Jacob Faint celebrates 15 years at The Armidale School.

Senior Under Officer of the TAS Cadet Unit Mr Faint is no stranger to commitment as he finishes his fifteenth year at the school.

“I was thinking about it just a few months ago, because I’ve been here before kindergarten and then repeated year one I’ve probably been a student at TAS longer than anyone else,” he said.

Mr Faint commenced his time at TAS in 2002 as a self-confessed introvert.

“I was a quiet little kid who lacked confidence, and am now the head of the school cadet unit, I’m pretty proud of that,” he said.

As he moves into the next phase of his life Mr Faint hopes to establish a career in the Australian Defence Force. 

“I am looking to go into the Defence Force, I’m in the early stages of enrolment and if the plans go well and I do get selected in the army that’s what my plans will be.

“Cadets definitely did play a part in my interest in the army but I’ve always had an interest in the Defence Force,” he said. 

Mr Faint said he was drawn to the lifestyle, discipline and atmosphere in his time in the cadet unit and he hopes to work as a mechanical engineer in the Australian Defence Force.

“The feeling that you get when you are in the cadet uniform, it’s a real sense of pride because you are respecting the Australian soldiers,” he said.

Jeannet Browne, Jacob’s mother, beamed with pride at his farewell.

“I’m very proud, very proud.

“Jake’s 19, he’s 12 months older than most of the kids in Year 12 so I feel that Jake is ready to move on,” she said. 

In his time at TAS Mr Faint said he made unforgettable memories and lasting friendships. 

“It’s been really good, the mates that you create, the atmosphere and the religions and codes of the school that you follow here are great.

“It is pretty emotional to leave, but there is that side where you feel good, you’ve had a good time, I don’t regret anything at TAS and I did cherish my time at TAS,” he said.

Mr Faint played first grade basketball and open second grade soccer for the past two years

“My favourite memories would definitely be all the experience that you get, the sporting side and all of that, and definitely cadets of course.

“I’m honoured to have been part of the cadet guard for ANZAC Day for four years and lead the unit in my last year, they are memories that will last a lifetime,” he said. 

Mr Faint was awarded the Sword of Honour at the TAS Cadet Unit Passing Out Parade earlier this year.