THE CADET TATTOO RETURNS CANCELLED IN 2020 AND 2021 , THE TATTOO WAS STAGED SUCCESSFULLY THIS YEAR
Leadership within the Cadet Unit is vital , both for the efficient functioning of the unit , and to ensure the boys enjoy their time as cadets , and get the most out of their experience .
The Cadet Tattoo is one of the major events on the Scotch Cadet Unit ’ s calendar , and the 2022 Tattoo was scheduled for Friday 3 June . The 2020 and 2021 Tattoos had been cancelled due to COVID-19 restrictions which cast their shadow over the 2022 celebration , with doubts persisting about the feasibility of staging such an event . The return of the Tattoo also posed many challenges for the leaders of the Cadet Unit .
Every Tattoo requires many hours of rehearsal with procedures that can be perceived as slightly tedious for the younger cadets . However , the Tattoo ’ s primary purpose is to remember those who have served and are serving our nation . Stressing this important message to the impressionable young men of our unit became one of our main priorities , along with finding ways to encourage and motivate them .
COVID has negatively impacted the Cadet Unit . Numbers fell away in 2020 and 2021 , meaning that in 2022 , the unit is the smallest it has been in recent memory . Furthermore , the Year 10 and Year 11 cadets lacked experience in Tattoo procedure , placing added pressure on the entire unit during rehearsals . It also impacted the sergeants ’ and corporals ’ leadership abilities , as well as the officers ’ ability to be role models for the younger year levels . But , despite their lack of Tattoo experience , the Year 11s were extraordinary in their enthusiasm to teach the cadets the required drill and the specific movements needed during the service .
As the night of the Tattoo approached , absences due to flu and COVID were a constant challenge , and cancellation remained a possibility . Nonetheless , the Tattoo did go ahead , and on the night the entire Cadet Unit demonstrated its resilience and devotion to the event , and to their fellow cadets .
Particular mention should be made of the efforts of CCUO Hamish Devonshire ( Year
12 ), Sgt Jeremy Gray ( Year 11 ), Cpl Max Mudge ( Year 10 ), and the members of the catafalque party .
With all the challenges the Tattoo presented to us as cadet leaders , we knew that the key to the event ’ s success was motivating each individual to do his very best , so that each boy would become a positive example to his peers . We found this was the best way to maintain discipline and morale , particularly during the repetitive drill movements .
Through all the hurdles we have encountered in our journey as leaders of the Scotch College Army Cadet Unit , we have learnt much from both our peers and our amazing staff members , who have always been the backbone of the unit . We eagerly look forward to what lies ahead in the remainder of the year .
UCUO PRITHVI ETTA and RSM THOMAS DEVONSHIRE – BOTH YEAR 12
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