Army Cadet Unit 252 was established at the end of 2018, the result of the efforts of a small group led by OAGS headmaster reverend Louis Stringer (the unit's commanding officer) and captain Terry Nye, a teacher at the school.

The unit has over 70 members, with 30 percent female and 29 percent from schools other than OAGS.

Around 30 signed up on Saturday.

Mr Nye was in cadets at Sydney Grammar, went on to serve 26 years in the regular Australian Army, and is now in the Army Reserve.

As a "young lad" reverend Stringer was in the British Army's Parachute Regiment, before heading to Australia to seek work as a teacher and, ultimately, as a deputy and a headmaster.

The unit meets on Monday afternoons at OAGS during school terms.

After a few years in the unit students can apply for promotion, which comes with added responsibilities.

Mr Nye described the cadet unit as "basically a youth development program for 13 to 18 year olds".

"It's similar to scouts and girl guides, giving them a structured program to keep them off the streets and turn them around as useful members of the community, with a bit of resilience and self confidence and organisation," he said on Saturday.

"If you look at a job ad in the paper, this ticks all the boxes - being able to lead, good communication skills, giving and receiving instructions, time management.

"It really helps them in their school life, teaching them to get organised, work with others."

Reverend Stringer said there was a "real demand in the community for an army cadet unit".

Prior to ACU 252's establishment, the only army cadet unit in Orange was a closed unit at Kinross Wolaroi School.

"Orange Anglican Grammar School facilitates a unit that is open to all members of the community; you'll see students here today from Orange Christian School, James Sheahan [Catholic High School], Orange High School, Canobolas [Rural Technology High School]," said reverend Stringer.

"We want to share our facilities for this community activity."

There were a few nerves as new recruits queued to sign in, armed with sleeping bags and other bits and pieces.

A bivouac was planned for Saturday into Sunday, with the cadets conducting initial training in fieldcraft, teamwork, first aid, navigation and radio communications; being issued uniforms; sleeping in tents; and being introduced to the delights of the 24-hour ration pack.

The Australian Army Cadets program is endorsed by the federal government, and operates under the governance, resources and framework of the Australian Army.

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