ACF cadets journey
Having had an interest in the army from a young age, this female Cadet's best friend mentioned that she and her brother went to the Army Cadet Force. She hadn't been there very long, but told her what sort of activities she did and how much fun it was. So she decided to try it out.
This diary details the good and bad times, including when she wanted to quit. But the challenge was enormous and the rewards immense. She's now about to join up as an adult instructor to put back into the organisation what she got out of it.
Year 1
On my first parade night, I was scared and imagined it to be like Bad Lads Army! In the office, the man looked tall and scary but turned out to be very nice. I was told to observe and get involved where I could. I thoroughly enjoyed my first night.
Annual camp was approaching - a two week camp, with a three day exercise, and a chance to pass a Star level. Mum had booked the family holiday over one of the weeks, but I made the second week at Longmoor in Hampshire.
At the gate, mum spoke to a real soldier who had a gun, which I think scared her off! I was shown my block and my friend had saved me a bed next to hers. Camp was packed with tests, training and extra activities. Long days from 7.30am - 9pm, but all worth it. I left with just a couple of subjects still to pass on my 2 Star.
I then gave orienteering a try - a brilliant way to stay fit, and learn new skills. After a few months, I was invited to the National Championships in the New Forrest... I was stunned! I ended up 2nd out of the ACF Junior Girls, and collected my first item of silverware.
Year 2
This year I completed my 2 Star with two testing days and a weekend camp. The 3 Star sounds like a real challenge. After my 14th birthday, I signed up to the Duke of Edinburgh scheme. You earn badges: bronze, silver and gold, by completing different stages. First we walked to Blacklands Farm and did activities from rock climbing and kayaking to high ropes and assault courses.
Annual camp this year was on Salisbury Plain. We spent the first few days of 3 Star training being assessed. Then it was FIBUA (Fighting In Built Up Areas) where we learnt how to 'clear houses' and assault villages. Senior cadets pushed us to our limits and brought out a real sense of teamwork and bonding.
Being a girl in the ACF, shouldn't, but does, make a difference. You don't get treated any differently from the boys, but I felt I had a point to prove. On day three, at breakfast, after an early ambush and clearing the village, I burst into tears. I couldn't take any more. However, a motivational talk later, I was back in and completed the exercise. I could face anything, it was a real turning point for me.
Post-exercise, we chilled out and we relived our ‘war stories'. During final parade, I received my fyrst stripe. I was made a Lance Corporal!
Year 3
This year I did Patrol Competition which tests your ability to work under pressure, in a variety of situations. My detachment commander said it'd be good experience and help with my cadet training.
Saturday morning was intensive training. I was going for the junior team as I physically couldn't keep up with the 6ft tall boys! We did obstacle courses, military tests, command tasks and stretcher runs. On Sunday we ran four circuits over very hilly, difficult terrain and a command task each lap tested our teamwork and leadership skills. Following selection, there were six more tough training weekends of assault courses and long runs. In the competition our Senior Team won, and our Junior Team came second.
Annual Camp this year was at Oakhampton and I was on my 3 Star course. I thought testing was easier than I'd been trained for. People found out I did dancing, so I taught the cadre ballet! We finished camp doing our Junior Cadet Instructors Cadre - an introduction to teaching cadets. Pass or fail? We were marched into the office and given feedback. I got best cadet in the section.
Finally, went to the Orienteering Nationals again, came 3rd and the Junior Girls Team won!
Year 4
Started adventurous training with my SMP (Summer Mountain Proficiency). We walked Welsh peaks, including Snowdonia and did survival skills. I also completed my Duke of Edinburgh at Bronze level!
On my adventure training weekend camp, there was a climbing tower, kayaking, canoeing and rafting, archery, mountain bike tracks and routes and an obstacle course. I helped organise the cadets, set up camp, and the activities. What's more, our team won 'Exercise Tiger Cub' - a round robin of events against different counties.
On annual camp I did my Senior Cadet Instructors Cadre with a cadet training team of regular soldiers. There's a lot of theory work, but it's still good fun. I passed my 4 Star and was promoted to sergeant.
I also learnt about the BTEC scheme for cadets over 16. You get the equivalent of 4 GCSE's at grades A-C or Scottish Standard Grades 1 - 3, from completing tasks, and written work. I enrolled and did the training weekend. Attended the annual Orienteering Nationals and our team won again - it's becoming a bit of a habit.
Amazing news - I was invited to County HQ. I'd
been selected as one of 12 Commandant's cadets meaning I'd stand as a
representative of the ACF at important functions.
Year 5
Began the year with BTEC weekends and received the first distinction in the county! Then it was off on a WMP (Winter Mountain Proficiency) course in Scotland in knee high snow, detecting avalanches, using crampons, ice axes and building and sleeping in snow holes.
I marched with the ACF banner, in front of the Duke of Edinburgh at Sandhurst, who I met and spoke with. I felt really privileged and completed my Silver DofE Award.
Annual camp: Thetford. As a 4 Star cadet, I taught other cadets and I'd been promoted to Colour Sergeant a couple of weeks prior to camp. 10 cadets to teach over the two weeks - my section won overall. Then a three day expedition and three day exercise. At the end I got promoted to CSM (Company Sergeant Major). A (Albuhera) Company now belonged to me!
Next, a three week Australia exchange. We spent a week in Perth, sight-seeing and having fun, then on to Annual Camp: one week out in the 'bush'. Brilliant. We found their training very easy compared to ours and won absolutely everything from obstacle courses and drill to first aid! The third week was spent sightseeing in and around Sydney.
My Company Commander put me in for the Duke of Westminster's Award to select the best cadet in the country. I make it into the top 25!
Year 6
Got my 2 and 3 Star kayaking in Wales, did my open canoe 2 Star, and am going back to do my 3 Star in open canoes. I helped on a project called Outreach working with young people from difficult backgrounds teaching them new skills. It felt a huge achievement.
At the Master Cadet 5 day course at Frimley Park, I came away with a recommendation for the Champion Cadet Competition.
Parachuting in Germany at 'Bad Lipspringgen'. 3500ft and everyone jumped out without hesitation. Amazing rush.
Promoted to Cadet Under Officer prior to camp, got to eat in the officers mess and attend regimental dinner. I did an expedition over Dartmoor, as part of my gold Duke of Edinburgh. Three of us, low on supplies, wet, and falling down every hole possible.
In competitions, we scooped the Cooper's Cask Award meaning that my company was the best in the county. I came 11th out of 45,000 in Champion Cadet Competition and our county wiped the board in the orienteering nationals!
Best of all, I rounded off the year, and my cadet career by being awarded the Cadet of the Year in my county, and the Lord Lieutenant's Cadet which resulted in me being awarded a Lord Lieutenant's Certificate of Good Service.
