SENIOR SCHOOL
Piers Anspach , travelling cadet
Year 12 student , Piers , talks about the opportunity to travel to the United Kingdom , France and Belgium due to his involvement in the Guildford Grammar School Cadet Unit .
Year 12 student Piers Anspach has been a part of the Guildford Grammar School Army Cadet Unit for three years and currently holds the rank of Company Sergeant Major . During his time with the Cadets , Piers has undertaken a number of training courses including the Junior Non-Commissioned Officer Leadership Course at Bindoon Training Ground , Senior NCOs & Warrant Officer training at Leeuwin Barracks and a number of bivouacs at Stronghills with the rest of the Guildford Grammar School Cadet Unit . Through training and promotion Piers has achieved the rank of Cadet Warrant Officer , Class 2 .
Earlier this year WO2 Anspach participated in Exercise Southern Cross 2016 , an Australian Army Cadet exchange to the United Kingdom , France and Belgium for three weeks in July and August , with 17 other Army Cadets from across Western Australia . To be eligible for the exchange , Cadets were required to have completed a number of activities prior to applying for the exchange . They then attended a 4-day selection camp , undertaking assessment of their fitness , field skills , interpersonal and team work capabilities . Once selected for Exercise Southern Cross 2016 , the Cadets attended another two training weekends to prepare for the exchange . “ I found the selection process demanding at times , but it was good to improve existing skills and learn new ones ready for our exchange . I enjoyed getting to know the cadets from other units ,” said Piers .
The Exercise Southern Cross included cultural visits in and around London and a two-week training camp with the Surrey Army Cadet Force . A highlight feature was a two-day Battlefield tour coinciding with the Centenary Commemorations of the battles at Pozieres and Fromelles , which had a significant impact on the Cadets as they visited the ANZAC memorials .
The Cadets participated in memorial services at Menin Gate , and Villers-Bretonneux , as well as at Weymouth , UK . Piers explained how he made a presentation at the grave site of Lieutenant Hale at Tyne Cot cemetery . “ Before we left Australia , we researched an Australian serviceman who had made the ultimate sacrifice and presented this information at their grave site ; it was a very moving experience .”
Another important part of the exchange was the two-week training camp with the Surrey Army Cadet Force at Chickerell Camp at Weymouth , UK . This involved overnight field exercises , navigation , weapons training , canoeing and abseiling . “ I really enjoyed the opportunity to join in with the Surrey Cadets and experience English life . We enjoyed a lot of banter between both cadet groups , but we all worked really well together .” This exchange is a biannual event , with members of the Surrey Cadets visiting WA on alternate years .
“ I am very appreciative of the once in a lifetime opportunity the Southern Cross exchange gave me . It allowed me to build on the broad range of skills I had developed from joining the Australian Army Cadets at Guildford Grammar School . I would recommend any Senior School student to join the Army Cadet unit in Year 10 and stick with it throughout Senior School . I have participated in many activities that are only available to Cadets , such as drill , navigation and military skills . My favourite is camouflage and concealment , which is like a super serious game of hide and seek ! I have made great mates in the unit and across WA and the UK .”
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