The Australian Defence Force Cadets (ADFC) (also known as the Australian Service Cadet Scheme until 2001) 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.

[citation needed] 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.

While the Australian Defence Force Cadets is sponsored by ADF (Australian Defence Force) and runs under a similar rank structure, uniform and training activities, the ADFC is not an official branch of the Defence Force and runs in accordance with the Optional Protocol on the Involvement of Children in Armed Conflict which Australia has signed.

The ADFC encompasses three organizations: Cadet units are referred to differently depending on the parent service.