In late January, four Meriden Cadets travelled to Adelaide to participate in the Annual Drone Racing 2 (DRG2) course, alongside Cadets from across Australia. This advanced course followed on from Drone Racing 1, held at Barker in 2025, where Cadets trained using mini‑whoop drones.
DRG2 was an intensive seven‑day program that immersed Cadets in all aspects of drone racing, including building, maintaining and flying 5‑inch racing drones. From the second day of the course, Cadets began constructing their own drones, learning how to solder, connect wiring and assemble components. These were the drones they would later fly competitively.
Each day included up to 12 hours of training, rotating between simulator flying using Velocidrone and navigating real‑life racecourses. Cadets flew through gates, around flags and obstacles, developing precision, technical skill and resilience. While challenging at first, the Cadets improved rapidly with the support of a highly skilled and encouraging instructor team.
The course concluded with a championship round, featuring high‑energy races and strong camaraderie between competitors. The Drone Racing 2 course was a memorable and rewarding experience, fostering advanced STEM skills as well as lasting friendships.
CUO Sofiana Han | SGT Cindy Shen | SGT Wenwen Zheng | CPL Vicky Qian
STEM Leadership Recognised at AFX26
CUO Sofiana Han, who leads STEM within the Cadet Unit for the 2026 training year, was formally commended for her outstanding contribution at AFX26.
As Senior Cadet Under Officer, Sofiana played a key role in planning and delivering a range of STEM‑focused activities, including Bottle Booster, Remote Control Car Rescue, Egg Drop, Seesaw and Bushcraft challenges. Her leadership and dedication were recognised with the presentation of a Commander’s Coin by the Brigade Commander, a prestigious, on‑the‑spot award acknowledging excellence.
Sofiana was commended for her initiative, organisation and tireless commitment, particularly in supporting and motivating a diverse group of Cadets. Congratulations to Sofiana on this well‑deserved recognition.
Cadets Attend Government House Address
In March, Year 12 Cadets attended the address “Navigating Strategic Uncertainty: Space, Cyber and National Support in a Fractured World”, delivered by Lieutenant General Susan Coyle, and hosted by the Royal Society of New South Wales at Government House.
CUO Lahna Jung, CUO Annabelle Allen and CUO Varnikaa Kannan, accompanied by CAPT (AAC) Fiona Brennan, had the opportunity to engage directly with Lieutenant General Coyle and Her Excellency Margaret Beazley AC KC, gaining insight into contemporary defence challenges, particularly in the areas of space and cyber operations.
A highlight of the event was the presentation of Commander Coins and the Governor’s Medallion, marking the occasion as both an educational and ceremonial milestone.
Annual Field Exercise (AFX26)
“My experiences on our Annual Field Exercise camp were definitely unforgettable!
For 5 days, we participated in many engaging activities that were not only great for team building but very fun! I really enjoyed putting on the camouflage paint and taking part in games such as rope climbing and obstacle courses. My favourite activity was where everyone in our platoon worked together to get over a log that was 2m high! It was challenging but we laughed a lot and learned to trust our team.
I also loved dinner as it was a great time where our platoon could sit together, cook our meals, and chat! There were some parts of AFX that were difficult, but I’m sure everyone who went would agree that we are so proud of ourselves for getting out of our comfort zones and for putting ourselves out there. If we hadn’t then we wouldn’t have had all these special and fun experiences! I’m looking forward to next year!”
CDT Louise | Parent-Moutia
AFX26
AFX26 is the Annual Field Exercise that Cadets plan for throughout the training year and is one of the highlights of the Cadet calendar. With more than 500 Cadets from Meriden and Trinity participating, the camp provides a significant opportunity for leadership development and teamwork in a field environment.
Senior Cadets lead platoons and companies through a range of scenarios, navigating bush terrain, building shelters and conducting night activities, all while continuing to build leadership, resilience and practical skills in the field.
AFX26 is an invaluable experience for our Cadets, made possible through the commitment and support of staff who attend and supervise the camp. We extend our sincere thanks to all staff members who contributed to the success of AFX26.
Advanced Training Award (ATA 26)
Congratulations to CPL Juliet Loane and CUO Jasmine Dong, who were awarded the highly prestigious Advanced Training Award (ATA).
Held over six days at Lake Barrington, Tasmania, ATA is widely regarded as the pinnacle of a Cadet’s career. The course tested physical endurance, survival skills and leadership through activities including a 19 km hike with full packs, canoe‑based survival training in freezing conditions, and the integration of advanced Cadet skills.
This achievement reflects exceptional commitment, resilience and capability – congratulations to both recipients.
