LOTHIAN & BORDERS ARMY CADET FORCE
THE ACHIEVER Issue 04 | March 2017
Burma Company prepared for their weekend camp competition results. Facebook facebook.com/lbcadets
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Issue 04 | March 2017
LOTHIAN AND BORDERS BATTALION ARMY CADET FORCE
IN THIS ISSUE 03 CCAT 04 Annual Camp 2017 05 Vacancies 06 21 Troop 07 Shooting Dates Coming Up 08 BFBS #Cadettakeover 09 Belgian Battlefield Tour 2018 12 Stop Press 14 17 Platoon
Our newest Adult Volunteers are piloting a new SQLF Level 6 Adult Achievement Award.
A NOTE FROM THE EDITOR: It’s back!! I’m really excited to have ‘The Achiever’ return once again to showcase the life-changing experiences and incredible achievements of the cadets and adult volunteers within our Battalion. A month by month round up of all the latest goings on, your newsletter will provide handy tips, information to help you go further plus, many more fantastic features! The best of it? ….you can get involved too!
Do you have an interest in digital media? Maybe you’re the next Zuckerberg, Spielberg, or Wogan? If so, then get in touch! The next newsletter will be published on April 3rd. You can contact me via our Facebook Page by email, lbpro@armymail.mod.uk 2Lt Andy Malarky - Public Relations Officer
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Intermediate Rock Climbing (IRC) 2015
REACH NEW HEIGHTS WITH CCAT The Cadet Centre for Adventure Training (CCAT) is the national focus ‘one stop shop’ service for all ACF Adventurous Training (AT) activities; CCAT has three main UK based delivery centres, Capel Curig Training Camp located in the heart of the Snowdonia National Park in North Wales, Halton Training Camp near Lancaster on the banks of the River Lune just 20 minutes south of the Lake District and Feshniebridge Lodge nestled in the heart of the Cairngorm National Park just eight miles from Aviemore and within easy reach of the Scottish Highlands. They also use overseas bases to deliver a range of fantastic courses in Germany, France, Norway, Spain and the European Alps. Senior Cadets aged 16+ can embark on a pathway to gain a basic Foundation and Intermediate skills qualification in Summer, Winter and Alpine Mountaineering, Rock Climbing, Winter Climbing, Caving, Open Canoeing, Kayaking (sea and inland), Skiing (Nordic & Alpine) and Mountain Biking. If interested check out the CCAT website and speak with your Detachment Commander or Company Training Officer! Qualifications achieved with CCAT are recognised outside of the Army Cadet Force. www.armycadetadventure.co.uk 3
ANNUAL CAMP 2017 2017 will see Lothian & Borders Battalion Army Cadet Force head to Cumbria in July to spend their two week long Annual Camp in Warcop.
Issue 04 | March 2017
This year’s camp will also provide a wide range of adventure training opportunities. For the newer cadets this will involve an introduction to climbing, mountain biking and canoeing. Slightly more experienced cadets will be able to progress on to more challenging activities.
Over 400 cadets are expected at this year’s camp. During camp cadets will get to enjoy Warcop’s excellent shooting ranges and get the chance to try out clay pigeon shooting.
There will also be plenty on hand for our Adults! It is intended that there be an Intermediate Induction Course ran at Annual Camp to progress our new volunteers to Probationary Sergeant Instructors as celebrated below left by PSI S. Caw and Col E. Marshall at Altcar 2016.
When not on the ranges they will be able to undertake Army Proficiency Certificate training, learning skills such as navigation and fieldcraft and mastering a range of life saving first aid skills. Once they have mastered the basics the cadets will put their skills into practice during a challenging tactical field exercise.
The payment for Annual Camp 2017 is £100 and is to be received into Battalion Headquarters from Company Headquarters by April 29th 2017 so be sure to speak to your Detachment Commander to find out when your cutoff date is. For those who are only attending one week the following costs will apply;
Burma, Alma & Minden Coys; Week one = £70 Week two = £40 Tangier, Rhine & Kohima Coys; Week one = £40 Week two = £70
Parents are to make their own arrangements for pick up or drop off to/from Warcop for any cadet that is not attending the full two-week period.
Tangier Coy Post Exercise July 2016 4
VACANCIES COMPANY SERGEANT MAJOR—TANGIER COMPANY The position of CSM—Tangier Company will become vacant in April 2017. Applications for the post are invited and are to be submitted in writing to the Cadet Executive Officer no later than close of business on March 24th 2017. Applicants are to hold the minimum qualification of SA(M)07 and are to hold the rank of Staff Sergeant Instructor at the time of applying.
CADET COMMANDANT—BLACK WATCH ACF The position of Cadet Commandant—Black Watch ACF will arise on May 1st 2017 based at Queens Barracks Perth. The Battalion comprises 22 Detachments with around 600 staff and cadets on strength Company will become vacant in April 2017. Applications for the post are invited and are to be submitted by a CV of not more than two pages and covering letter to the Executive Staff Officer of Highland RFCA no later than close of business on March 31st 2017. Applicants must have commissioned service in the Regular Army, Army Reserve, ACF or CCF in the rank of Major at the time of applying. An interview selection board will be convened at HQ 51 (Infantry) Brigade, Stirling shortly after closing.
Photography caption and details
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TOP SHOTS AT 21 TROOP CHESSER
Issue 04 | March 2017
Cadets from 21 Troop, Chesser spent one of their recent training nights conducting Live Firing Marskmanship Training. Considered one of the most exciting activities in the Army Cadets and the reason why 86% of cadets join, shooting is the main activity that differentiates the Army Cadets from most other Youth Organisations. Learning about shooting will teach cadets a number of key skills, the most important of which are discipline and safety awareness. It also brings with it a great sense of achievement.
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Cdt Cpl B. Spong assesses his shot.
SHOOTING CALENDAR BASIC SHOOTING AND COACHING COURSE 25TH & 26TH MARCH There will be a basic shooting and coaching course for adults being conducted at Drumshoreland CTC. There will also be a Shooting Officers meeting that all adults are welcome to who have an interest in shooting. Attendees are to book themselves onto Westminster.
.22 SHOOT—BATTALION SHOOTING TEAM 24TH—26TH MARCH There is an opportunity on the weekend of 24th—26th March for cadets who are a good shot to try out for the Battalion Shooting Team. If you’re a crack shot and want to give it a try, or maybe you’re already in the shooting team? Speak with your Detachment Commander now to secure your place!
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BFBS #CADETTAKEOVER
Issue 04 | March 2017
BFBS would like to invite you to be part of ‘The BFBS Cadet Takeover’.
competition. This also brings ownership of a key part of BFBS’s radio and digital content, whilst at the same time developing the digital skills of young people.
The initiative encourages cadets and their units to film and submit videos that capture cadet activities on BFBS’s social media and radio channels.
Tips for cadets shooting videos:
OVERVIEW You don’t need lots of technology… just imagination and great stories! BFBS is looking for short, 10-60 second videos.
Examples include parades, cadet tutorials/’How To’ guides or footage of weekly activities and excursions. ‘The BFBS Cadet Takeover’ aims to raise the profile of local units, cadet members, illustrate the benefits of being part of a cadet force and foster inter unit
1. Put your phone on aeroplane mode. 2. Shoot horizontally with the home button on the right 3. Don’t zoom, move closer 4. Hold your phone with two hands to steady yourself and try to keep the camera as still as possible 5. Once you've started recording, leave a small pause before starting the action you're filming About BFBS: Forces Radio BFBS connects forces communities worldwide, championing the work of the British Armed Forces. They broadcast in the UK on DAB radio, on FM in UK based forces stations and overseas where the British Forces serve. For more information contact 2Lt Malarky via lbpro@armymail.mod.uk Other opportunities: You can also nominate a ‘Cadet of Week’ for the programme Access All Areas, Sundays 10-1pm. Email: access@bfbs.com
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BELGIAN BATTLEFIELD TOUR 2018 13TH—20TH SEPTEMBER 2018 Dates have now been set for a Battalion Battlefield Tour to The trip will be a little bit more expensive this year as the Belgium next year. Travelling from Drumshoreland CTC to Battalion intends to take a full coach. No final cost has been Hull by coach for an overnight ferry to Zeebrugge with the arranged at this time while we await some quotes however the trip is not expected to exceed £450-£500. This numbe is return journey via the same route. excluding grants received and the income from fundraising activities. Cadets and adults will be staying at the Poppies Hostel in Ypres town centre and will have the opportunity to visit the following places of interest; Flanders Fields Museum Sanctuary Wood Passchendaele Museum Essex Farm Hill 60 Tyne Cot Langermark Hooge Crater Plugstreet 14-18 Experience Plus more...
There is no restrictions on a cadets star level or rank therefore all cadets who wish to be considered are to pass their names to their Detachment Commanders. Individuals are to ensure their passports have at least six months left on their expiry at the time of travel. The aim is to select 39 cadets to attend this trip. Non refundable deposits of £100 can be placed to guarantee a space. Cheques made payable to ‘Lothian and Borders ACF’. For more information contact Lt S. Williams, Burma Company.
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STOP PRESS
Issue 04 | March 2017
CVQO: BTEC Level 2 Diplomas Congratulations to the cadets within the Battalion who have achieved a level 2 diploma from CVQO; Cdt CSM MacLean—Minden Cdt S/Sgt MacLaughlin—Burma Cdt Sgt Gibb—Alma Cdt Cpl Hutchison—Alma Cdt L/Cpl Somerville—Alma
Cadet Bromley, 36 (Loanhead) Platoon earns ‘Cadet of the Month’ for Feb.
NEW COMMISSION FOR ACF VOLUNTEERS.
HM The Queen has approved an historic new commission for Cadet Force Volunteers. The new commission will be introduced for adult volunteer officers in the Army Cadet Force, Combined Cadet Force, RAF Air Cadets and Sea Cadets from April. Introduced to recognise the immense contribution made by volunteer staff as leaders of national uniformed youth organisations sponsored by the Ministry of Defence, it is the first bespoke commission of its kind to be granted for 155 years when the Commissioning Act of 11th April 1862 was passed, all Armed Forces commissions date back to here.
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Cdts Donaldson & Donlin in the hot seats
A BRUSH WITH THE LAW Cadets from Rhine Company visited Livingston Army Reserve Centre (ARC) at the invitation of 243 Provost Company of the Royal Military Police during their February weekend camp.
It saw the cadets being introduced to the complex policing side of their role, learning about Crime Scene Management, a demonstration of Public Order techniques and of course the chance to try out some of the Royal Military Police’s kit and equipment. 21 Troop, Tangier Company also received a visit from Police Scotland to their Detachment in February too.
How social is your ACF network? Don’t forget - you can find us on Facebook and Twitter for up to the minute information on what we are planning, and real time updates as it happens. You can follow us on Twitter @LandBACF For official photos and news from around the Battalion look on Facebook for the ‘Lothian & Borders Bn ACF’ page. Simply click LIKE to receive regular update via your newsfeed.
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THE BUTTERFLY TRUST ‘XMAS JUMPER CAMPAIGN’ Cadets from 17 Platoon, Granton Square donned their Christmas Jumpers back in December in aid of the Cystic Fibrosis Scotland Xmas Jumper Campaign.
Get involved! Do you have an interesting story to tell, maybe you have some top tips to share? If you have an interest in digital and broadcast media, then why not learn some great skills at the same time! Your story could even be used nationally and by the local media! To submit an article message our Facebook Page or email lbpro@armymail.mod.uk