Army Cadet Magazine Summer 2015

ARMY CADET VOLUNTEER G O I N G

Summer 2015

F U R T H E R

armycadets.com

TIME OUT

LEARN HOW TO CONTROL CONFLICT

BEST IN CLASS

Support students in schools by encouraging recruitment and setting up Youth Outreach projects

DofE Award Challenge, adventure and a boost for career prospects

INSIDE: News

The latest command tasks Your letters and photos Civilian assistants

ACFA ANNUAL DINNER Saturday 21st November 2015, Honourable Artillery Company, London

ACFA AN

N UA L DINNE R BOOKING FO RM ENCLOSED

OPEN TO ALL SERVING ACF ADULT VOLUNTEERS & MEMBERS OF ACFA

Early booking is strongly advised

BOO

ISSUE #1: SUMMER 2015

W E LC O M E

Welcome to the new-look Army Cadet Volunteer. With a new ACF brand and the move to a new publisher, the time was right for a revamp and we hope you enjoy the magazine’s fresh, new look.

This issue we’ve got some great ideas on how to encourage team-building in your detachment; and all it takes is a mat and some beanbags (see page 12). Conflict is a thorny issue and one which we all have to deal with, particularly with teenagers, and we’ve got lots of tips on how to avoid and deal with conflict as it arises (see page 14). We’ve also got an in-depth article on how CFAVs can build links with local schools to help recruit cadets and set up Youth Outreach projects (see page 18).

We hope you like our new Army Cadet Volunteer. We’ll be sending out an online survey after the next issue to ask for your feedback in detail, but in the meantime please email us and let us have your thoughts on what’s good or not so good.

VALERIE MCBURNEY Head of ACF Marketing and Communications

CONTENTS 22

12

24

EVERY ISSUE 04. THE BRIEFING Escorting a king’s coffin, night time mountaineering and more

I always knew I wanted to be a lawyer and the award got me into university Duke of Edinburgh’s Award p22

08. THE DRILL Bad CPR on the big screen, get fit tips and getting lost

26. NUMBER-OFF! What you should – and shouldn’t – pack for camp

28. STEPPING UP Awards, promotions and tips

34. DAY IN THE LIFE 2nd Lieutenant Tricia Bell on her rock’n’roll lifestyle

THIS ISSUE 12. COMMAND TASKS Team-building tasks to try with your detachment

14. FIELD OF CONFLICT Learn the skills of mediation and resolve conflicts quickly

18. BEST IN CLASS Different ways to build winwin relationships with schools

22. WINNING COMBINATION The benefits of the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award

24. DETACHMENT HEROES Becoming a civilian assistant to mentor and support cadets

ON THE COVER Best in class Conflict management Civilian assistants Duke of Edinburgh’s Award

GO FURTHER Write and tell us what you think of the new magazine marketing@army cadets.com

Army Cadet Volunteer is produced by the ACF Marketing and Communications team, based at the Army Cadet Force Association: Holderness House, 51-61 Clifton Street, London EC2A 4DW Get in touch: Tel: 020 7426 8377 Fax: 020 7426 8378 Website: www.armycadets.com Email: marketing@armycadets.com Facebook: facebook.com/ Armycadetforce Twitter: @ArmyCadetsUK Army Cadet Volunteer magazine is designed and edited by James Pembroke Publishing

Printed by PrecisionColour Printing This publication may not be reproduced or transmitted in any form whole or in part without prior written permission of the publishers. All contents and addresses correct at time of going to press. Every care has been taken in the preparation of this magazine, but neither James Pembroke Publishing or ACFA can be held responsible for the accuracy of the information herein, or any consequences arising from it. Views expressed by contributors might not reflect the views of the ACF or the Army.

Editor: Carly Chynoweth Art editor: Simon Goddard Project manager: Esther Newman

ARMYCADETS.COM 3

THE BRIEFING ARMY CADET NEWS FROM AROUND THE UK

FUNDRAISING

IN THE PHOTOS: Cadets from LNR ACF performed duties during the ceremony to lay King Richard III to rest

YOUR Flash

ROYAL DU T IES

FIT FOR A KING LNR cadets pull King Richard III’s coffin to its final resting place

W

hen the remains of England’s last Plantagenet king were laid to rest in March, cadets and adult volunteers from B Squadron, Leicestershire, Northamptonshire and Rutland ACF were part of the ceremony. The remains of the king, who was killed at the Battle of Bosworth in 1485, were discovered underneath a Leicester car park in 2012.

The 20 cadets and 10 CFAVs, under the direction of RSMI Lee Ellis, pulled the bier of King Richard III through Bosworth Battlefield Heritage Centre, accompanied by a host of dignitaries. At the Heritage Centre, the Rt Rev Tim Stevens led a short memorial

4 ACF SUMMER 2015

Cool running

service, after which the cadets and CFAVs escorted the king’s remains as they were transferred to a hearse and taken to Leicester Cathedral. Here, LNR ACF’s Corps of Drums greeted the procession’s arrival. LCpl Zac Hancock, Cpl Dominic Payne, Cpl Cameron Hall and Cpl Matt Gilbert, all from Glen Parva Detachment, were the lance guard for the day.

LCpl Niamh Coghlan from Hinckley Detachment, one of the cadets chosen to pull the bier, said: “I felt so honoured to be here.” Richard Knox, the Heritage Development Manager, thanked LNR ACF for its support and for the “spectacular and wellpolished” manner in which cadets and CFAVs carried

STORIES Write to us with your news and stories at editor@army cadets.com the bier. “Our thanks must also go to the cadets on stewarding duties. We could not have coped without them.”

Cadets and volunteers practised for a month beforehand, said Major Bierne, OC at B Squadron.

“Everyone who was involved in this will remember it for the rest of their lives. It was a team effort with cadets and CFAVs from other squadrons and companies across the LNR ACF, who also helped organisers with marshalling.”

The Cadet Commandant, Colonel Phil Watson, thanked everyone involved for their hard work. “No matter what role you undertook, it was much appreciated.”

AT THE END of January Glasgow and Lanarkshire ACF’s 2Lt Daniel Dillon and 2Lt Christopher Peacock accepted the challenge of a mountain marathon. Doing it overnight in the middle of winter took the adventure to a whole new level. The pair were climbing in order to raise money for Combat Stress, the veterans’ mental health charity.

On a cold, windy night they completed the gruelling Marmot Dark Mountains event, a 40km route over the Howgill Fells in Cumbria. Runners have to navigate using a map and compass and, in this case, in the dark.

“We hope that through our efforts we can help Combat Stress to continue the much needed service they provide to veterans of our Armed Forces,” said Christopher.

The two CFAVs have already hit their £1,000 fundraising target.

To contribute or find out more: www.justgiving.com/ MidnightMountaineers 2Lts Daniel Dillon (right) and Christopher Peacock reach the summit

GET IN TOUCH E: marketing@armycadets.com facebook.com/Armycadetforce @ArmyCadetsUK cadetsarmy

the briefing

acf awards

PI Amy Owen (left) and 2Lt Sarah Shergold, working together

The following have been recognised for their commitment and dedication to the ACF cadet force medal

N e w D e t a c h m e n t C o m m a nd e r

Taking the lead Two friends from Derbyshire have joined forces to take over Draycott Detachment. 2Lt Sarah Shergold, formerly DC at Hallcroft Detachment, and PI Amy Owen, from Ilkeston Detachment, moved to Draycott in March.

Sarah, 23, and Amy, 19, began as cadets at Long Eaton Detachment before going on to volunteer as adult instructors. Sarah, who has been in the ACF for 11 years, said: “I hope that, with the help of the team around us, we can make the Detachment a success and make the cadets proud.

“I have picked up many different ideas during my time in the ACF, so I am thrilled to have been selected to use my experience to lead a new generation of cadets. Being a cadet means you have the chance to take part in lots of activities that you may not have had the opportunity to do before, such as adventurous

training and working towards a range of qualifications.”

Amy, who works as a Learning Support Assistant at a primary school in Sandiacre, added: “This is a brand new challenge for me, having only been an Adult Instructor since December 2013. I am looking forward to building the Detachment up and using my teaching and leadership skills to help the cadets grow into young adults.”

The CFAVs were selected to take on the Detachment because of their enthusiasm for mentoring and guiding young people.

By the end of the year, the pair hope to have 15 cadets parading regularly and taking part in events such as the local carnival and drill displays. They are also planning for the cadets to attend this summer’s annual camp, to be held at Longmoor.

For more information go to www.facebook.com/DBYACF

b a c k i n t h e d ay : ve day 8 May 1945 It’s 70 YEARS since the end of WWII in Europe. Tuesday 8 May 1945 saw people in the UK mark the Nazis’ surrender to Allied forces with parades and celebrations.

More than a million people thronged the streets of London from Trafalgar Square to Buckingham Palace. That same year, the British National Cadet Association changed its name to the Army Cadet Force Association, and became the charity that still plays a central role in ACF life today.

Lt A M ALLEN SMI R Bell ssi A Bennett Capt D I R Branch Capt A N Brunetti Lt N I CAIRNS ssi M Q Clarke Maj P COCKER SMI C R COLE Maj S J Cuthbert ssi D B Danbury SMI J L Doney ssi M Eynstone ssi T K Flude Capt N Freeman Rev A Glover ssi P J HARRISON 2Lt J D Hellard ssi K HENDERSONTHYNNE Capt C C G Higgins Capt S Johnson Lt Col Lee RSMI A J MacIver Sgt E M McALLISTER ssi S E McConnell Lt P McGough Sgt T McKenzie SMI D Miller SMI I Mountain SMI T N Neal SMI D O’Hagan SMI W Oliver ssi M O’Sullivan Sgt B J PROBERT SMI R Purcell 2Lt J F Richardson ssi D J SMITH ssi A H W Smyth ssi A Stanton Capt P K Taylor SMI J M Trainor ssi S WADE Rev S Ward Capt M A WARE SMI C S E Wharmby 1st CLASP

RSMI T Adams Capt M I Allington ssi L J BORAINE Maj J P Bradshaw Maj S A Brooks Capt C I Cooper Maj V Dawkins SMI M S Donachie Maj K E DUNBAR Capt A E Durban ssi R H S Edwards Maj A J Francis

SMI I D GREASON Capt B J Gurung Maj J Hallows Maj S Jackson ssi G Johns SMI D Kirkpatrick Capt D Konstantinious RSMI N P aLUSCOMBE 2Lt J P Mayes Capt S L McTaggart SMI D J Moore Maj B PAGENT ssi J M Pinfold Capt P G Pratt SMI W F Ramsell SMI A Ryan SMI J Scott Lt Col D J F Smith Maj J A Sutherland Capt P K Taylor ssi K Thain ssi M I Thornton SMI C Troy Maj M G Vokes MBE TD Rev A J White SMI DA WOODRUFF 2nd CLASP

Capt R E ASHTON Capt W Burns SMI G BYRNE Lt Col M D Coleman RSMI K M FOUND Lt L D Holland Maj L A Johnston Maj T P M Kiff Maj F T Owen Maj T E Reece Lt K W Ridgment SSI J L B Smith SMI G D TRURAN SMI W Tyrer Lt Col M A Watson Lt R Wilson 3RD CLASP Maj R Barritt Maj M P CHARLTON SSI G CHRISTIE SMI A J Ellis Lt Col C Gilbert SSI P Masterton Capt A R Morris Maj P J Murray Maj P Smillie

4th CLASP capt SSI

B P N J

Lt Col

J E

LUCAS STEPHEN

5th CLASP Brown

ARMYCADETS.COM 5

THE BRIEFING Army cadet Dillon Thomson was voted cadet of the year by his detachment

IN THE MEDIA

ACF luminaries making headlines

Cadet Darcie Tegerdine had her head shaved for charity

Darren receives his award for inspiring cadets as an adult volunteer

RECOGNITION

INSPIRING AWARD

C

aptain Darren Hughes of Glasgow and Lanarkshire ACF has been named Youthlink Scotland’s National Youth Worker of the Year in the uniformed organisations category.

Darren, the Battalion’s Cadet and Adult Development Officer, developed and ran its first Youth Outreach event last year, in partnership with St Thomas Aquinas High School in Glasgow. He also helped to bring about recognition of the ACF’s progressive training syllabus by the Scottish Qualifications Authority. This year, 14 young people have gained the SQA Level 5 Leadership Award – the first cadets in Scotland to do so.

Alongside this, Darren led the recruitment of volunteers

to establish a cadet detachment based at Govan High School, leading to 14 pupils studying uniformed and emergency services with the ACF for an SQA Level 2 Award.

Darren, who recently gained the post of B Company Commander within his battalion, said that he was overwhelmed simply to have been nominated for the Youthlink award.

“There are many adult volunteers in the ACF who inspire the cadets to achieve, and to be recognised as one of them is a fantastic feeling.

I am delighted to have achieved this prestigious accolade in recognition for the work I do.”

For more information on Outreach visit our website armycadets.com/ partnerships/outreach

Cambridgeshire: Darcie Tegerdine, 13, won this year’s Jim Carter Award for the best cadet in Cambridgeshire.

The Cambs Times praised the “true community spirit” shown by the Whittlesey Detachment cadet.

Lothian and Borders: Army cadet Dillon Thomson was named 14 Troop Musselburgh Army Cadets’ cadet of the year by his peers, reported the East Lothian Courier.

Derbyshire: Cadet Colour Sergeant Caitlin Scotting, 16, was awarded a trophy for outstanding achievements from the Royal British Legion, it was reported in The Derby Telegraph.

Dyfed and Glamorgan: Cadet Staff Sergeant Jessica Carroll, 17, was honoured by Wales Online for assisting the Lord-Lieutenant of Mid Glamorgan.

Leicestershire, Northamptonshire and Rutland: SMI Amanda Gilbert told the Loughborough Echo about the benefits of being involved with the ACF – as a cadet or a CFAV. She started volunteering when her daughter Beverley was a cadet and is now the Ibstock Detachment Commander.

Colonel Markham Bryant receives his MBE

Colonel Markham Bryant, the Deputy-Lieutenant of the London Borough of Havering, was awarded the MBE for his services to the ACF. He told the Romford Recorder: “It shows young people what they can achieve.”

Somerset: Jonathan Crease of Crewkerne ACF put a hold on his involvement in parades for a year so that he could grow a beard – and raise £1,325 for the Prostate and Testicular Cancer charity, reported the Western Gazette.

Caitlin receives recognition from the Royal British Legion

Jonathan’s beard raised funds for testicular cancer

6 ACF SUMMER 2015

THE BRIEFING

ACFA ANNUA L DINNER

Don’t miss the ACFA AGM and annual dinner booking form in this edition of Army Cadet.

Reserve your seat now for the event on 21 November 2015.

NATIONAL SPORTS RESULTS Sports results for football, cross country and rugby

The Army Cadet Force national cross country and boys’ football events took place on Saturday 14 March.

The cross country event was held at Warcop Training Area with the boys’ football competition close by at French Fields Sports Centre, near Penrith. The ACF National Rugby competition took place at Brecon on Saturday 28 March 2015.

E V E NT S 6 JUNE NATIONAL ATHLETICS COMPETITION Meres Stadium, Grantham 20-21 JUNE SIGNALS COMPETITION Exercise ‘Summer Whine’ 20-21 JUNE CLAY SHOOTING CHAMPIONSHIPS Cambridge Gun Club

C R O S S C O U N T R Y R E S U LT S JUNIOR BOYS

JUNIOR GIRLS

Indiv 1st

Cdt Mann West Midlands

Indiv 1st

Cdt Walker West Midlands

Indiv 2nd

Cdt Nightingdale Eastern

Indiv 2nd

Cdt Heywood Scotland

Indiv 3rd

Cdt Dyer South East

Indiv 3rd

Cdt Blake E West Midlands

1st

Eastern

1st

West Midlands

2nd

West Midlands

2nd

Eastern

3rd

Scotland

3rd

North West

INTERMEDIATE BOYS

INTERMEDIATE GIRLS

Indiv 1st

Cdt Rogers Eastern

Indiv 1st

LCpl Taylor London

Indiv 2nd

Cpl Quartermain Eastern

Indiv 2nd

Cpl Newton-Hague North West

Indiv 3rd

Cdt Walker West Midlands

Indiv 3rd

LCpl Mercer Eastern

1st

Eastern

1st

Eastern

2nd

London

2nd

North West

3rd

Scotland

3rd

South East

SENIOR BOYS

SENIOR GIRLS

Indiv 1st

CSM Chitulu Eastern

Indiv 1st

LCpl Roach Eastern

Indiv 2nd

Cpl Barker North West

Indiv 2nd

Cpl Sheasby London

Indiv 3rd

Cpl Meade North East

Indiv 3rd

Sgt McGraw North East

1st

Eastern

1st

Eastern

2nd

West Midlands

2nd

Scotland

3rd

North West

OVERALL ACFA NATIONAL CHAMPIONS

PERFORMANCE

Military drummers performance art FIFTEEN ARMY CADETS delivered a tightly choreographed performance of military drumming in a special event at Tate Modern, London, on 26 January. The performance, complemented by poetry readings, helped to bring alive the themes of the Conflict, Time, Photography exhibition by artists Adam Broomberg and Oliver Chanarin. The cadets, from 131 Detachment, Greater London South West ACF and Reeds School CCF, thoroughly enjoyed themselves, while the audience was thrilled with the spectacular performance.

“I was very impressed by the cadets’ bearing and turnout and they were a great credit to the Army Cadet Force, proving once again the reach of cadet force music,” said Colonel Jammes, Colonel Cadet Music.

Eastern

B O Y S ’ F O O T B A L L R E S U LT S FINAL – JUNIORS

FINAL – SENIORS

Scotland 0

London 2

South East 2

North East 1

N AT I O N A L R U G B Y R E S U LT S

4 JULY GIRLS’ HOCKEY CHAMPIONSHIPS Imphal Barracks, York

SEMI-FINALS – INTERMEDIATES

FINALS – INTERMEDIATES

Scotland 5

Eastern 7

Eastern 7

Wales 10

South East 0

4 JULY TUG OF WAR CHAMPIONSHIPS Imphal Barracks, York

SEMI-FINALS – SENIORS

FINALS – SENIORS

Scotland 0

Eastern 29

Eastern 5

Wales 27

South East 7

Wales 39

Wales 32

ARMYCADETS.COM 7

THE DRILL TIPS, ADVICE AND COMMENT

SSI Paresh Pandya can increase your fitness in five minutes…

HE ALT H

FIVE-MINUTE FITNESS YOU DON’T NEED TO SPEND HOURS IN THE GYM TO INCREASE YOUR FITNESS

ONLY ON THE BIG SCREEN Real life is rarely as it is on the silver screen. We reveal the truth behind a Hollywood scenario

THE ABYSS

The Abyss: Twentieth Century Fox Film Corporation (presents) (as Twentieth Century Fox) Pacific Western Lightstorm Entertainment

S

(CPR scene)

cience fiction thriller The Abyss sees a team of civilian divers join forces with US Navy SEALs in an effort to work out why a nuclear submarine sank. When things go wrong and a diver drowns, she’s given a couple of minutes of bent-arm CPR and a zap with a defibrillator (despite being surrounded by puddles) before most of her teammates decide it’s time to give up and move on. Not Ed Harris, though, who manages to restart her heart with a slap to the face and some impassioned shouting.

“CPR in films and on television is generally abysmal,” says Andy Baggs, the ACFA First Aid Delivery Manager. “It’s too slow, people bend their arms and it never goes on long enough.

“Even when properly performed, CPR is unlikely to result in a miraculous instant recovery, but if first responders can keep it up until the casualty can get professional medical care, his or her chances of survival

8 ACF SUMMER 2015

rise significantly. Any trained cadet faced with a person who is unconscious and not breathing in a drowning situation would know they should start with five rescue breaths then continue with normal CPR of 30 compressions to two rescue breaths. They would then keep that cycle going until medical help arrived or the casualty recovered.

“If there is a defibrillator on scene you should use it. However, if there is water present, using it is a very bad idea.”

If dripping with sweat, or water, don’t use a defibrillator

PLENTY OF people struggle to find the time – and the enthusiasm – to spend an hour a day in the gym or pounding the pavement. That’s no excuse to give up exercise entirely, though, particularly if you work in a sedentary job, says SSI Paresh Pandya, Detachment Commander, 213 (Haverstock School Detachment), Middlesex and NW London ACF. “Even five minutes a day can make a difference, so set your alarm 10 minutes early and you’ll have time for a short, sharp workout before breakfast.

One of the best exercises is a very simple squat. You don’t need weights – just yourself. Do a set of ten, rest for a minute, and then repeat twice more. Doing leg exercises will raise your testosterone, which helps to build muscle overall. It will also wake you up and increase your energy levels as you start your day.”

Increase muscle mass and endurance in five minutes a day

THE DRILL

BUILD A BETTER TE A M

It gives you the opportunity to expand your communication skills with everyone Cadet Emily Ferguson Command Tasks, page 12

HOW TO : S HO OT B E T TE R VID EOS

C

reating compelling videos takes practice. Here’s how to make promotional films, telling stories about the ACF, that people will want to watch.

Plan Write down or sketch the shots you need to film for your story. Avoid zooming – it can give videos an amateurish feel or make people dizzy. If you must, do it slowly.

Framing A wide shot can set the scene but it’s often best to focus on details. With people, fill the frame, although subjects can be placed slightly off-centre.

DO YOU MEASURE UP?

ARMY TESTS TIPS FOR HITS Once you’ve shot and edited your video, follow these tips to make sure you get the YouTube hits you deserve.

1

Choose a relevant title Be sure to include the words ‘Army Cadets’ where possible, as Google looks at keywords.

2

Pick an interesting thumbnail Use an eye-catching image to represent your video in search results to get more people watching.

3

Add a description This should highlight the main theme of the video and include relevant keywords.

Perspective Recording entire activities from one spot can be dull. Capture footage from a range of vantage points, or, to get a different angle, kneel, or climb on a chair.

4

Backlighting Shooting into bright light turns subjects into silhouettes. Try to avoid this. Some camcorders have settings to reduce the effects of backlighting.

5

Tag it up Keyword time again – tag it with relevant keywords, such as ‘Army Cadets’, ‘volunteering’ and ‘outdoor activities’, to make it easier to find.

Promote your work If lots of people watch your video, and watch it for the duration, it will rank higher in search results.

CFAVS DON’T have to meet the Army’s physical standards or entrance tests; volunteering is about inspiring young people to tackle challenges and know they can go further than they ever thought. But if you were going to set yourself a challenge, could you do it?

Why not see how you’d fare alongside these benchmarks.

PHYSICAL TEST: 1.5 mile run: 14 mins 30 secs (junior entry), 12 mins 45 secs (infantry), 9 mins 40 secs (Para senior entry); Lift: 40kg (all infantry) TECHNICAL TEST: Anyone interested in joining a technical trade has to pass the 45-minute technical selection test.

A sample question from the test is as follows: A platoon marching at 3.98 miles per hour marches for 2.07 hours. To the nearest mile, how far do they march?*

Try out a tripod Shooting from a flat surface or a tripod avoids shaky movies. *Answer: 8 miles

Spares Batteries and memory cards always run out at the worst moment.

Audio With a built-in microphone, get close to your subject to reduce background noise. Using a separate mic is best.

Make a plan before shooting to ensure your film promotes the ACF correctly

W H A T T O D O I F. . . …YOU GET LOST Good preparation is the best defence, but if you do get lost, follow these simple steps, says National Navigation Adviser Ben Arrowsmith: STAY CALM Getting lost can be scary, but it is normally quite an easy problem to solve.

ORIENTATE YOUR MAP Ideally, do this using land features. If you can’t, use a compass and align the north arrow with the vertical grid lines on your map.

REFERENCE Identify your last known point. How long have you travelled for? Can you see any major features to help you establish the general area you are in?

IDENTIFY FEATURES on the ground and map – from roads to rivers, hills and fence lines. Move around to gain better visibility.

STEPS If you still cannot identify where you are, retrace your steps until you are confident in your location. Repeat process if necessary.

FOR MORE INFORMATION see the NNAS Outdoor Navigation handbook for tutors, or contact Ben on 6804arrow@ armymail.mod.uk

ARMYCADETS.COM 9

THE DRILL

SEE FOR YOUR SELF

SI Liam O’Laughlin is one of the ACF’s younger detachment commanders

Take a look at our new ACF promotional films on armycadets.com or via our YouTube channel:

www.youtube.com/user/cadetsarmy

RECRUITING

NUMBERS UP

T

he ACF’s efforts to tackle the officer shortfall are going in the right direction but the numbers are still significantly below requirements. The latest marketing directive shows a shortage of around 28%.

“The directive highlights that there were 762 vacant officer posts in April 2015, compared with 902 in 2014,” says Richard Crawford, SO1 Cadet Policy and Plans at Support Command.

“This is still too high and, as well as recruiting more officers, we need to make sure we have the right age profile. At the moment 21% of officers are under 35, 34% are between 36-50 and 45% are over 51, so we’re doing all we can to try to recruit more young CFAVs, particularly those with the potential to become officers.”

The ACF is working hard to recruit more officers across all age ranges

AGE PROFILE:

355 Age 21-35

587 Age 36-50

784 Age 51-65

Iain Clyde, the Deputy Chief Executive of North of England RFCA, is well aware of the age issue in his region. “Here in the North East we have a particular issue with retaining adult volunteers after five years’ service and in the age bracket 18-30,” he says.

“We’ve run campaigns with a local newspaper group to target employers of CFAVS so we can highlight the skills adult volunteers bring to business. We’ve also been using campaigns in regional retail centres to promote the benefits of volunteering. To date we’ve had over 100 potential adult volunteers express an interest in joining as a direct result of the campaigns, with 40% in the 18-30 age bracket. Our next objective is to promote the benefits of volunteering to university students.”

O P E N W E E K I N I T I AT I V E DELEGATES AT April’s PRO conference in Strensall were the first to hear about the ACF’s new Open Week and Community Week initiatives.

“We want to try out an idea that works for many organisations,” says Richard Crawford, SO1 Cadet Policy and Plans. “Many detachments already hold open days and similar recruitment events but we

10 ACF SUMMER 2015

believe we can get extra PR value out of them by focusing them in one week.”

Counties will be asked whether they can hold an open day or evening during Open Week, scheduled for 14-20 September. “We’ll use the same slot each year to allow counties to plan,” says Richard. “We’re also planning a similar Community Week in the spring, when we’ll

ask counties to organise community events or celebrate what they’ve done for their communities over the year.”

By focusing activity in particular weeks PROs will benefit from being able to plan their publicity in advance and get support – in the form of ideas and publicity materials – from the national PR team.

For more information contact marketing@armycadets.com

PROFILE

Youth leader ONE OF the ACF’s younger recruits is SI Liam O’Loughlin, Detachment Commander of Wolfreton Detachment in Humberside and South Yorkshire, who has been with the ACF since April 2010.

The criminology student, who hopes to join the police, says he had so much fun as a cadet that he wanted to give something back. “I enjoy watching the cadets progress,” says the 23-year-old.

“Whenever I see an opportunity I think my cadets would enjoy, I apply for it, but you have to be pretty lucky to get picked. That’s why I was over the moon when my two senior cadets were invited to attend the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee concert – with me there to keep an eye on them, of course.

“We were less than 10m from the stage so we got to see great performers, such as Robbie Williams, will.i.am and Jimmy Carr up close. But the most amazing moment was seeing Prince Charles and the Queen on stage together when he gave a moving speech in tribute to his mum.”

Joining as a young person can raise a few minor challenges. “I became a volunteer when I was 18, so people often think I am a cadet rather than the person in charge. When we went to London for the concert we were staying in Hammersmith CTC and, when I went to book us in, the Admin Officer said, ‘Okay, you’re all in room 5’. I had to send the cadets off for a walk and explain I was actually an SI!”

THE DRILL

GETCONNECTED

Add Army Cadets UK to your professional profile by following us on LinkedIn:

www.linkedin.com/company/army-cadets-force

SPEAK OUT YOUR LETTERS, EMAILS, TWEETS & POSTS

YOUR NEW MAG I am pleased to introduce this new-look Army Cadet Volunteer magazine and to congratulate the Army Cadet Force marketing and communications team on its hard work.

The profile of cadets continues to soar.

The recent high-level review of cadets carried out by the MoD confirmed its continued support for cadets and the valuable contribution that they make to the wider cross-Government youth agenda, while the recent House of Lords debate on cadets reaffirmed the strong cross-party support that exists in Westminster. So it is not surprising that the cadet expansion programme continues to progress: the team is confident that they will achieve their target of 100 cadet units ahead of schedule.

The pivotal role of adult volunteers is seen to be the critical element in the development of young people, and all cadet force volunteers received the highest accolades for their work. So thank you once again for your commitment.

We were delighted in March when we signed a memorandum of understanding with Sp Comd that denotes the activities and services that we provide to further our charitable objects, namely: “To give mental, moral and physical training to young people, to form and develop the character of each to enable them to make a good start in life and to develop in them principles of good citizenship” and “to promote the efficiency of the Army Cadet Force through fostering the activities of army cadets and advancing the youth leadership abilities of CFAVs.” Finally, the ACFA trustees and the staff here at Holderness House are looking forward to the forthcoming summer camp season, and to visiting many of you in the field.

BRIGADIER DAVID SHORT General Secretary of the ACFA

KEEP IN TOUCH Sharp eyed readers will notice that there isn’t a Debate section in the new-look Army Cadet Volunteer. We do want to hear your views so please send us your thoughts on this issue’s Conversation Starter: Tell us about a time when an ACF training event has exceeded your expectations and why.

Send your comments to: marketing@armycadets.com

FRONTLINE ON FACEBOOK We asked you: what’s the most fun thing you’ve done in the Army Cadet Force?

Kay Walker: Sharing a bag of Haribo with Prince Harry at the opening ceremony of the Invictus Games.

Lee Priestly: Getting promoted to Cadet Corporal in 2013.

Adam Carter: When I completed my cadet signaller course in Blandford.

Connor Trigg: Making some of the best mates I know.

Paul Whittaker: 36 years as an officer and still serving.

Daniella Casey: Motorcycle riding with the Royal Signals White Helmets. (Below) Teri Newman: Going to the Queen’s garden party.

James Webster: Camping in a game reserve in South Africa for an exped.

TOP TWEETS ACF in the Twittersphere @MindenCompany @ArmyCadetsUK Minden Company 2* training group in the Pentlands this weekend. @Westiepod @ArmyCadetsUK best youth organisation ever! #NACF have been in Alnwick today.

GET IN TOUCH Send your letters, comments and ideas for future Conversation Starters to marketing@armycadets.com

@LNRCadetHQ A few shots from today’s Amalgamation ceremony. #TheRoyalLancers @ArmyCadetsUK

ARMYCADETS.COM 11

DID YOU KNOW? 61% of cadets joined because they were attracted by the activities available

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12 ACF summer 2015

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team b u i l di n g

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Rope Shapes 2 Bean Bag Chaos 3 Island Mat

COMMAND TASKS

Cadets from the Rochdale Detachment loved these team-building activities with SSI Debbie Callaghan. Why not try them with your own detachment?

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rope shapes

quipment: Ropes and blindfolds E Time: 30 minutes Where: Indoors Aim: To form the shape of a square, rectangle and 50p piece Benefits: Promotes leadership, listening skills, teamwork and trust Instructions and result: One cadet was nominated to guide the other cadets through how to move the ropes into the shapes listed above. First, the leader asked all other cadets to remain silent. Next, the lead cadet gave an instruction on how the cadets had to move. The cadets who were blindfolded were guided into the correct position by those cadets who were not blindfolded.

The ways they did this included using their hands to point or draw pictures in the air. A different cadet took the lead for each shape. There was a lot of laughing involved with this one.

Tonight was fun. it helped build up our respect for each other as a team and as individuals

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bean bag chaos quipment: Blindfolds and E different-coloured bean bags T ime: 30 minutes Where: Indoors A im: To collect and return bean bags B enefits: Communication and planning I nstructions and result: This task was in two parts. To start, one cadet was blindfolded and bean bags were placed on the floor. Then the cadets formed two groups, standing in a line with a nominated cadet on each end. One cadet had to plan how to guide the blindfolded cadet to collect the assigned bean bags.

The instruction was given quietly to the next cadet in the line and passed along until the cadet on

the end was able to call out the instructions. A lesson on good communication was learnt. The second part required the cadets to form pairs, with one of them blindfolded. The non-blindfolded cadets had to plan how to get their partner to bring the bean bag to them. All learnt how to communicate to their partners well – there were some good drill voices in the making.

It gives you the opportunity to expand your communication skills with everyone Cadet Emily Ferguson

island mat

Equipment: A mat Time: 10 minutes Where: Indoors Aim: To work out how to get everyone on to the mat with no part of the body touching the water because of the shark infestation around the island Benefit: Promotes teamwork, trust, communication, problem solving and listening skills Instructions and result: At first, all the cadets tried to get on to the mat at once. Once they saw that didn’t work they stepped off, into an invisible boat, before getting back on two at a time until they were all on. They remained on the mat by all holding on to one another, speaking out if the cadets on the outside were going to fall off the mat, into the water. All cadets enjoyed this simple and quick command task as a warm-up.

A good experience that enabled us to develop new skills such as communication and trust Cadet Rebecka Thompson

Cadet Alexander Wilson

ARMYCADETS.COM 13

Learning how to resolve a conflict will ensure that activities run more smoothly and successfully

conflict management

DID YOU KNOW? 98.8% of adult volunteers said joining had improved their ability to help others

mediation

field of conflict Conflict is an inevitable part of growing up but there’s a lot that CFAVs can do to help cadets resolve it effectively

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onflict is a normal part of everyday life, particularly during the big changes of adolescence, so there’s no point trying to avoid it. There is, however, a lot that adults can do to help young people handle it well and make better decisions, says Macarena Mata, a Mediator and Conflict Resolution Trainer.

“Conflict is something that happens because we grow and change, and it is not something that we can avoid,” she says. “Learning about conflict management or conflict resolution will not mean it stops happening, but it will equip young people – and adults – with a good, steady platform and the tools to handle it in a positive way.” Macarena, who works with the charity Leap Confronting Conflict, teaches adolescents the skills they need to handle disagreements without losing control.

ARMYCADETS.COM 15

conflict management

BELOW: Captain Katie Riseley emphasises the importance of the CFAVs as a stable influence in cadets’ lives RIGHT: Tackling conflict leads to happy cadets

These skills will help cadets become capable adults when they grow up

This helps give them the strength to make good decisions in difficult situations, such as when they face peer pressure.

“Learning to handle conflict means people make their own choices rather than simply reacting to other people. It helps them build resilience and self-awareness, and to take charge of their lives. These are skills that will help them to become capable adults when they grow up, and which help them to resist peer pressure on the way.”

While she runs specific training sessions for adults who want to learn more about conflict resolution and mediation, any adult can provide support to young people managing conflict. “The first thing is to be a role model, so you need to build up your own self-awareness,” says Macarena, who also teaches business people about conflict through the consultancy Consensio.

Be consistent Captain Katie Riseley of the Cadets’ Training Development Team agrees. “It is important for adults to be able to manage their own moods because cadets need to be able to rely on them to behave in a calm, consistent way,” says the former teacher.

“If you come in having had a bad day at work feeling snappy and short-tempered, you have to leave that at the door. We had boys at my school where the cadet instructor was the stable adult in their lives, and it would be difficult for them if they couldn’t rely on the instructor’s reaction.

They have to be able to trust that you will be consistent and reliable.”

And it’s critical that adults do not make assumptions about what happened or who is to blame if there is a fight, adds Katie.

16 ACF summer 2015

“Sometimes if you walk into the middle of a conflict it’s easier to listen to the loudest person but the important thing is to be fair,” she says. “Even if you have a known troublemaker and a known golden boy, you can’t make assumptions about what happened. With any incident you should look at what happened almost in isolation.”

Macarena adds: “As an adult you want to deal with challenging behaviour rather than labelling the young person. If you say that a person is a troublemaker you start to treat him or her that way, but if you see people as human beings you can communicate with them in ways that help them see that they are being listened to and that they have choices.”

Plan ahead There are also plenty of things that CFAVs can do to create an environment that minimises the potential for conflict and reduces the risk of flare-ups at training

sessions, says Katie. “If you think about the set-up you are much more likely to have a productive evening,” she says.

“For example, think about how the room is set up, where the furniture is placed and whether there are any distractions that need to be removed. And look out for

The voice of youth Lorena Vargas has been a Conflict Resolution Trainer at Leap, where she teaches young people how to handle disagreements with their peers, since she was 16. The 19-year-old advises adults working with young people that it’s important to find a way to be professional without appearing to “put on” a persona.

“When I started I was very professional and formal; now I find it works better if I’m myself,” she says. “But there still need to be clear boundaries.

They know that certain lines can’t be crossed.”

Lorena also says that teaching always involves learning – particularly when the topic is as complex as conflict resolution. “No matter how old you are, you’re still learning. We all

make mistakes and must be able to put our hands up to them.”

Second Lieutenant Baris Yerli from 32 Cadet Detachment, City of London and North East Sector ACF, faced the kinds of challenges Lorena describes when he went from cadet to PI. “I’m 24 now, so when I started as a PI there wasn’t much of a difference in age with some of my cadets.

Because I’d been a senior cadet before, I was already used to responsibility and leadership, but moving to a separate detachment when I became a PI was also useful in helping me distance myself from my old role.

“With teenagers you can’t be condescending. Even when you’re dealing with cadets who aren’t keen to

conform you have to treat them as adults. When I started out as a PI I found that when I got the consent of the older cadets the younger cadets followed.

“For example, if I can convince older cadets that everyone benefits when they look after their surroundings, they’re usually happy to show a good example, and younger cadets follow their lead.”

Lorena Vargas works for charity Leap to train in mediation

C O N F L I C T M A N AF GE EA M TU EN RT E

FIGHT FAIR THREE REACTIONS TO AVOID WHEN FACED

BY CONFLICT

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things that could cause conflict, like not having the right number of places to sit or having them not be the same so that there are fights over which chair they want. It’s making the environment as stress free as possible.” It’s also helpful to make sure that there are enough resources available – maps, for instance – so that cadets don’t have to share, unless that is the point of the exercise, of course.

There are also certain scenarios that are more likely to be connected with tensions or flare-ups, with practical work and any activities that involve sharing noted by Katie as potential triggers. “So practical work and group work needs to be stage managed. It can be things like whether you let them choose their partner or you select one for them.”

It’s also about knowing the cadets you are working with and spotting things that might cause upset, says Katie, a former science teacher who has worked at a comprehensive and at a school for boys with behavioural difficulties. Being able to recognise when someone is having a bad day, or knowing that a particular situation can trigger a reaction, can make it easier

for instructors to reduce the chance that a conflict will start.

Career benefits Learning how to help young people deal with conflict will almost certainly have knock-on benefits for adults, says Macarena.

“These skills are useful and highly valued in workplaces – I spend a lot of time working with companies that want me to teach mediation skills to their employees, for instance. Working with young people on these things can be very challenging, but that also means that it is fantastic training for when you are dealing with colleagues.”

FIND OUT MORE If you would like further advice on conflict resolution, speak to your designated safeguarding officer, the CEO.

Taking things personally It can be hard not to feel cross, threatened or hurt when someone gets angry, but chances are the real source of their anger is something quite different. Take a breath, keep calm and look for the root of the problem.

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Not really listening This leads to people reacting based on their emotions rather than understanding what others are trying to say.

This in turn makes the other person feel ignored and misunderstood, which can further exacerbate a difficult situation.

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Suppressing emotions It ‘s a cultural stereotype but the British are often uncomfortable with feelings. Ignoring them, however, makes it harder to deal with the effects that they have on us. But don’t go overboard and let your emotions run wild: acknowledge and accept them and get on with things.

Source: Macarena Mata, Consensio and Leap Confronting Conflict

ARMYCADETS.COM 17

Find out more

Go to armycadets. com/partnerships/ outreach for more details

education

ACF IN SCHOOLS

BEST IN CLASS

The ACF provides great support for school-age cadets, their families and their teachers. Find out how to build more effective relationships with schools, to help recruit cadets, work more closely with school-based detachments and set up Youth Outreach projects

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s a youth organisation, the ACF works with schools in all sorts of ways, so the ability to build good links with local schools is a key skill for all CFAVs. This helps in recruiting cadets, supporting school-based detachments and setting up Youth Outreach projects.

“There’s plenty of good advice on engaging with schools that’s there for the asking,” says Simon Cuthbert, Schools Cadet Expansion Officer (SCEO) for the West Midlands RFCA. “There are nine SCEOs based in RFCAs across England and, while our primary focus is helping set up new CCFs, we do a lot of work liaising with ACF counties and sign-posting schools to their local community cadet units.”

Added value “Most schools welcome engagement from community organisations if it adds value to the school, and another dimension of extracurricular activity for

their students. Schools are very receptive when you point out the opportunities the ACF opens up for young people, such as the chance to become involved with the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, to earn BTEC qualifications and to develop leadership and teamworking skills.”

Simon’s advice is backed up by Captain Aimee Mitchell from B Company, Devon ACF, who – as VicePrincipal of Tavistock College – has inside knowledge of how schools work. The first step in building those links is finding the right person to talk to, says Aimee.

Perhaps surprisingly, however, this is not always the head teacher.

“While the head teacher or principal is the person with ultimate authority, they are also busy with the responsibility of running the school or college. So try to find out who is responsible for inclusion (making sure all children have an equal chance to participate in learning) and curriculum. This might be a deputy or assistant head, or a vice-principal.”

ARMYCADETS.COM 19

education

DON’T FORGET THE IMPACT THAT CADETS CAN HAVE WHEN IT COMES TO WINNING OVER TEACHERS Captain Aimee Mitchell

Next, use the right language. Avoid military or cadet jargon and try to use expressions familiar to teachers so that they can see how ACF links to their objectives. “Talk about things such as giving young people the right start in life and removing barriers, for instance,” she says. Websites such as newteachers.tes. co.uk/jargon-buster-0 can help.

SSI Martyn McCauley from Dorset ACF, who has had PR training, has had considerable success in getting invitations from local schools. “Most of the sessions I do are a maximum of 25 minutes long and targeted at 12 to 14-year-olds (years eight and nine). I keep it short, emphasise the qualifications, show the students a couple of short films and focus on the fact that we cost less than the Scouts and Air Cadets.”

Phil Stuart, CEO at 1st NI Battalion, agrees that making good links with schools is a “no-brainer”.

“Here in Northern Ireland we frequently access schools to directly recruit into the ACF,” says Phil. “We use a Powerpoint presentation to help present our pitch either with a recruiting trailer or at prearranged assemblies. We’ve even put up mobile climbing towers and set up an air rifle range to show young people some of the benefits of joining the Army Cadets.”

And don’t forget the impact that cadets themselves can have when it comes to winning over teachers and peers, adds Aimee. “Get some of the cadets in the local school to be your advocates,” she suggests.

“In your ACF unit, ask which schools they go to, then ask them if they can put up posters, or find out who to talk to about going in to do an assembly.

“Teachers will often listen more when they hear a young person asking, ‘Can I?’.

They love it.”

20 ACF summer 2015

The changing face of school-based units

Expanding the number of cadets

Although the majority of ACF detachments are based in the community, there are still 140 school-based units and a further 58 closed detachments.

Col Maurice Warnock, Commandant at 2nd NI Battalion ran a closed unit at Dunmurry High School for 20 years before the school closed down. “Many head teachers see the benefits of cadet units, and school-based units can be easier to set up and run,” he says.

“ACF units in schools often have access to better facilities for cadet activities than community-based detachments. Another benefit is that it’s easier to recruit cadets. I found that I could send letters home to parents and use the school’s open evenings and assemblies to encourage cadets to join up.”

“A lot depends on the goodwill of the headteacher, teachers and caretakers to make school-based units a success,” adds Phil Stuart. “There has to be the appetite to succeed on both sides. Schools want the benefits that come with having a cadet unit, but we need to make sure that they can deliver the number of cadets needed to make it sustainable.”

The CEP met its target of 100 new CCF units in state schools in March this year, ahead of the September target, says Mike Dicker, SO1 CCF Transformation at Support Command.

“There are now around 190 independent school CCFs and 145 state school CCFs. “Some counties have been concerned that this could have an adverse effect on ACF detachments but the emphasis is firmly on opening up CCFs in areas where there aren’t many cadet units.

EDUCATION

TOP TIPS HOW TO ENGAGE WITH SCHOOLS

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Think broader than school assemblies. Why not invite head teachers, governors and staff to visit detachment evenings, weekend training and summer camps to show off the cadets in action?

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ABOVE: ACF’s Youth Outreach programme encourages and supports young people, while teaching them to aim high and quickly see the benefits of doing so. The residential phase of the course brings in many practical elements that are based on tried and tested ACF activities and ethos

“We now have 354 CCFs and the maximum number is 365. Every request will be examined to make sure it does not take cadets away from local ACF detachments.

If a school is keen to have an Army CCF but it might compete with a local ACF detachment we will ask the school to look at setting up an RAF or Royal Navy CCF.”

YOUTH OUTREACH Many schools around the UK continue to benefit from the ACFA’s Youth Outreach Programme, which has a great track record in re-engaging young people who may be at risk of dropping out of education. Last year ACFA Youth Outreach ran 29 projects with 893 participants; 81% of students showed improved behaviour after their involvement.

One of the beneficiaries was Finley Williams, a 13-year-old Year 9 student at Tavistock College in Devon, who found the programme helpful. “It was fun but scary at the same time,” he says. “There were huge guys ordering us around. We did drill, archery and wall climbing, as well as abseiling.”

Finley says the programme helped improve his self-confidence and taught him to cooperate better with other people. As a result of his experience, he is now getting “parked” – moved into another classroom for misbehaving – less often.

Some schools run a noncurriculum day where students engage in team building activities. Simon Cuthbert advocates running taster sessions during the school day based around normal detachment training nights. For instance, basic cam and concealment, introduction to a ration pack, low level command tasks and an introduction to drill and turnout. “These prove to be very popular as students are doing rather than watching.”

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Ask to set up a stand at the school’s sports day in summer: there are always a lot of pupils hanging around for long periods at sports day.

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If your detachment has a newsletter, send out copies to every secondary school in your area.

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New resources to help CFAVs recruiting in schools will be launched later this year. Look out for details in the next issue of Army Cadet Volunteer.

Tell us your top tips for engaging for schools: email editor@armycadets.com

FIND OUT MORE You can get in touch with your local school directly to talk about presenting at an assembly, non-curriculum days or at school events. Find out more about the new resources for presenting to schools by contacting marketing@armycadets.com For more information about the ACFA Youth Outreach programme visit armycadets.com/ partnerships/outreach. Aimee Mitchell is happy to offer advice and support: email her on aimeemitch2611@me.com

ARMYCADETS.COM 21

DUKE OF EDINBURGH’S AWARD

DUKE OF EDINBURGH’S AWARD

WINNING COMBINATION THE DUKE OF EDINBURGH’S AWARD IS NOT ONLY ABOUT FUN AND ADVENTURE; IT ALSO BOOSTS THE EDUCATION AND CAREER PROSPECTS OF YOUNG PEOPLE. ALL THE MORE REASON TO ENCOURAGE CADETS TO SIGN UP

I ALWAYS KNEW I WANTED TO BE A LAWYER AND THE AWARD GOT ME INTO UNIVERSITY Charlotte Akam 22 ACF SUMMER 2015

Captain Lucy Welch explains how ACF activities map perfectly on to DofE requirements

The DofE not only kickstarts essential lifeskills, it combines well with activities the cadets are already doing

WHAT CAN I DO? HOW TO HELP CADETS THROUGH DofE

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he ACF was one of the first organisations to take on the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award when it was launched in 1956; the fit has been so good that we’ve stuck with it ever since.

But there is still much more that CFAVs can do to help cadets take advantage of the many opportunities that it offers, says Captain Lucy Welch, ACFA’s DofE Development Manager.

“We have some fantastic offers training for adult volunteers detachment commanders and who want to learn more.”

91% of cadets say volunteers who are supporting In fact, younger volunteers might joining ACF has been cadets to take this on but there want to take on the challenge important in providing is still so much more that could themselves. “You have until you’re direction and be done,” she says. “I’d love to see 25 to finish it, so we’re happy to have guidance even more ACF leaders finding out just adults start at any level,” Lucy says. how easy it is to offer DofE to cadets, and Charlotte Akam, a CFAV in the encouraging them to give it a go.”

Monkseaton Detachment of Northumbria ACF, was The majority of activities done by cadets can also only 20 when she achieved her DofE Gold Award. count towards a DofE Award, giving young people The law student, who joined the ACF in Cumbria as a double credit for their effort as well as plenty to talk cadet at 12, completed the requirements at the start of about when they apply for jobs or university. “Not 2015 and is now training to be an expedition assessor all employers will know what an Army Proficiency while she waits to find out when she will be going to Certificate is, but the DofE Award is internationally the palace to receive her award. “It’s likely to be in the recognised,” says Lucy. “And if you can get cadets summer, so it looks like I will be busy, as I hope to be involved while they’re young – they can start at 14 going to Westbury then as well,” she says.

– you can get them through bronze, silver and gold Her combined achievements through the ACF awards, which is a real CV builder.” and DofE have given her a huge career boost, she says. “I always knew I wanted to be a lawyer and this secured me a place at university. I didn’t quite Getting involved achieve the grades I needed, but because I did well One of the biggest challenges for Lucy is proving as a cadet and became Cadet RSM, and because how easily ACF activities can be mapped against I had the DofE (bronze and silver), I got into the requirements for the award. “People might university with my slightly lower grades.” say they’re too busy because they are in a band, She’s since encouraged two of her colleagues at for example, but being in a band counts as a skill.

Monkseaton to do the DofE and urges others to And if they help another cadet learn an instrument, support cadets in taking it on. “Remember, it helps that’s volunteering. So it’s not about taking up lots the cadets with their futures, and there is absolutely more time but recognising what they are achieving nothing to lose.” already. All they need to do is show some evidence of what they’re doing and get it signed off.”

This is one of the areas where the support of adult FIND OUT MORE volunteers is critical. Lucy says: “You don’t have For more information about DofE visit www. to be a DofE specialist to do this, although ACFA dofe.org or speak to your county DofE officer

DID YOU KNOW?

PLAN A SESSION in your training programme where all cadets can go online to add evidence and update information to the DofE system. If you only have one computer, this could be run as a DofE surgery where a CFAV helps cadets complete their sections on a one-toone basis.

Reassure cadets who feel under pressure from exams that they have until their 25th birthday to complete the DofE, regardless of when they started it.

Encourage cadets to take photographs when completing an activity so that these can be used for evidence. If they forgot to do it at the time, look for other options, such as getting them to write a short paragraph about their experience or taking a photograph of the outcome of the course, such as a badge or certificate.

Watch out for the new In Action Together information booklet that has been developed as a resource for CFAVs. Source: Lucy Welch

PERSUADE CADETS TO SIGN UP 1. Use their existing ACF interests. If they love band activities, for instance, show them how DofE lets them get double the credit.

2. Send them to YouTube.

Videos explain how DofE connects with ACF activities. Eg www.youtube. com/watch?v=2RdaR1b_dbM 3. Get other cadets to help.

Encourage DofE participants to tell others about their experiences. They may even be willing to act as mentors.

ARMYCADETS.COM 23

volunteering

Civilian assistants

Detachment heroes Civilian assistants are the unsung heroes of detachments, offering practical help such as admin support and SPECIALIST SKILLS, as well as mentoring cadets

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ccording to Colonel Alan Burt, every ACF detachment should have a good civilian assistant (CA) on its team. “As Commandant I see the true benefits of CAs assisting the adult volunteers,” he says. “Their support and expertise can be invaluable.”

Simply having extra adults present on camps helps reduce supervisory pressure on CFAVs, freeing them up to concentrate on delivering training programmes. At other times, they can provide specialist advice that complements the CFAVs’ skills. “They can also offer support to RFCA employees,” adds Alan, Commandant of Nottinghamshire ACF. “For example, we have one CA who helps our Cadet Administrative Assistant by acting as a vehicle escort. Another has continued as a CA after more than 30 years’ commissioned service, providing support and advice on adventurous training matters.”

Sally and Robert Potter became involved as CAs after years of ferrying their two sons, both

cadets, to and from ACF events. “They loved the activities and had always been interested in the military,” says Sally, 62. When their youngest son, Russell, left the ACF to serve in the Army – he is now a Sergeant in 5 Rifles – she found herself at a loose end. “I had always run around after the boys, and sitting at home watching Corrie really isn’t for me,” she says.

She was inspired to get involved with her sons’ former detachment, Worksop, after noticing the Detachment Commander was swamped with work. “He was so busy he didn’t have time to train,” she says.

“So I said I could help out with the admin.

Soon I noticed there were other things that needed doing – the NAAFI wanted running, for example – so I asked my husband to help.

That was 10 years ago. We’ve been helping out twice a week ever since.”

A stabilising force “The Potters’ long-term presence has been invaluable,” says Alan. “Detachment

I am sure Mr and Mrs Potter’s enthusiasm has a direct effect on the cadet numbers and achievements Colonel Alan Burt

24 ACF summer 2015

Commanders have come and gone but Mr and Mrs Potter have been a constant, which allows the CFAVs to concentrate on training cadets. I am sure their enthusiasm has a direct effect on the cadet numbers and achievements, with Worksop being one of our strongest detachments and winners of the Best Detachment on numerous occasions.”

Sally adds: “The cadets respect and trust my husband and me. I’m a bit of a mother hen; I know all the cadets and I can tell if someone’s not very well or having a bad week. If they can’t pay for camp we work it out in a way that means they can, without other cadets knowing about it so they’re never embarrassed.”

Alan encourages other potential volunteers to follow Sally and Robert’s inspirational lead. “I would welcome a good CA at every detachment,” he says.

“They are often unsung heroes. They give their time freely and support many cadet activities, and I welcome the opportunity to sing their praises.”

Are you a CA? Tell us about your role, and tell us how CAs are helping in your county. Email marketing@armycadets.com

DID YOU KNOW? 86% of adult volunteers said joining helped them develop organisational skills

HELP RECRUIT A CA A GREAT WAY TO SUPPORT THE CADETS VOLUNTEERING AS a civilian assistant, which is a nonuniformed role, is a great way for people who aren’t in a position to commit to being an instructor to get involved with the ACF and support its work with cadets.

Sally Potter says: “When my husband and I joined, we were too old to go the full volunteer route, but I’ve got such a lot out of being a CA. You become part of a family.

You get to know the cadets, their strengths and their weaknesses. It’s fantastic to see them come in as children at 12 and go out at 18 as young men and women who have really grown up. You know that, even if they don’t go into the Army, they are taking all these really useful skills into the outside world.” armycadets.com/ volunteer-with-us/

Sally Potter and her husband have been an invaluable source of support, guidance and practical help for the Worksop Detachment

CAMP BASICS It’s surprising what you can fit inside a roomy bergan.

Really surprising…

NUMBER-OFF! ANNUAL CAMP BY NUMBERS: WHAT NOT TO BRING TO CAMP, AND SIMPLE IDEAS ON HOW TO KEEP YOUR CADETS ENTERTAINED IN THE EVENING

TOP 10: SPOTTED AT CAMP

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fully-loaded bergan can be pretty heavy. It’s hard to imagine that anybody lifting one would want to add more weight before heading to camp, but cadets – and more than the occasional CFAV – are packing all sorts of luxury “essentials”.

Here are some of the items spotted at recent camps.

PET FOOD

HAIR STRAIGHTENERS

One cadet’s younger siblings slipped cat food, dog food and a tin of tuna into her bag. After she found mouse food she got in the habit of checking before leaving.

One cadet believed that trees had plug sockets; another had so much styling gear with her that she fell over.

HUMAN FOOD Pot Noodles, chocolate bars and baked beans have all featured.

One cadet brought everything for a fry-up, but forgot oil.

CLEANING PRODUCTS One cadet was so determined for her room to pass inspection, she packed bleach.

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THINGS NOT TO FORGET 26 ACF SUMMER 2015

CAPTAIN EMMA SNEAD OF SUSSEX ACF HAS 10 CAMPS UNDER HER BELT. HERE ARE FIVE THINGS SHE RECOMMENDS EVERY CFAV SHOULD BRING WITH THEM

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TOILETRIES You’ll need enough to get through two weeks because there won’t be time to pop out and get more shampoo. Include flip fl ops or similar to wear in the shower.

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THERMAL MUG Sometimes you’ll make a cup of tea in the morning then fi nd yourself running around for two hours before you can drink it.

Keep it hot for when you get a spare moment to sip.

CAMP BASICS

Organising a BBQ is a great way to entertain cadets: from cooking to cleaning up

AN IRON

TOP 10: EVENING ENTERTAINMENT

A sign of commitment to a wellpressed uniform. One cadet had to pack his iron inside his amp, as his electric guitar was already taking up all his spare room.

DUMBBELLS

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One cadet’s dedication to exercise was only discovered when the coach driver tried to pick up his bag to unload it.

FAVs need a plan of action that keeps cadets entertained during the evening.

After all, cleaning their kit and tidying their rooms won’t take all night, every night.

We asked experienced volunteers what works in their county – here are some of their suggestions.

Caffeine is important. One instructor brings kettle, cafetière, proper tea and real coffee; another has been known to pack a Nespresso machine.

HAMSTER The pet rodent snuck inside its owner’s backpack without being noticed while she was busy getting ready.

Keep dietary requirements in mind; bring a couple of disposable BBQs to cook food separately if need be.

FILM NIGHT

Cadets love to perform short skits that make fun of adults; just set clear rules about what’s off limits.

These baby essentials were brought by someone who believed a friend’s promise that Huggies were the best way to clean off camouflage cream.

INDOOR SPORTS

Make sure you have a selection of ageappropriate games.

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FIELD KIT Useful even if you don’t expect to use it. I’m a PRO so I’m not expected to sleep in the fi eld, but if a colonel says “You are qualifi ed, go sleep out with the kids,” I can.

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DISCO INFERNO Nothing beats the chance to dress up and dance.

A great way to spend an hour in the evening.

BATTLE OF THE XBOXES

You’re more likely to see an Xbox than a PS3 when on camp.

Easy to organise and always popular.

COMPETITION TRAINING

Set up a competition between billets.

GAMES CONSOLE

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BBQ

Use the format of a TV quiz show – A Question Of Sport works well – and write your own military themed questions.

SATIRICAL SKITS

NAPPIES

BEDDING Having your own bedding is a real bonus. If you can, bring a single duvet, sheet and pillowcase.

Two weeks in issued sheets just isn’t nice.

QUIZ NIGHT

VISITORS Invite representatives from the Army/Reserves to speak.

IT’S A KNOCKOUT Everyone competes to complete a series of command tasks.

Illustrations: Tom Hughes

KETTLE

LAYERS Every camp has its own microsystem so, whatever the weather predictions are, bring plenty of warm clothes as well as your uniform.

ARMYCADETS.COM 27

OFFICERS

STEPPING UP RECENT PROMOTIONS AND AWARDS FOR OFFICERS, TRANSFERABLE SKILLS, AND GOING THE EXTRA MILE

DID YOU KNOW? 84% of adult volunteers feel it has given them better job prospects

OFFICER PROFILE

CAPTAIN ANDREW GAFFNEY

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APTAIN ANDY GAFFNEY, 50, jokes that the ACF has been part of his life since he was two years old. “My dad was an officer in Leicester, Northamptonshire and Rutland ACF so I’ve grown up with it,” he says. “I became a cadet as soon as I possibly could, and I just continued through.”

Part of that journey involved earning a commission, something that he did in 1993.

“I was nervous about meeting the standards, and it was difficult. I was working a lot of shifts, so finding the time was hard, but my girlfriend – now my wife – was very supportive.

And, having said that, I thoroughly enjoyed it.”

His most recent promotion, to Captain, came 18 months ago. “My current role, as a Company Training Officer, has been the most demanding I’ve taken on but it has also been the most rewarding. I get cadets coming up and saying ‘thank you sir, I really enjoyed that’ or ‘it really helped me’.

Promotion hasn’t meant that I have lost touch with cadets, although I don’t have as much time with them as I did.”

His progress with the ACF has also helped him in his day job at Crawley Borough Council, where he is an Emergency Planner and a

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Health and Safety Adviser.

“My job is to plan the local authority’s response under the Civil Contingencies Act – making sure that people have access to things like respite centres, coordinating the Council’s response with the blue light services, and then leading on the recovery.” Given that his patch includes Gatwick Airport, the emergencies he plans for have to include everything from a f lood to a major aircraft incident.

“The experience I have developed as an ACF officer has been crucial. When I got this job I was told, off the record, that my so-called ‘military experience’ was a deciding factor. They wanted someone who could take command when needed… the ability to make quick decisions, command responses and liaise with other organisations is critical, and it is something that I developed through cadets.”

ANDREW GAFFNEY, 50 Rank: Captain Joined: 1989 County: Sussex Day job: Emergency Planning and Health and Safety, Crawley Borough Council

MY CURRENT ROLE, AS TRAINING OFFICER OF A COMPANY, HAS BEEN THE MOST DEMANDING I’VE TAKEN ON BUT IT HAS ALSO BEEN THE MOST REWARDING Captain Andrew Gaffney

STEPPING UP

ACF OFFICERS

The following have been selected for a commission by CFCB PRV RNK

IAN BRAMBLE, 68 Rank: Colonel Joined: 1998 County: Hereford and Worcester Day job: architect OFFICER PROFILE

COLONEL IAN BRAMBLE olonel Ian Bramble OBE TD has stepped down as President of the CFCB. He spent the first 25 years of his military career in the TA, rising to Lieutenant Colonel, before being invited to transfer to the ACF as Commandant of Hereford and Worcester ACF in 1998. “Army Reserve detachments often share drill halls with the ACF,” says Ian. “But there is very little interaction between the two – which is a pity. I soon realised just how much work adult volunteers put in, and just how much the cadets relied on them.”

In 2005, Ian was one of four vice-presidents who led work to develop an ACF-specific approach. “It was administered under the TA wing of Westbury, and we relied on that until we were able to establish ourselves to the same standard as the Army commissioning process. When visitors from the Army see what we do they are always impressed.”

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One change that he has seen in his time at Westbury is the increasing standard of candidates applying for commission. “I think a lot of that is because of the preparation work being done by counties and brigades,” he says.

“We are also seeing a growing number of younger candidates. We need young officers who want to be part of shaping the future of the ACF.” ACF officers help their own development too, he adds.

“Stepping up improves people’s confidence [because] they get experience leading other adults as well as young people, in addition to doing things like speaking to large groups.”

Ian hopes that the ACF will build stronger ties with the Army Reserve. Just as he shifted from the then TA to the ACF, so too could other people if they could find out more about the opportunities available.

Col Bramble is succeeded by Col Mike Mullis as President of CFCB.

SURNAME

INITIAL

COUNTY/BATTALION/SECTOR

AUO AUO SI AUO SI AUO AUO SI

JOHNSTON ELLIS HENDERSON GEDDES MCINTOSH BRINSLEY GANNON SWASH

KE SEA R AJ SJ AM AA S

SSI SI AUO AUO AUO SI AUO SSI AUO AUO SSI SI SI AUO RSMI MRS AUO AUO SSI SI SSI SI SI SI AUO AUO AUO AUO AUO SMI AUO AUO SSI AUO AUO AUO AUO AUO AUO AUO AUO AUO AUO SSI SI UO/SI SSI SSI SI SSI SSI AUO MISS SI

COOK SEDDON RICHARDS THOMAS LEAMAN GOLDSMITH STEWART COOPER GOLDING THOMPSON FELLOWS HATHAWAY ALLEN BEARD CORNOCK SHORT LAMBERT PATTON CHINNOCK BLOY COWARD ROSS WALDRON LUNDIE FULLER BOWYER RYALLS HENWOOD ANDREWS NORRIS HUTCHINGS NELSON ROBERTSON JONES HONE LAZELL FELIX MCGREISH NORRIS MARSHALL DYNAN MAJOR DIXON LOCKETT MARTIN HAYWARD REVELL HEAD HUGILL TAYLOR COTTRELL MARTIN SALMON ATHERTON

RA NL LP W MJ DJ MRG M PA SA CA S CM L M FCL BJ WS SC NJ MIE PW MC MJ KD M K LC AS OWJ PE JT CD CM J J SG AJ JC KJ J DA R B AL J S R R GM JP TR L G

2ND (NI) BN ACF 2ND (NI) BN ACF 2ND BN THE HIGHLANDERS ACF 2ND BN THE HIGHLANDERS ACF 2ND BN THE HIGHLANDERS ACF BEDFORDSHIRE AND HERTFORDSHIRE ACF BEDFORDSHIRE AND HERTFORDSHIRE ACF BLACK WATCH BN ACF (ROYAL REGIMENT OF SCOTLAND) CAMBRIDGESHIRE ACF CHESHIRE ACF CITY OF LONDON & NE SECTOR ACF CLWYD AND GWYNEDD ACF DEVON ACF DURHAM ACF DYFED AND GLAMORGAN ACF ESSEX ACF ESSEX ACF ESSEX ACF GLOUCESTERSHIRE ACF (THE RIFLES) GREATER LONDON SE SECTOR ACF GREATER LONDON SW SECTOR ACF GREATER LONDON SW SECTOR ACF GREATER MANCHESTER ACF GREATER MANCHESTER ACF GREATER MANCHESTER ACF GWENT AND POWYS ACF HAMPSHIRE AND IOW ACF HAMPSHIRE AND IOW ACF HAMPSHIRE AND IOW ACF HAMPSHIRE AND IOW ACF HUMBERSIDE AND SOUTH YORKSHIRE ACF HUMBERSIDE AND SOUTH YORKSHIRE ACF KENT ACF KENT ACF KENT ACF KENT ACF KENT ACF LANCASHIRE ACF LINCOLNSHIRE ACF LINCOLNSHIRE ACF LOTHIAN AND BORDERS BN ACF MERSEYSIDE ACF MIDDLESEX AND NW LONDON ACF MIDDLESEX AND NW LONDON ACF MIDDLESEX AND NW LONDON ACF NORFOLK ACF NORFOLK ACF NORTHUMBRIA ACF OXFORDSHIRE (THE RIFLES BN) ACF OXFORDSHIRE (THE RIFLES BN) ACF OXFORDSHIRE (THE RIFLES BN) ACF STAFFORDSHIRE AND WEST MIDLAND ACF STAFFORDSHIRE AND WEST MIDLAND ACF STAFFORDSHIRE AND WEST MIDLAND ACF SUFFOLK ACF SUFFOLK ACF SURREY ACF (CDT BN PWRR) SURREY ACF (CDT BN PWRR) SURREY ACF (CDT BN PWRR) SUSSEX ACF SUSSEX ACF YORKSHIRE (NORTH AND WEST) ACF

ARMYCADETS.COM 29

POLICY Keep in close contact with the new Information Communication Technology

ACF UPDATE DR RICHARD CRAWFORD, SO1 CADETS POLICY AND PLANS AT SUPPORT COMMAND, GIVES AN UPDATE ON ISSUES AFFECTING YOU AND YOUR DETACHMENT

WESTMINSTER UPDATE

Cadet Information Communication Technology

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NEWS

To subscribe to our e-newsletter go to armycadets.com/ about-us/keep-intouch

HAT IS the cadet ICT project? Over the coming months all detachments and company headquarters across the UK will be issued with a new kiosk laptop. Alongside this all CFAVs who have extended privileges will be issued with a Windows to Go (WTG) device.

Why are we doing this?

The kiosk laptops and WTG devices offer a secure end point and will mitigate the risk of loss of sensitive data. The cadet ICT project will equip each detachment location with the means to access the Defence Gateway and Westminster. All detachments are also being fitted with a broadband internet connection.

What is the kiosk laptop?

The kiosk laptops are machines that will be issued to all detachments.

They are secure devices that allow access to Westminster and the Defence Gateway. These laptops come loaded with Windows 8.1 and Microsoft Office 2013. This will provide each detachment with access to Word, Excel and PowerPoint.

A kiosk laptop will allow multiple CFAVs access to internet services in order to carry out general lesson

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plans and browse non-personal information on Westminster. As this is a kiosk machine nothing will be able to be saved on to the device.

What is a WTG device?

This is a USB drive that is inserted into a computer and allows the user to run a computer off the device. This is a secure device and will allow the user to access Westminster and save information on to the device. The device runs Windows 8.1 and also has Microsoft Office installed, which matches the laptop. The devices will be for individual use and will be issued to CFAVs. Each device comes with two passwords, one of which is a very secure Bitlocker password.

The device will work with or without a network connection, which means you can access your information while in remote locations or offline.

UPDAT E

KEEP UP You’ll learn how to use the new ICT system with a leaflet provided with the new equipment

Who is going to get a WTG device?

Any CFAV who has extended privileges on Westminster will be issued with a device. This will be signed for and each device is configured to work for the individual and their specific Westminster access. Each device comes with a hand lanyard to attach the devices to.

What is being delivered to a detachment?

Each detachment will be issued with the following: Laptop Laptop bag Kensington laptop lock Trifold leaflet User guides Security operating procedures Can I still access Westminster without a WTG device?

You can still access Westminster without your WTG device. If you log in without your WTG device you will not see any sensitive information. You will still be able to access Westminster from mobile devices such as mobile phones and tablets.

Can I still use my own personal computer to access Westminster?

You can use your personal computer to access Westminster – you just won’t see any sensitive information.

However, to use your WTG device

If you’re creating your own lesson resources, let us know

on your own computer you will have to change the BIOS settings on your computer to allow it to boot from the device.

Detailed guidance will be sent out with all the devices explaining how to do this.

TRAINING UPDATE

Is there support available?

There is now a dedicated Westminster helpdesk support team whose members are on hand to help. They can be contacted on the following: Email: helpdesk@cadetmail. mod.uk Call: 01264 381113 Or go through Kayoko or the Defence Gateway help button As well as this support, training is being provided to everyone who will be using the devices and laptops. Training will be rolled out to the counties.

The Westminster trainers will deliver this training to CFAVs. Training materials are accessible via the Cadet Forces Resources Centre on the Defence Gateway.

When will this happen?

New devices for CFAVs will ensure sensitive information is more secure

The new laptops and WTG devices will be delivered to the counties by the end of May and will start to be issued to detachments and CFAVs via the Cadet Quartermasters.

Training has already started.

HELP US TO DEVELOP A CENTRALISED RESOURCES HUB HE TRAINING Development Team is keen to develop a centralised hub where instructors can go for up-to-date, approved resources to help them deliver the syllabus. There is currently a sometimes unrealistic expectation that instructors can produce all of their lesson resources themselves, which has led to numerous volunteers giving up valuable time before they even start teaching. A number of counties, detachments and individuals have put a lot of effort into producing resources and we are keen to capitalise on the sterling efforts that have already been made in order to roll out a complete set of resources as soon as we are able.

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GET IN TOUCH To that end we are putting out a plea: if you are developing resources or have already developed some, please get in touch with Capt Katie Riseley, OC TDT, on SpComdHQ-CdtsTD-SO2@mod.uk. Any input will be fully acknowledged and is much appreciated.

ARMYCADETS.COM 31

G A L L E RY

IN THE FIELD

KEEP IN TOUCH BY SENDING US YOUR PHOTOS FROM THE FIELD. WHETHER SELFIES OR ACTION SHOTS, DRILL OR FUNDRAISING, SEND THEM TO EDITOR@ARMYCADETS.COM

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IN THE PHOTOS: 1: 1st Northern Ireland Battalion ACF cadets and families enjoy a St Patrick’s Day Parade.

2: 21 Cadet Detachment, City of London and NE Sector ACF help with a Red Nose Day campaign photoshoot.

3: Cadets from Northumbria ACF visit the Staffordshire Regiment Museum as part of OpReflect.

4: Caithness Company, 1st Battalion The Highlanders ACF go skiing in the Cairngorms.

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THE GALLERY

We want to see your pictures of ACF life.

Send pictures of your detachment’s activities to us by the end of August 2015

5: Norfolk ACF – Ex Dragon Venturer – the cadets enjoy the crisp snow of the French Alps.

6: Kingstone Platoon, Hereford and Worcester ACF taking part in #ACFrednose for Comic Relief.

7: Middlesex and North West London ACF cadets receive awards from the Lord-Lieutenant of London in recognition of their service and community work.

8: Heywood Detachment, Greater Manchester ACF support Comic Relief #ACFrednose.

9: C Company, Devon ACF, APC weekend having fun for Comic Relief #ACFrednose.

10: Cleveland ACF – North East Region football champions.

11: Northumbria ACF – Easter ski trip in the French Alps.

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SHARE YOUR PHOTOS 10

Whether you’re at camp, doing command tasks, or any other fun or adventurous activity, send your images to editor@armycadet.com

ARMYCADETS.COM 33

D AY I N T H E L I F E

I love watching our cadets grow

From rhinestones and sequins to skill at arms, 2Lt Tricia Bell explains how she combines her job as a costume designer with being an adult volunteer 06.30 I’m so used to getting up in time for the school run that I don’t need an alarm, even though my oldest daughter is off at university and my youngest daughter, Phoebe – who inspired me to become a CFAV – can get herself up and ready these days. I start the day with toast, coffee and my work emails – I’m always getting crumbs in the laptop – before my husband David, Phoebe and I jump in the car and take her to school. Afterwards we go to a café for another coffee and to plan what we need. By this point I’ve usually had enough caffeine to help me tackle the 50 ACF emails I get each day.

09.00 David and I run a business designing and making costumes for Elvis impersonators, Vegas showgirls and 1960s musical tribute acts. We set it up six years ago after my husband, who is a Detachment Commander and a pretty good singer, bought two jumpsuits for his own Elvis act. They cost £1,600 and neither of them fitted properly so, after a glass of vino, I said: “I could do a better job than that” and things went from there.Actually making the costumes is a long and fairly boring process that we do entirely ourselves. For an Elvis it starts with getting the guy’s measurements and trying to persuade him to be honest – most of the time when they say they have a 36in waist, what they mean is that it’s 42in with an overhang – and ends about six weeks later after we have stuck on around 3,500 shiny metal studs.

Lunch If I stopped working to eat I’d never get started again, so I usually have

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something simple that I can eat on the go.

15.30 By mid-afternoon it’s time to put down the rhinestones and go to the post office with any packages that need to be sent to customers.

Next I pick up my daughter from school and hear about her day over a coffee and a piece of cake before we all start running around like lunatics to make sure we’re ready for cadets on time. Often this will involve me looking out the window and deciding to do a last-minute rewrite of the plan for the evening; if it’s sunny cadets will want to do fieldcraft or outdoors cooking, not something that means sitting inside.

18.30 I like to arrive well before the cadets to make sure I have everything set up as it needs to be, and I usually leave after they’ve gone home so that I can check things have been closed up properly.

21.30 When we get home I’m straight on to the laptop uploading information to Westminster and making sure that everything has been taken care of. I also take a moment to check work emails and to see if any new orders have come in. While I’m at the computer dealing with admin David is putting together a meal. I’m not much of a cook, so if it was up to me it would just be cheese on toast. Luckily he is a whiz in the kitchen, so he’ll cook something simple but delicious, like steak and chips or fish and vegetables.

22.30 Time to go to bed and fall asleep in front of The Big Bang Theory.

MEET TRICIA Tricia Bell, 36 Rank: 2nd Lieutenant Joined: May 2012; former cadet County: Durham Day job: Costume designer Favourite thing about being a volunteer: Being able to work with young people from a huge variety of backgrounds and watch them grow

Hear more There is more from 2Lt Tricia Bell and her daughter Phoebe in the new ACF promo films now available on our website and YouTube channel /cadetsarmy Tricia with her daughter, Phoebe, who inspired her to become a CFAV.

COMING UP IN THE WINTER ISSUE

ARMY CADET VOLUNTEER NEXT ISSUE

We find out more about the new cadet and adult equipment available SI Stuart Taggart describes life as an adult volunteer and mountain path builder Captain Lesley Deacon is an experienced ACF officer, as well as Head of Midwifery and an Assistant Director of Nursing: discover how her NHS and ACF careers have complemented each other

Ready to complete the picture as an acf officer?

going further