“I have always been interested in the history of war and warfare. My grandfather served in the Western Desert with the Royal Air Force during WW2 and, following his experiences, spent his life after the war fundraising with Royal Air Force Association charities, being awarded the MBE for services to charity.
“This inspired me on to join the Combined Cadet Force (CCF) at my school, Bradford Grammar. Many of my friends were in the CCF and told stories about the fun they’d been having so I was keen to join in too. Sadly, many of my first camps and outings were cancelled due to covid, but luckily normal activities resumed and I’ve taken full advantage of everything the cadet experience has to offer.
Different skills
“I have learnt many different skills during my time in the cadets such as leadership and teamwork, and the specifics of weaponry and tactics with the added benefits of making new friends from across the UK. I have been proud to represent my CCF at events and courses around the country. Many of the skills that I have gained from the cadets are unique and have prepared me for the challenges of the next stages of life.
“In 2025 I’m heading to Aberystwyth University to study Military History and International Relations. Where this will lead, I am yet to determine, but I will certainly be first in the queue to join the University Officer Training Corps (UOTC). This will be a great opportunity to meet like-minded people and offers the potential for new adventures.
Sense of achievement
“Being in the cadets has given me a great sense of achievement, confidence and pride. From my own perspective, the input and the calibre of the cadet force method of instruction was an important foundation prior to attending the Master Cadet course at Frimley Park Cadet training Centre. This engagement has certainly helped with completing my Gold Duke of Edinburgh Award. For the expedition section I took part in Exercise Solent Challenger, a cross channel sailing trip in a racing yacht, where you had to be completely committed to the task throughout the week.
“On this trip I made many new friends and gained my competent crew qualification from the RYA, this allowed me to start volunteering with my local sailing club. Hopefully, with Aberystwyth being a coastal town, I will get the opportunity to continue to use my qualification in a volunteering capacity, perhaps with the RNLI.
Camaraderie in cadets
“From Tuesday night training to activities and camps, I enjoy the camaraderie that cadets affords with its constant lively atmosphere. Teaching is one of my main roles in my contingent, which often requires patience and perseverance. Helping the younger cadets to develop and progress through the different levels is very rewarding. I always try to get new cadets on camps and trips away to help them take full advantage of all the opportunities that cadets has to offer.
Lord-Lieutenant Cadet
“In October 2023 I was appointed His Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant Cadet of West Yorkshire, one of the highest honours a cadet can achieve. Supporting the Lord-Lieutenant at various different functions has been a fabulous experience. It has given me the opportunity to meet and talk with many fascinating people from all walks of life. It’s definitely pushed me out of my comfort zone, for example giving a reading to a large assembly on Remembrance Day in Bradford city centre. This is something I could never have imagined doing before joining the cadets.”
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