Youth must be at least 12 years of age, and not have reached the age of 17 years to be eligible to apply for enrolment into the AAC. Once enrolled, they may remain as a cadet until the last day of the year they attain the age of 18 years old, however age extensions exist for Battalion Ranks (Battalion CUO/RSM, e.g.) until they turn 21, however this is a very rare occurrence. A cadet in the AAC is not considered to be a member of the Australian Defence Force, nor are cadets allowed to be a member of the Defence Force or any other cadet service during their time as a cadet.