Steadfast, Brave, and True

Steadfast, Brave,

and True By LT(AAC) Lauren Trevisani, TWGSACU Executive Officer

One of the most enduring traditions of Toowoomba Grammar School is its Cadet Unit, one of the oldest in Australia and the longest continuously serving

in Queensland. Officially launched by the Governor of Queensland in 1892, TGSACU is celebrating its 130th year in 2022.

Throughout history, TGSACU has been well represented, with Old Boys taking part in all major conflicts over the last century. Some notable mentions include Australia’s first general, Sir Henry “Harry” Chauvel (1880-1882), and CAPT T C Hewitt (1907), a teacher and commanding officer who was killed in France during World War I.

When war broke out in 1914, 359 TGS Old Boys enlisted, with 62 paying the ultimate sacrifice. This year, at the TGS ANZAC Day Service, the current students and cadets paid homage to these courageous men through the flag placing ceremony.

Cadet membership returned to being compulsory in 1939 when World War II broke out. TGS boys worked to raise money to support the war effort, and the School donated two Red Cross military ambulances in 1939. Some 1350 TGS Old Boys volunteered for active service during WWII, with 122 killed and 40 awarded medals for gallantry.

While the history of TGSACU is significant, the values of quality leadership training and youth development through challenging activities continue to make the program relevant today. Through the core values of service, courage, respect, integrity and excellence, the Cadet Unit empowers our students to achieve the best they can.

Steadfast

Cadets in their first year undertake a rich learning program that aims to develop their individual personalities and foster teamwork. Recruits participate in activities that promote self-identity, leadership, confidence and independence and that develop the basic skills for cadets. This includes standards of dress and basic drills before learning the necessary skills for living in the field, such as health and hygiene, cooking, navigation, shelter construction and survival. There are also various adventure activities such as military obstacle courses, weapons training and rock climbing. By the end of the year, the recruits have grown, increased their independence, and forged new friendships.

Brave

Second-year cadet training aims to develop a higher level of skills with an emphasis on leadership and building resilience. They are encouraged to develop self-discipline, initiative and self-reliance through training in areas including navigation, communication, first aid, bushcraft, drill and leadership. As well as advancing their skills, second-year cadets now have the opportunity to attend their first promotion courses and earn rank. In these courses, cadets participate in abseiling, trekking, night-time navigation, observation and deduction, reconnaissance, and search and rescue. By the end of their second year, TGS cadets stand straighter, prouder and with more fortitude. Resilience is created.

True

To facilitate the fostering of the key qualities of leadership, the continuing cadets undertake a challenging and sequential program that ensures they are equipped with the knowledge and skills required to perform their role at the highest standard. Senior cadets are taught the complexities and problems of leadership with young cadets and how to implement engaging and exciting lessons. They are tasked with planning activities, maintaining discipline, leading large groups of cadets and the day-to-day operations of running a cadet unit. Cadets who reach this level have successfully demonstrated the core values of service, courage, respect, integrity and excellence.

Throughout history, TGS Army Cadets have demonstrated the positive impact of the program on the development of youth. As the cadets mature, we witness the growth of self-confidence, leadership skills, social skills, strong bonds and teamwork.

Scan to learn more about Cadets at TGS

2022 March Out Parade led by Daniel da Silva

2022 March Out Parade Abseiling Teamwork and navigation