Meet Ian Main, the new Cadet Executive Officer at Yorkshire (North & West) ACF based at Queen Elizabeth Barracks in Strensall.
Hi Ian, can you quickly introduce yourself?
After joining the Army as a private soldier some thirty-seven years ago, I am proud to have recently retired from service life as an officer, having completed a full military career. Born in Northern Ireland in 1969 as one of three brothers, I followed in my father’s footsteps, who also served in the military. This meant much of my childhood was spent abroad, enriching my early years with diverse experiences. My first encounter with cadets was during school as part of the Combined Cadet Force (CCF).
A return to training roots
I commenced my basic training at Queen Elizabeth Barracks, Strensall, York, in 1986. The camp holds many fond memories for me. Not only am I now heading up the RFCA team supporting Yorkshire (North & West) Army Cadet Force (ACF), but it is also where I first met my wife, Dawn, while attending Joseph Rowntree School, New Earswick, during my parents’ final posting. Now, some forty years later, we are settled in East Yorkshire and have two wonderful daughters, Shelly and Sophie.
My interest in a career with the RFCA sparked about a year ago. I vividly remember visiting the Cadet Training Centre at Strensall early last year. The environment, the people, and the facilities made a strong impression on me, and I felt a strong alignment with what the RFCA was doing to support the cadet experience. When an opening emerged, I eagerly seized the opportunity to join the team.
Continuing progress
As the new Cadet Executive Officer, I consider myself fortunate to have had some time with the outgoing Cadet Executive Officer, Tom Woodall, before he transitioned to his new role. Tom made a significant positive impact on the lives of young people, and I hope to do the same.
Interests outside the role
Outside of my professional life, my second love is football. As a passionate Liverpool fan, I try to attend as many games as possible. Music is another passion of mine; I have a jukebox at home that plays vinyl records, which I love collecting. There’s a unique joy in finding the perfect single once you have the song in your head. Over time, I’ve amassed a decent collection that friends and family can choose from when they visit. There’s only one rule: no one is allowed to swap the single in slot A1, which is, of course, “You’ll Never Walk Alone” by Gerry and the Pacemakers.
Thanks for chatting with us, Ian. Welcome to the team. It’s great to have you on board.