Publication:Sea Talk Summer 2006/Navy and cadets to bond through twinning initiative
Navy is seeking to further enhance the bond with the Australian Navy Cadets (ANC) through an initiative known as 'twinning' as part of the Navy Community Engagement Strategy (NCES).
In some cases this will formalise long-standing arrangements between fleet units and cadets, and in others it will lead to new and beneficial relationships through the opening of lines of communication between the two parties.
"Twinning will ensure that each cadet unit develops a long-lasting and beneficial relationship with a designated fleet unit," said Maritime Commander Rear Admiral Davyd Thomas.
"This enhanced and more structured involvement by cadets in fleet activities will provide a greater awareness of Navy career opportunities and valuable mentoring and assistance in training for the cadets."
Twinning arrangements involve visits by personnel from the twinned fleet unit to the specific ANC unit, where they can provide assistance in training and mentoring activities. Opportunities for ship visits and sea rides for cadets will be facilitated; this will ensure the availability of, and interest in, information about Navy career path and recruitment opportunities.
Many ANC units are located across Australia, and it will not always be possible to have personal contact between fleet and ANC units. In these situations a quarterly newsletter detailing command activities will be produced to maintain contact with RAN units.
Revised duty-of-care guidelines have also been provided to commanding officers. These ensure all contact with cadets complies with current child protection legislation.
The 'twinning' initiative is now underway and will be complete in 2007 when the final Armidale class patrol boat crews are formed.
