“I joined the army cadets in 2019 at the age of 12. Cadets quickly became a passion of mine and I’ve loved every minute of the past three years. Being in the ACF has allowed me to gain more confidence in myself which has helped me in all aspects of my life. It has taught me valuable skills such as first aid and navigation – which I surprisingly use more than I thought I would! Cadets has also given me the opportunity to develop my leadership skills through the lessons I teach and the camps we deliver.
Always fun
“Personally, I think one of the best things about cadets is the camps, whether it’s a company camp or an annual camp. They are always fun, despite how tired I am afterwards, and gives cadets a chance to be more independent away from our families. However, the ACF itself feels like a family. There’s always that sense of camaraderie; from the people on the same star level course as you, to the senior cadets who act like older siblings to younger cadets that have first joined. During my time in C Company, Humberside and South Yorkshire ACF I’ve always felt like I could turn to any of the cadets I’ve met for help and support.
Shared passion for cadets
“In cadets you meet a lot of people you may not normally come across or talk to, but speaking from personal experience, they become some of your closest friends, just from having that shared passion for cadets. Cadets has also given me a lot of opportunities, for example through cadets I’ve completed my bronze Duke of Edinburgh’s award and I am one expedition away from completing my silver. Being in the army cadets has definitely changed me as a person for the better. I’ve gone from being shy and quiet to confident and assertive. I have more self confidence in what I do and I’m less afraid of trying new things – I’m ready to dive in head first. I’ll always be grateful to cadets for that and, in a sense, I feel like I owe part of who I am to what being in the cadets has helped me become.
Valuable skills
“Cadets has definitely given me a lot of valuable skills and it’s reassured me that I can do things when I put my mind to it. I’ve learnt that cadets gives you as much as you put into it, sometimes more. If you put in as much effort as possible, it will be recognised and will help you progress quicker. You can take on a variety of different subjects, my favourites are field craft and first aid. I like field craft because it’s different to anything else you would normally do and it’s so much fun once you get stuck in. First aid is such a valuable skill to have, it’s nice knowing that I can help people should the need arise.
“I parade at Adwick detachment as the senior cadet and I really enjoy teaching basic lessons to the younger cadets. These leadership skills that I’ve learnt in cadets will help me in whatever I decide to do in my future career. I also run the Naafi, or the shop, at my unit and collect subs. When new cadets start I enjoy encouraging all to participate in an icebreaker to help everyone feel welcome and more comfortable with each other. I remember during my first weeks as a new cadet being slightly scared to talk to the other cadets who held ranks, so an icebreaker really helps.
“I am lucky to hold the rank of Regimental Sergeant Major and I am currently a Lord-Lieutenant Cadet, which means I can now help to ensure cadets are getting the best possible experience and help to develop good leaders.
“Finally, I don’t think the cadet experience would be as amazing as it is without the adult volunteers who make it possible. Their dedication and passion for cadets is what makes the ACF as good as it is.
“I’ve loved every minute of my cadet experience so far and can’t wait to see where it will take me next.”
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