MEET THE CUOS MEET THE CUOS
CUO RORY CROCKER, CUO HUGH GORDON, CUO ARYA SHAKYA
1 PLATOON CUO RORY CROCKER (LEFT)
Promotions History:
2021/22 | CDT (JLC) 2022/23 | CPL (SLC) 2023/2024 | SCPL
AFX Field Promotion | SGT (CWC) 2024/25 | CUO
Quote of the Day:
“Life moves pretty fast, if you don’t stop and look around in a while, you could miss it.”
2 PLATOON CUO HUGH GORDON (MIDDLE)
Promotions History: 2021/22 | CDT
AFX Field Promotion | LCPL (SLC) 2023/2024 | SGT
AFX Field Promotion | SSGT (CWC) 2024/25 | CUO
Quote of the Day:
“In the corps, a closed-minded person sees the difficulty in every opportunity; while an open-minded person sees the opportunity in every difficulty”
3 PLATOON CUO ARYA SHAKYA (RIGHT)
Promotions History:
2021/22 | CDT (JLC) 2022/23 | CPL (SLC) 2023/2024 | SGT
AFX Field Promotion | SSGT (CWC) 2024/25 | CUO
Quote of the Day:
“Fortune Favours The Bold”
THE CUOS
MEET THE CUOS MEET
CUO JACK BROOKER, CUO WILL BUCKLEY
4 PLATOON CUO JACK BROOKER (LEFT)
Promotions History:
2021/22 | CDT (JLC) 2022/23 | CDT (SLC) 2023/2024 | CPL
ATA Field Promotion | SGT
AFX Field Promotion | SSGT (CWC) 2024/25 | CUO
Quote of the Day:
“A leader is one who knows the way, goes the way, and shows the way.”
5 PLATOON CUO WILL BUCKLEY (RIGHT)
Promotions History:
2021/22 | CDT (JLC) 2022/23 | CPL
AFX Field Promotion | SCPL (SLC) 2023/2024 | SGT (CWC) 2024/25 | CUO
Quote of the Day:
“Only those who dare to fail greatly, can ever achieve greatly.”
MEET THE CUOS MEET THE CUOS
CUO’SEXPERIENCES
As First Year CUO’s what do your responsibilities entail?
CUO R. Crocker
“In my role, I plan out engaging activities in which the platoon can actively participate, whilst ensuring that cadets are prepared for RPOP and AFX.”
CUO H. Gordon
“My responsibilities as a first year CUO involve running a platoon of boys who are new to the corps. This means ensuring that myself and my NCO’s hold the highest standards, allowing our cadets to learn deep lessons from the program while also being role models throughout all aspects of life.”
CUO A. Shakya
“My job as a first-year CUO is to ensure the overall coordination of the platoon My responsibilities at home parades involve scheduling and designating lessons On AFX, my responsibilities include leading the boys through trek and the set initiatives”
CUO J. Brooker
“My responsibilities include teaching the first year cadets the strong values that play a major role in the TKSCC It is important they learn the discipline needed to be involved in corps”
CUO W. Buckley
“My responsibilities entails introducing and training the Year 9 first year cadets within the Corps in Term 1 Further, caring and ensuring the safety of the boys on their first AFX experience”
What has been your favourite part of the Corps?
CUO R. Crocker
“Definitely Corps Camp. Time with your mates in an environment like AFX can be taken for granted whilst in school. The feeling of going home is also worth whatever hardships you may endure.”
CUO H. Gordon
“Personally, my favourite part within the corps is the experience of overcoming hardship, whether it be with a specialist platoon or a trekking platoon, the shared bond of overcoming adversity as a team is one of the most beneficial experiences.”
CUO A. Shakya
“My favourite part of the Corps has been trek on AFX Although contradictory to normal beliefs, whilst most have an aversion to trek, I thoroughly enjoy spending time in nature, walking with packs on for upwards of 5 km and spending time with fellow cadets”
MEET THE CUOS MEET THE CUOS
CUO’SEXPERIENCES
CUO J. Brooker
“I have really enjoyed camp each year, including advanced party last cadet year. It is such a unique experience that you will likely never be a part of again. I enjoy the challenge of camp and how rewarding it is to finish activities such as trek.”
CUO W. Buckley
“My favourite part of the Kings school core unit is the sense of achievement and relief that follows the hard work required within the field Finishing hard physical work in the field honours hard work with a great sense of pride and benefit ”
What
advice can you give to First Year Cadets?
CUO R. Crocker
“Whether you love cadets or don’t, put in your full effort. After all, you only get out whatever you put in”
CUO H. Gordon
“Some advice for first year cadets would be to have an open mind to everything while putting forth your best effort into every activity that you participate in.”
CUO A. Shakya
“Stay disciplined, listen actively, and learn from your seniors Master basic skills early, maintain fitness, and embrace challenges with a positive attitude Support your peers, stay organised, and always show respect. Growth comes through perseverancepush yourself and lead by example”
CUO J. Brooker
“My advice would be to make the most of the opportunity while in the TKSCC, as you are able to learn many life skills away from the classroom. Enjoy the experience and try to become closer with the boys in your platoon.”
CUO W. Buckley
“Experience and effort within the field has substantial benefits within and outside the schools' core unit. Being capable in every environment will open many opportunities for an individual during and post school.”
PLATOON SPOTLIGHT
PATHFINDER TANGO PLATOON
overview
PL COMD: CUO Tom Gavel
PL 2IC: WO2 Tom Partland
Strength: 17 Cadets
Company: TREK COY
What does Pathfinder Tango Platoon do during Training Parades?
Every week, both Pathfinder platoons train second-year platoons for two periods, teaching camouflage and concealment skills while incorporating fitness and endurance. In the remaining periods, we aim to increase fitness whether that be through running,
swimming or more ensuring the team remains prepared for all training parades and AFX.
What is the role of Pathfinder Tango Platoon on AFX?
During AFX Pathfinder Tango is crucial in ensuring all cadets can trek the Monkeys spur happily and safely, additionally we assist in supervising Trek Control in the afternoons and night, allowing AFX can continue safely, and the improve the quality of experiences of its cadets
PLATOONSPOTLIGHT
Why should people join Pathfinder Tango Platoon?
“Every year the Pathfinder platoons rank among the most enjoyable and interesting work in the corps with reason due to the need for adaptability in day-to-day positions. Our heightened camouflage and concealment offer a unique perspective of the TKSCC. Our platoon is unmatched in the necessity for safety and ultimately the level of mental and physical growth that is overcome during the AFX year.”
What is your Platoon Planning to do on AFX?
SCPL Samay Gupta
“Have fun with mates and climb up the mountain as well as have a good time around the campfire with mates”
CPL Jedi Strong
“No sinking beers, no tomfoolery, no air strikes, and no pushing kids off the mountain"
AFX ADVICE AFX ADVICE
SGT UDAI SINGH & SGT SEBASTIAN TIONGSON
Food on AFX
Breakfast
Generally, for breakfast cadets are fed muesli which is mixed with water, or are given the option of canned spaghetti which is heated over the platoon fire. Other foods, that can be eaten in the morning or during a short break, include a mixed fruit pouch, or a cereal bar. If you get thirsty, there is always hot chocolate powder, and orange powder, sometimes on camp you might get a bottle of milk to share between your platoon, which makes the experience a bit better.”
Food on AFX
Lunch
“For lunch, it's typically your cream crackers, with an option of Vegemite or jam and a fruit bar. Though this may not seem like much, your options are open to other treats that you might get in the ration pack like M&M’s, or a renowned favourite, jam biscuits and the controversial sweetened condensed milk. It’s recommended that if you like food, you bring extra like beef jerky or something that is easy to carry in your pocket and keep you satisfied while you do activities”
Food on AFX Dinner
“There are various choices for ration packs from which you can decide (or not) from. We won’t say much, but let's just say, don’t make your CUO and SGT’s lives any harder than they already are.
Chicken Italiano
Butter Chicken
Spaghetti Bolognese
Chunky Chicken and Vegetables
Beef Ragù
(Those who have dietary get different rations) Within the ration pack are numerous other foods, like your washed mashed potatoes, which in our opinion are quite hard to get right and taste okay.”
Reccomended List
Morale & List
Now we’ve talked about what to bring or what you will be given, but the most important thing is your attitude on AFX, be happy, cooperate and work as a team to try to get the most points, put your 100% in everything you do on AFX because it’s an experience that you will never forget
Below is a Link to a Recommended Equipment List (Staff Approved), keep in mind this is not official, so it is necessary to look at the official list when released
Food on AFX
Tips for more food
Firstly, the No. 1 rule for food is NO NUTS. Abide by that and you should be fine. Bring something easy to use with minimal ingredients to mix around
Keep in mind that food which requires water can only be used at breakfast and dinner (normally) on AFX
Something portable and easy to carry is the best when on trek
Sometimes it's good to bring things like electrolyte powder or hydralyte on AFX, as hydration is one of the most important things
In the past, popular items to bring were: cup noodles, beef jerky, lollies (LOTS of them), chips (small packets)
Equipment & Clothing Optional Items
There are various items on the Corps list that aren’t mentioned and should be brought to make your experience a bit more comfortable. Top 5 most useful items to bring
Stool to sit on → don’t sit on my seat
Inflatable pillow
Head torch or lantern
Easily Accessible Pouches to store small items
Gloves → We got too many cuts on our fingers last year
PLATOON SPOTLIGHT
SES PLATOON
overview
PL COMD: CUO Charlie McKay
PL 2IC: SGT Ayaan Chaudhry
Strength: 9 Cadets
Company: TREK COY
What does SES Platoon do during Training Parades?
Many of the boys in the Corps may wonder what the SES Platoon does during training parades, as much of our work happens behind the scenes But I can assure you, it's an exciting mix of high-energy challenges and hands-on action.
Each Monday, we begin our journey by catching the King’s shuttle bus to the SES Headquarters in Parramatta, a central hub equipped with a wide array of tools and space for training. At the HQ, qualified SES instructors volunteer their time and expertise to teach us the skills we need to succeed
Every week at SES HQ, we engage in diverse activities designed to earn certificates and prepare us for realworld emergencies. Once qualified, we are actually able to assist SES in actual operations if we would like too, whether it’s storm recovery, flood rescues, or providing vital support to communities and emergency services during critical situations.
What is the role of SES Platoon on AFX?
AFX is a hands-on experience for SES Platoon, where we apply our training through practical assessments to earn various certifications Throughout the camp, we tackle real-world scenarios that challenge our skills and knowledge.
One of the most exciting events is Lake Day, where we spend the day on SES rescue speedboats at a lake near Singleton, learning water operations while having fun. Back at camp, we take on activities like lifting trees, using hydraulics, off-road driving, chainsaw handling, pyrotechnics, and rescue operations, all designed to test our problem-solving and technical skills.
SES also plays a key role in emergency response during AFX. Last year, when storms hit the camp, we were called to de-bog vehicles stuck in the mud and set up shelter for those affected by the weather With storm safety being one of our major training focuses, these situations demonstrate how important our skills are in a crisis.
AFX isn’t just about learning it’s about stepping up, working as a team, and gaining real-world experience that prepares us for anything.
Why should people join SES Platoon?
When I first joined SES Platoon, I had no idea what to expect. It was a big change for me last year, but being part of this platoon has helped me develop a vast range of hands-on skills and leadership experience, all while sharing the journey with my mates I can confidently say it has played a significant role in shaping my personal growth and character.
SES Platoon is an incredible opportunity to explore a new exciting aspect of the Cadet Corps, developing real-world skills in the field that will benefit you far beyond your time in the Corps. You’ll gain hands-on experience in emergency response, leadership, teamwork, and problem-solving skills that will serve you well in all aspects of life, from personal resilience to future employment.
PLATOONSPOTLIGHT
SES training doesn’t just stay within the Corps; it carries you forward into the real world. A great example is a past CUO who went on to join the Royal Flight Academy (RAF) and credited his SES experience as a key factor in his acceptance. The skills you learn here, including navigation, rescue techniques, risk assessment, and teamwork are not just theoretical but are applied in real situations where they make a genuine impact.
Furthermore, SES offers a vast range of qualified certificates that can be used in the real world, such as:
Off-Road Driving
First Aid & CPR
Chainsaw Operations
Land Search Operations
Flood Rescue & Boat Operations
Road Crash Rescue
Beyond the training, SES is about service You’re not just developing yourself; you’re contributing to something bigger. It is something if you wish to continue outside of school you can, providing real aid to the community when it matters most SES platoon is a unique and valuable experience that is offered by The King’s School Cadet Corps, if this sounds like something that interests you, give it a go…it won’t disappoint.
What are you looking forward to do on AFX?
SCPL Joel Davis
“I’m looking forward to getting handson during AFX boat days or maybe just helping out, in case another emergency happens like last year.”
SGT Alex Zhuang
“Hopefully, I’ll be able to take my learning of SES flood rescue from the classroom and use it in the real world"
AROUND THE PARADE AROUND THE PARADE
WHAT
ARE YOU LOOKING FORWARD TO
IN THE CORPS? 1ST & 2ND YEAR RANK
12PLT CPL Brandon Shi
“I’m really looking forward to leading people who haven’t been on AFX before”
WHAT’S ON THE MENU? FOOD REVIEW FOOD REVIEW
CDT Ethan Ho
“It was delicious, and the onions were well cooked.”
CPL Sean Mei
“The food was pretty nice overall, and it was really good to have after a long parade”
WORDS FROM THE PADRE
TODAY’S VERSE
“For even when we were with you, we commanded you this: If anyone will not work, neither shall he eat.”
2 Thessalonians 3:10 (NKJV)
TODAY’S WORDS OF INSIGHT
“Welcome back from a well deserved rest. Now is the time for us all to work hard in preparation for AFX. This is no easy task, and as such, I implore you all to reflect on the effort which you prepare to put into this term, and for each and every one of you to pray for the intercession of Christ to aid the Corps in its efforts to reach AFX swiftly, successfully, and safely.”
CUO Hatzistamatiou
TRAINING PARADE 6
