Throughout history, marching parades have been both a part of military culture and a way to make community events engaging, meaningful, and memorable. They’re such a well-known tradition that we’ve probably all seen one, whether it was at an ANZAC Day dawn service or on TV: a tight, neat formation of soldiers or cadets moving in spectacular synchronicity, performing manoeuvres according to the instructor’s commands. Inspiring awe is part of any military parade’s purpose – since antiquity, they have been held to demonstrate the military strength of a country. Today, they also help to remind us of our communal bonds and shared history.
While military parades serve these important cultural and symbolic purposes, they also provide an opportunity to gain a range of great benefits for the people participating in them. That’s why regular parades and drill practice to prepare for them are part of any cadet’s core activities! So what do cadets get out of marching parades?
In this article, we’re looking at the top four benefits of participating in parades and marches.
Participating in marching parades is a great way to practise and strengthen discipline. Staying in formation, learning and remembering commands, and presenting yourself neatly and professionally are skills requiring self-control and mental sharpness. Nurturing them through practising and participating in parades will ensure you have valuable skills and experience for your future professional life.
A parade is only performed as well as each individual in it – one mistake is clearly visible when moving in formation! For this reason, parades and marches are like a team sport. Everyone is working together, an individual win is a win for the team, and a mistake affects the whole team. That’s why participating in parades and marches is a great way to foster teamwork and collaboration – skills that are essential in most careers.
Marching parades are an exciting and meaningful part of community memorial services and events, such as ANZAC Day and Remembrance Day services. In this way, by participating in a parade, cadets are performing a type of community service. Participating in parades is a great way to give back to your community and build community spirit.
Another serious benefit of participating in parades is enhancing your CV. Being a cadet generally, and especially participating in parades, is a strong indicator to employers that you hold the values of teamwork, discipline and community service. All of this makes you stand out from the competition, meaning a better chance at the job of your dreams later on!
Want to discover these benefits for yourself? We’d love to help you do that! Find an Australian Cadet Corps squadron near you or contact us to find out more.
