The Australian Army Cadets (AAC) is the youth military program and organisation of the Australian Army, tasked with supporting participants to contribute to society, fostering interest in defence force careers, and developing support for the forces. The program has more than 19,000 army cadets between the ages of 12 and 20 based in more than 200 units around Australia. The values of the AAC are "Service, Courage, Respect, Integrity and Excellence".

The Australian Defence Force Cadets (ADFC) consists of three Australian Defence Force affiliated, community-based, youth development organisations of approximately 27,834 cadets and 4,405 cadet staff in 579 units and squadrons across Australia. Coordination of the Australian Defence Force Cadets is via the ADF HQ unit called Reserve and Youth Division, with Commander ADF Cadets - directly accountable to VCDF. The ADFC is funded by the Australian Government through the Department of Defence, in partnership with the community.