the TKSCC, Q-Store plays a vital role in managing necessary equipment and supplies for training and activities throughout the year. It oversees the storage, maintenance, and distribution of uniforms, equipment, and resources required for training parades and AFX In Q-Store, we maintain accurate records and conduct regular inventory checks.
We also restock the necessary items for distribution and manage the replacement of damaged items and provide the supplies necessary to fix any damages. We ensure cadets have the tools they need Thus, Q-Store plays undoubtedly one of the most critical roles and contributes significantly to the smooth functioning of the TKSCC, enabling successful cadet training programs.
What does Q-Store do during Training Parades?
In Q-Store during training parades, we are usually very busy. During the first 5 training parades, we are tasked with the distribution of all boots and second sets of AMCU’s for new first year cadets.
Alongside this large task, Q-Store also has to organise intricacies such as trek bags for the Lake Parramatta hike, the reorganising of the containers and their contents that are essential for AFX and its success Q-Store this year has also had to reorganise the entire interior of the Q-Store vicinity, which was a huge task that was completed very quickly, for the size of the task. QStore also ran the second year tent initiative, which teaches cadets skills that they may need on AFX
Why should people join Q-Store Platoon?
Joining the Q-Store Platoon is a rewarding way to play an essential role in The King’s School Cadet Corps. You'll manage the gear that keeps everything running smoothly, from uniforms to field equipment, and ensure your fellow cadets are prepared for every activity. It’s a hands-on role where you’ll develop practical skills like organisation, teamwork, and problemsolving, all while having a good time with good blokes For those who enjoy working hard and getting rewarded on AFX, making a real impact behind the scenes, Q-Store offers leadership development, a good time and a meaningful contribution to the Corps.
When going on AFX, what are you looking forward to doing with Q-Store Platoon?
On AFX with the Q-Store Platoon, we are looking forward to being at the centre of action, especially on Advance Party. Setting up Q-Store as well as the rest of the campsites in Singleton at base is hard work but also a really fun and rewarding experience. It’s a chance to get everything ready before everyone arrives and ensures camp runs smoothly. During Advance Party everyone works together forming better friendships The mix of responsibility and fun makes AFX a memorable and rewarding experience for Q-Store.
AROUND THE PARADE AROUND THE PARADE
SGT’S - EXPERIENCES WITH PLATOONS
SGT Ray Yu
Band 1 PLT
“I’ve really enjoyed being with my platoon, being with new cadets and bringing them through the system, it’s a really fun experience going through the initiatives and having fun, I hope in the future we can keep developing and create a stronger bond within the platoon.”
AROUND THE PARADE AROUND THE PARADE
SGT’S - EXPERIENCES WITH PLATOONS
SGT Callum Kane
18 PLT
“I have found my platoon very interesting, everyone has their own capabilities, and it’s lovely to get to know this great group of boys, especially when we are conducting drill together”
MESSAGE OF MESSAGE OF THE DAY THE DAY
HOW
HAVE YOU FOUND YOUR EXPERIENCE IN THE CORPS?
“I love it, it's why I’m here, it's one of the best places, the boys love to learn about cooking and how to prepare food properly My passion is cooking, and knowing how to cook is an essential skill for all boys to have. I want all boys in the platoon to experience this, it brings the boys together, and helps boys find love in cooking“.
Second Lieutenant J Orellana
WORDS FROM THE PADRE
TODAY’S VERSE
“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.”
2 Corinthians 5:17
TODAY’S WORDS OF INSIGHT
“Today, we have taken on a task that is completely new and different - different to anything that we have ever done before. We have conducted two training parades in one day, and, with the grace of the Lord, have proven to the world that we can do it, and can do it well.
Give thanks to the Lord! He is good! He has blessed His finest creations with the power to do such glorious things!”
