Frequently Asked Questions
FAQs
Can I come and have a look around to decide whether it’s for me?
You’re most welcome to come and have a look at the beginning of our enrolment period, even attend training for a few weeks. There’s no obligation to join and it’s completely up to you if you stay.
Can both girls and boys join?
Yes.
What if I move town, can I join another Unit?
Yes, there are over 100 Units across New Zealand that you could transfer to.
What does the New Zealand Cadet Forces provide Cadets with?
The NZCF provides you with our uniform, you may have to provide your own footwear. They also supply Regular Force advisors, organise and pay for all the promotion courses you may be selected to attend and provide the subjects you will study.
How safe is my child?
Your child’s safety has top priority accepting that no activity can be entirely risk free.
All Officers undergo formal training in risk management on their Commissioning Course. This course includes NZQA risk management unit standards to learn how to minimise risk for your child while involved in NZCF activities.
Before they are permitted to take groups into the bush all officers have to qualify on the NZCF Fieldcraft Course. This course also incorporates First Aid training.
All officers are required to qualify on New Zealand Defence Force conducted firearms safety, range safety and shooting coaching courses before they are allowed to conduct any form of firearms safety training. All cadets complete the same firearms safety course before they are allowed to handle and shoot with NZCF firearms.
However, no activity can be completely risk free. Cadet Forces officers are trained to recognise and minimise risk to a point where it does not impact negatively on your child’s learning experiences.
Do I have to join the Armed Forces when I leave?
No, Cadet Forces is a youth development organisation and is not part of NZ Defence Forces.
How much does it cost?
Each Unit sets its own fees, payable by term or by the year.
How old do you have to be to join Cadets and where do you join?
You can join if you are 13 (thirteen) years of age or in Year 9 at Secondary School. You join the New Zealand Cadet Forces by enrolling with your local Unit.
If I do join, how long am I able to stay in the unit?
Cadets are able to progress up through the ranks and may stay until their 18th birthday, after that, they must consider becoming a civilian instructor, or start the commissioning process.
Will being a cadet help me get into the Armed Forces when I leave school?
Cadet Forces is not a recruiting arm of the New Zealand Defence Force. However, anecdotal evidence suggests that young people who serve with Cadet Forces seem to adapt more readily to life in the Armed Forces. Joining us may not make your application to join the Army any easier and won’t fast-track the application.
Will I be sent overseas to fight?
Definitely not. Cadets are not part of the New Zealand Defence Force.
What if I'm not too fit?
There is no requirement to meet a specific level of fitness to join Cadets. However, you do need to be able to fully participate in all activities, so if you are fit you will get greater enjoyment from your experiences.
Do I have to stay if I find Cadets is not for me?
No, you volunteer to enter Cadet Forces and you can leave at any time.
