Cadets renew friendships and rivalries

Rockingham Australian Army Cadets enjoyed a successful expedition to Northam recently, picking up some silverware along the way.

A group of 42 cadets slept in army lines, restored dormitories from the early 1900s, and walked a gruelling 15km during two days of activities as part of Exercise Utah last month.

A total of 140 cadets, aged from 12 to 18, from Mandurah, Armadale, Bunbury, Narrogin and Katanning renewed their friendships and rivalries at the camp.

This annual event saw units from 53 Battalion led by Commanding Officer Major Diane Snowden compete for the skill at arms and parade trophies.

Cadets were broken into sections to navigate their way around Northam and complete tasks such as navigation first aid, radio communications, observation and team work.

The battalion was lucky enough to have Reservist Lt Dave Uphill treating the cadets to some navigation tips. New recruits on their first camp learnt how to pack their webbing and erect a hootchie, as well as hygiene in the bush.

Lance Corporal Louisa Panetta said the Rockingham contingent thoroughly enjoyed the trip.

Recruits completed the march out parade but Rockingham was pipped at the post by Bunbury unit 515. The skill at arms trophy was again won by the 59 ACU Rockingham, with Captain Marc Hall, Cadet Under Officer Dion Hill and Cadet-Sergeant Jaiden Brown receiving the gold trophy.