James Cook University and the Australian Army Cadets have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to formally recognise the leadership and skills gained by Cadets as part of their training.
The Australian Army Cadets is a leading youth development organisation, which develops leadership, teamwork, resilience, civic responsibility and service attributes strongly aligned with the graduate qualities JCU seeks to foster among its students.
The MoU will include entry adjustments for Cadets – allowing them to add points to their ATAR or equivalent admission rank – along with a range of other streamlined leadership opportunities when they commence study at JCU.
The MoU between JCU and the Australian Army Cadets demonstrates the critical role both the University and the Army play in North Queensland and highlights the benefits of collaboration. It also comes as Lavarack Barracks in Townsville is approaching its 60th anniversary.
JCU Vice Chancellor Professor Simon Biggs said the MoU would help support more Cadets to study at the University.
“Cadets demonstrate teamwork, perseverance and self-discipline and many come from our region in North Queensland,” Prof Biggs said.
“We want to provide more support and assistance to encourage greater numbers of Cadets to consider studying at JCU because we believe they will make a significant positive contribution to the University.”
Commander of the Australian Army Cadets, Brigadier David McCammon AM, DSM and Bar, said the partnership between JCU and the Australian Army Cadets is an exciting development that would have profound impact of North Queensland youth.
“JCU is a terrific institution, an enormously respected part of the fabric of North Queensland with well-established links to Defence and, in particular, the Australian Army,” Brigadier McCammon said.
“The opportunities provided by this MoU go well beyond the classic student/institution relationship, demonstrating a commitment to continued investment in youth and shaping their bright futures.”
JCU and the Australian Army have a long history of collaboration across research and teaching including special degree pathways, flexible study options, and granting advanced standing for particular competencies gained while in service.
JCU provides a language program to Townsville’s 3rd Brigade, with Papua New Guinea’s native language Tok Pisin, Bahasa Indonesian and Pacific French available to study for future deployments.
JCU and the 3rd Brigade also compete in the annual “Battle of the Icons” Uni v Army games. Army teams compete with JCU students across rugby, basketball, netball, mixed touch football, mixed netball, and soccer.
The MoU was signed by Professor Biggs and Brigadier David McCammon at JCU on Friday.
