Organised (in part) to celebrate Women in Engineering Day 2018, Exercise Sapper Cadet offered female cadets aged 12-18 an opportunity to experience the trades, capabilities and opportunities available to those that pursue a career in engineering. The cadets completed a series of activities including bridge building, command tasks and a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths) challenge.

Hazel Hanson (13) from Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire Army Cadet Force (ACF) said, “It’s been good, I’ve enjoyed everything. I’ve always been interested in engineering and my dad is in the Royal Engineers. We were shown a list of jobs that were involved in engineering and I didn’t even know that half of them could be brought into engineering.”

The weekend was organised by Sergeant Kate Dunscombe, an Army Reservist in 65 Works Group Royal Engineers, part of 170 (Infrastructure Support) Engineer Group. Sergeant Dunscombe works as a Signalling Systems Trainer for London Underground in civilian life and is also a Company Sergeant Major in Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire Army Cadet Force.

“The aim was to put females in the spotlight",  said Sergeant Dunscombe, "I wanted to show the wide range of exciting careers the Army offers in engineering so that the girls had a greater understanding of the opportunities available and could be inspired by what appealed to them.”

The Wales-wide group of teenagers included representatives from Fitzalan High School Combined Cadet Force (CCF) and the Army Cadet Force (ACF).

“Two teams had to build a tower in an engineering challenge and it was good to get younger cadets involved in STEM activities,” said Cadet Company Sergeant Major Jack Green from Gwent and Powys ACF. “It was a timed task which gave us a bit of urgency and got the team working together, which is great for our collaboration skills. I’m looking for a career in a STEM subject, so it was a good opportunity for me.”

Earlier in the day, cadets also attended the gun salute to mark the 65th anniversary of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II’s Coronation and later on, the Military Festival of Music.

The STEM event  was organised by 160th Infantry Brigade and Headquarters Wales, with members of the Army Youth Outreach Team delivering the session to test the cadets’ practical skills.

STEM subjects, particularly engineering, have been at the forefront of recent government campaigns including ‘The Year of the Engineer’ initiative, which aims to inspire the next generation and tackle a major skills gap, boosting numbers entering the profession.

Industry experts and businesses are hoping that events such as these will change perceptions around engineering and highlight the scale of opportunity that careers in the industry can hold for young people in Wales and the UK.

Melanie, along with another member of the public, was able to revive the gentleman briefly, but before paramedics arrived his condition deteriorated again and his heart stopped for a second time. She persevered with a second round of CPR to manually pump blood around the patient’s body and get oxygen into his lungs until the ambulance arrived.

Once the ambulance crew arrived and took over, Melanie comforted his family and took their contact information so she could stay updated on his condition. The gentleman is recovering well in hospital and is responding to treatment.

“I am relieved to hear that the gentleman is recovering in hospital,” said Melanie. “I was just one of the people nearby who helped, but because of the training I received in the cadets I knew instinctively what I had to do and was able to act quickly and calmly. Once I turn 18 I plan to return to the Army Cadet Force as an instructor so that I can pass on lifesaving skills to others.”

Upon hearing of Melanie’s actions Mansfield MP Ben Bradley said, “I’m sure everyone at Nottingham ACF are all incredibly proud of her. She’s a credit to Mansfield.”

“Melanie is just one of 800 young people in Nottinghamshire who are members of the ACF,” added Richard Etherington, a spokesman for Nottinghamshire ACF. “Amongst other things, cadets gain recognised St John’s Ambulance qualifications to prepare them for situations just like this. We wish the gentleman well.”

The evening pageant of music and military precision drill is performed on Horse Guards Parade in front of the beautiful backdrop of St James’s Park. It takes place each year on the Wednesday and Thursday evenings preceding the Queen’s Birthday Parade, or “Trooping The Colour” as it is often called. 

Colonel David Carson, who started his military career as a Reservist in 1980, has worked as part of both the ACF and the CCF for over 20 years and is one of 111 defence personnel to have been granted state honours for their work in the military this year.

“I am incredibly proud to have been honoured,” said Col Carson. “I hope it will be regarded as wider recognition for the hundreds of inspirational Cadet Force Adult Volunteers who give up so much of their time selflessly to make the ACF and CCF the outstanding youth organisations that they are.”

Col Carson first became involved with the CCF in 1997 while working as the Estates Bursar at Abingdon School where he volunteered to reform the disbanded Army Section of the CCF, becoming its first Officer Commanding. Following this until 2008, he served as a member of the Assisting Directing Staff (ADS) of the Cadet Training Centre, Frimley Park where he instructed on the CCF Basic Course and the CCF Advanced/ KG VI Course.

In September 2010, Col Carson was appointed Colonel Commandant of Oxfordshire ACF, service for just over three years until January 2014, when he was appointed as the first Colonel Cadets for 43 Wessex Brigade. He has continued in the same role initially for 1 Artillery Brigade and now for Headquarters South West.

In civilian life he is the Estates Director for Wishford Schools group in Corsham, Wiltshire, where he is responsible for the maintenance of the buildings and grounds, and capital building projects in the Group’s eight schools.

He is also a military historian and is the Chairman of the Wiltshire Historical Military Society, Honorary Curator of The Royal Wiltshire Yeomanry historic Property Collection, and former Trustee of the Wiltshire Museum. He has also worked as an historical Military Advisor for the Film and Television industry.

ACFA CEO Murdo Urquhart added, “Colonel Carson is one of a rare band who is equally deserving for his work in both the ACF and the CCF.”

The Queen’s Birthday Honours list marks the Queen’s official birthday by recognising the achievements of a wide range of extraordinary people across the UK. Honours have been awarded on the sovereign’s birthday since at least 1860, during the reign of Queen Victoria.

Maj Richard Walton, the Director of Finance at the ACFA and CFAV and Lt Col Terry Hayter, the ACFA’s National Sports Delivery Officer and CFAV travelled to Scotland before embarking upon ten days in the saddle from May 7 – 17. They travelled across the rest of the UK, with a number of Army Cadet units joining them on their epic journey.

There are 39,000 Army cadets across the country, and the aim of the bike challenge is to raise funds that will allow even more of them to benefit from access to adventurous training experiences that they otherwise would not be able to take part in, without the support of their cadet unit.

"This Bursary is so important. It reaches out to those cadets who struggle to make the most of the cadet experience and gives them the opportunity to develop themselves in a unique environment,” said Maj Walton. “One of my own cadets was lucky enough to benefit this year and I want to make sure that Matthew’s legacy continues to touch the lives of cadets for many years to come.”

Money raised will go into the Matthew Bacon Bursary Fund which enables cadets to take part in The Outward Bound Trust’s 19 day Skills for Life Award, where they’ll build their confidence by taking part in a wide range of adventurous and challenging outdoor pursuits. The courses give those who lack self-belief the opportunity to make a significant change to their lives and ultimately to their futures as they move into adulthood. 

Oliver Blomfield, Head of Summer Adventures at The Outward Bound Trust was proud to join Richard and Terry for a short stint on day four of their ride as they journeyed from Carlisle to Catterick. “Congratulations to Richard and Terry on completing their amazing cycle challenge,” said Oliver. “Their achievement will allow both of our organisations to work with even more young cadets, enabling them to make the most of every opportunity available to them. Together we are honoured to continue Matthew’s legacy, developing skills through Outward Bound programmes that will help young cadets to meet the challenges of life with enthusiasm and confidence.”

The fund was set up in 2007 in the memory of a Surrey ACF cadet, Major Matthew Bacon. He went on to join the British Army after leaving the cadets, serving with the Intelligence Corps, but was sadly killed in a roadside bomb in Iraq in 2005.

In his honour Matthew’s father, Roger Bacon, wanted to support cadets who show the same willingness to do anything challenging, just like his son. It was also his wish to help those take part in activities that would otherwise be beyond their means, by partly funding the opportunities for them. 

"Completing this 10 day 1,000 mile cycling challenge was no mean achievement by Richard and Terry and they deserve to be cheered to the roof for what they have done," said Roger. "A cycling challenge seemed to my wife Maureen and I to be wholly appropriate, as our boy Matthew was a keen cyclist himself and used take part in army triathlon competitions. We know that he would have thoroughly approved of the enterprise. Matthew’s Bursary Fund has been running for 12 years now and we have seen the benefit to those cadets who have gone on the Outward Bound courses.  We hope that the Bursary will continue into the distant future but to do so it relies on good people helping it along by making a donation. The Army Cadet Force is a wonderful organisation and we are proud to be associated with it."

To donate, follow this link: https://mydonate.bt.com/teams/acf-bike-challenge

More about the Matthew Bacon Bursary Fund is available here: https://armycadets.com/about-us/acf-structure/the-acfa/grants-for-cfavs-and-cadets/mbb/

After a tough few days in Somerset where candidates undertook a range of challenging activities, just 11 were selected to go through to the final including Jack Larder from Ixworth detachment, Suffolk ACF, and Jasmine Roper from Scarborough detachment, Yorkshire North and West ACF. The selection event involved a variety of physical and mental challenges ranging from outdoor activities, group tasks, problem solving and undertaking the ILM Level 3 qualification in Leadership Management. Candidates were also interviewed by CVQO Chief Executive Guy Horridge and Outposts Managing Director Michael Kingstone.

“The CVQO Westminster Award exists to recognise and celebrate those young people who have gone the extra mile to help someone in need, demonstrated community spirit or shown resolve and determination to overcome a personal challenge,” said Guy Horridge. “Our winners this year really are an amazing group of young people. We found it incredibly difficult to separate them, so much so that we had to put an 11th finalist through!”

The hard working finalists will visit the House of Lords in June for lunch and to find out the overall winner, who will be awarded the CVQO Westminster Award 2018 trophy. The winner and the other 10 finalists will fly to South Africa for two-weeks of adventure in July.

“Exercise Cadet Cambrian Patrol tested a wide range of areas across the whole of the cadet syllabus,” said Major Mark Teesdale RE, Officer Commanding of the Cadet Training Team with 160th Infantry Brigade & Headquarters Wales. “The standard this year was higher than ever, and just making it to Cambrian means the cadets are the best in their Brigades. It’s one of the most intense exercises cadets can face and the experience will help to prepare them to overcome future challenges.”

Taking place at Sennybridge Training Area, the diverse terrain north of the Brecon Beacons presented a unique challenge for the cadets. The exercise started at 4:30am on Saturday with Reserves from 104 Regiment Royal Artillery providing breakfast. Exercise Cadet Cambrian Patrol started soon after at 6:00am and the teams were tasked with returning to their starting point at 6:00pm.

Over the next 12 hours, the teams covered 25KM on foot, encountering numerous stands on their respective routes that hosted tasks to test their skills in; map reading, navigation, first aid, teamwork, leadership and field craft and other areas. Each stand was manned by Regular or Reserve soldiers and Cadet Force Adult Volunteers.

The cadets final task was a patrol to the range where they engaged targets up to 300m away on Sunday morning. The presentation followed and teams were awarded gold, silver, bronze and certificate standard classifications and engraved medals.

Gwent & Powys ACF, Tunbridge Wells Girls' Grammar School and Shrewsbury School CCF achieved Gold medals. The awards were presented by Colonel David Hammond, Colonel Cadets of 160th Infantry Brigade & Headquarters Wales.

In addition the following prizes were awarded:

• Best Welsh Patrol - Gwent & Powys ACF
• Best International Patrol - Tunbridge Wells Girls' Grammar School
• Best ACF Section Commander - Cdt RSM Lewis, Gwent & Powys ACF
• Best CCF Section Commander - Cdt CSgt Sherwood, Royal Grammar School High Wycombe CCF

Cadet Cambrian Patrol 2019

Places are limited, so any ACF or CCF wishing to take part in Cadet Cambrian Patrol 2019 is advised to apply through their own Brigade Cadet Training Team.    

The position is available from September 2018 and will see the post-holder work towards an AAT Level 3 Advanced Accounting qualification.

Eighteen-year-old Tyler Marin, who has completed his qualifications after a year at the CCFA/ACFA HQ at Holderness House, London, is moving on to begin his AAT Level 4.

He said: "This is definitely a great place to start as you will build your knowledge progressively throughout the year beginning from Level 2 through to the end of Level 3."

The apprenticeship, which is based at the HQ in London, is offered in partnership with the College of Haringey, Enfield and North East London at the Tottenham Centre. 

The successful candidate will complete a 14-week pre-Apprenticeship Course (spending three days a week at college and two days in the CCFA/ACFA Finance Department) which will result in the award of the AAT Level 2 Foundation Certificate in Accounting. This will be followed by a 12-month AAT Level 3 Advanced Accounting qualification (consisting of one day a week at college and four days' practical experience in the Finance Department).

Meet the current postholder

Tyler Marin (18), from Romford, took up the position in September 2017 after deciding that an apprenticeship would be a better route for him than A Levels. As an Army Cadet, he spoke to his Detachment Commander who told him of the opening at the CCFA/ACFA.

Why did you decide to do an apprenticeship?

I personally prefer more of a learn-on-the-job approach to learning as I like to progress at my own speed, therefore an apprenticeship was perfect for me.

What have you gained from your apprenticeship with the ACFA?

I completed my Level 2 AAT, I've nearly completed my Level 3 and I've gained a deep working knowledge of accounting procedures and work ethics.

What have been the highlights?

Being able to work with everyone in the office and to see just how much goes into the Army Cadet and Combined Cadet Forces. As a cadet I didn't realise just how much planning and organisation goes on to run the activities we enjoyed. But the highlight has to be a successful audit as you can see the work you have done throughout the year come to fruition!

What would you say to others thinking about applying for this role?

If you are a looking for an apprenticeship in accounting, this is definitely a great place to start as you will build your knowledge progressively throughout the year with a lot of support from people in the work place.

What are your aspirations for the future?

I hope to complete my AAT at Level 4 to receive my MAAT status as well as taking a Chartered Accountancy course.

Apply now

Applicants must have five GCSEs at Grade C or above which must include Maths and English (or are anticipated to achieve these grades this summer). Experience of the cadet forces will be an advantage.

Those interested should send a CV (with two referees) and a covering letter via email to: hr@armycadets.com

Applications deadline: Friday 20 July 

Cdt RSM Jackson has a great record within the ACF. When he attended the Master Cadet course he had just turned 16, making him one of the younger students taking part. He was also the Lord Lieutenant’s Cadet 2016/2017 for Her Majesty’s Lord Lieutenant the Royal County of Berkshire Mr James Puxley.

Commenting on Cdt RSM Jackson's win, Major (Retd) Eamonn Coogan, CEO of the Royal County of Berkshire Army Cadet Force, said: "He is an outstanding role model for cadets, his dedication and determination to serve the Army Cadet Force of the Royal County of Berkshire has been particularly noteworthy. His instructors are proud to say that he worked incredibly hard this weekend to come out on top of what was a very close competition and we want to thank all of the CFAVs and cadets who helped to run the competition this year and to The Cadet Kit Shop for sponsoring the winner’s trophy."

Cdt RSM robert Jackson and Brig Simon Banton, Chief of Staff Regional Command, are pictured holding the Claire Shore Trophy. Brig Banton inspected cadets  before awarding the winner the Claire Shore Trophy and a figurine donated by Tom Nugent from the All Arms Marketing and Manufacturing Organisation (The Official Cadet Kit Shop).

About the competition

Each year ACF County Commandants are asked to nominate their best Master Cadet for the Champion Cadet Competition. The staff at CTC Frimley Park then invite them to Frimley for a weekend to compete in a series of events and interviews, at the end of which one of them is announced Champion Cadet for that year. This year cadets from 32 ACF counties took part in the competition. 

The competition, which lasts just under 48 hours, tests both physical and mental aptitude, and requires the cadets to compete against each other both individually and as members of a team in a range of activities.  These include command tasks, weapon handling, map and compass skills (including night navigation), foot drill, first aid, logical problem solving and a comprehensive test of the entire ACF Army Proficiency Certificate syllabus.  There is also a panel interview.

Throughout the competition the assessors are looking for signs of leadership, teamwork, self discipline and unselfishness. The winner of the competition is the cadet deemed by the selection committee to be the year's most inspiring example of the ACF Master Cadet.