Q: Can I come and have a look around to decide whether it’s for me?
A: You’re most welcome to come and have a look at the beginning of our enrolment period, even attend training for a few weeks. There’s no obligation to join and it’s completely up to you if you stay.

Q: Are girls allowed to join too?
A: Yes, everyone between 13 and 15 (or in year 9) is invited to join. At any time the Unit is a 1/3 to 1/2 female.

Q: I think I want to join the Army when I finish school. Will this help me?
A: Yes it can – we wear a similar uniform as the NZ Army, and work on many of the same aspects (e.g. leadership, drill, marksmanship) as they do.
Joining us may not make your application to join the Army any easier and won’t fast-track the application.

Q: If I do join, how long am I able to stay in the unit?
A: Cadets are able to progress up through the ranks and may stay until their 18th birthday, after that, they must consider becoming a civilian instructor, or start the commissioning process. 

Q: How much does it cost to be a Cadet at Nelson Cadet Unit?
Annual Fees are $110, with an additional $40 joining fee once you enroll. This is paid at the beginning of each year but can be flexible on consultation with the Unit Treasurer. A key value we hold is that NCU is accessible to anyone who wants to be part of the Unit, so if paying fees is an issue, there are avenues available to either have a payment plan or receive help with funding.

Q: How fit do I have to be?
A: There is no specific required level of fitness to join Cadets. However, you do need to be able to fully participate in all activities so if you are fit you will get greater enjoyment from your experiences.

Q: Will I be sent overseas to fight?
A: Definitely not. Cadets are not part of the New Zealand Defence Force.