Page 11 - Cadet Review Spring 2024

During 2003 he moved on to pursue a passion
he had for shooting, taking on the role of Wing
Staff Officer for Shooting, a role he held for the
next seven years. He was instrumental in that
role in driving forward both standards and Wing success in a multitude of national and inter-force competitions. In 2008 he was promoted to Squadron Leader reflecting his hard work and dedication
to the air cadets and assumed the role of Chief of Staff / Deputy Wing Commander in 2013, a role he continues to hold.
Squadron Leader French has had an outstanding career with the air cadets spanning nearly five decades and has dedicated a significant proportion of his life to this organisation. He typifies one of the unsung heroes of the organisation whose passion, professionalism and dedication to duty is undoubted.
Two additional individuals who have both served with the Cadet Training Team were also recognised for their contribution to the Cadet Experience, Major David Crawford and Captain Nick De Tscharner Vischer, and their awards were much appreciated
by all members of the ACF and CCF for their contribution to development and training of a legion of both adult volunteers and cadets over many years.
MAJOR DAVID CRAWFORD
Major David Crawford has, over the last 20+ years, as a Full Time Reserve Soldier, been heavily involved with the Army Cadet Forces and Combined Cadet Force Contingents in the Northeast of England, as Officer Commanding 9, 15 and 4 Brigades Cadet Training Team. In the latter role he introduced
and developed the Team structure in close liaison with staff at HQ Regional Command and the MOD/ Department for Education Joint Team and held the Lead Coordination role delivering the task.
His role has been a critical one, commanding a dedicated team of Regular and Reserve soldiers delivering high quality, first class training and advice to all ranks in both the ACF and CCF. Amongst his achievements has been the successful delivery
of the Adult Instructor Initial Training Course, the culmination of the basic training for a new adult volunteer to the ACF which allows them to be equipped for training their cadets. In addition,
his responsibilities also included running many successful competitions such as Colts Canter and Exercise Black Rat, Skill at Arms meetings and many other courses for both adult volunteers and cadets, whilst also managing the expectations of all attendees.
He, with his team, regularly visited each Contingent for training and development, in addition to setting up new CCFs under the Cadet Expansion Programme which resulted in an increase from 17 to 40 contingents.
He liked to project the impression that he was the original Brigade “Mr Grumpy”, but in fact further from the truth one could not possibly be. His heart was firmly in the camp of doing his utmost to help the Adult Volunteers and their cadets to be the best at whatever activity they were involved in and his contribution to the running of the ACF counties
and the CCF Contingents across the whole of the
Major David Crawford liked to project the impression that he was the original Brigade “Mr Grumpy”, but in fact further from the truth one could not possibly be. His heart was firmly in the camp of doing his utmost to help the Adult Volunteers and their cadets to be the best
Northeast is immeasurable. Without his enthusiasm, experience, drive and technical knowledge all units would have been less successful at what they do best, delivering fun but safe training for the cadets under their command.
Having completed his appointment at the Brigade Cadet Training Team his skills and talents can continue to be put to good use in YNW ACF where he has recently been appointed as Deputy Commandant.
CAPTAIN NICK DE TSCHARNER VISCHER
Captain Nick de Tscharner Vischer joined the
Cadet Training Team in 2014 as the southern detachment Training Officer following Regular service and deployments. He is the embodiment of
a Training Officer who has energy, dedication, sound judgement, integrity and loyalty and is very much the role model for cadets and adult volunteers alike. His delivery of the cadet experience has simply been outstanding. His understanding of the difficulties that volunteers face on a day to day basis and his ability to reassure and remove that pressure to get the very best from them should not be underestimated and has been evident throughout his tenure.
He has designed and delivered key training activities to both cadet force adult volunteers and cadets. His contribution made a real difference, impacting on the further development and confidence. The job of the Cadet Training Team and especially the Training Officer is the delivery of the cadet experience, something he cares passionately about. He has spent all his time ensuring everyone involved gets treated fairly, have every opportunity available to take an active part and receive the very best service and support available. Captain Vischer is a consummate professional who asks and sets standards for others to follow. He has delivered
the cadet syllabus with fun, enthusiasm and professionalism. An outstanding contributor to the youth organisation, he has impacted on the personal development and confidence of thousands of young people, making their lives better and setting them up for success for the future.
Cadet Flight Sergeant Andrew Prole is a member of 739 (Scarborough) Squadron and also serves as a Flight Staff Cadet at 645 Volunteer Gliding Squadron, where he regularly attends weekend activities at RAF Topcliffe, assisting other cadets and improving his gliding proficiency.
He holds his Silver Flying Badge, having attained Solo standard on his Gliding Scholarship, and is working towards his Gold Wings Glider Training with 645 Volunteer Gliding Squadron. He has achieved bronze badges in First Aid, Cyber skills and as a Wing Level musician (drumming), and he holds the foundation blue badge in Leadership, Space and Radio Operation.
Potted facts on those appointed as Lord-Lieutenant’s Cadets include:
CADET REVIEW SPRING 2024 11