Cadet Sergeant Olivia Kennedy (pictured) of York and Cadet Sergeant Major Keiron Parker of Hull recently passed the Master Cadet course at the Cadet Training Centre in Frimley Park. The course is considered the ultimate learning challenge for cadets and completion of it marks the apex of the cadet experience.
The week-long course offers an opportunity for senior cadets to achieve beyond the full programme of courses, before their cadet career concludes. Students have to be at least 16-years-old and be at the minimum rank of Sergeant to be considered for the course.
Keiron, 17, who is currently studying at QPD College in Hull, said: “This course was by far one of my favourite things I have ever done in cadets.
“I would recommend anyone who is given the opportunity to go for it, you’ll learn lots and have fun too!”
Top cadet
Olivia, 17, a student at Huntington School Sixth Form in York emerged from the course with the highest score to become top cadet and earned a special trophy for her efforts.
Additionally, Olivia has been appointed Regimental Sergeant Major (RSM) of Yorkshire North and West ACF, the highest rank a cadet can achieve. The RSM is responsible for leading all the cadets within the designated county, commanding as many as 400 cadets at any one time during county parades.
When she was unexpectedly called up for receiving the news about the promotion, Olivia said: “I wasn’t expecting the new rank so when they asked me to run to the office, I was out of breath because I thought something was wrong – I’ve never run so fast!”.
She adds, “These courses are great and show that if you persevere you will get all the rewards.”