Page 29 - Cadet Review Summer 2021

Final parade for CSM Swales
Wednesday 31st March saw the last parade night for E Company’s CSM Chris Swales as he aged out and in time honoured tradition a pizza night was held.
This was no ordinary pizza night though as with covid restrictions on meeting face to face still prevailing, E Company’s Training Officer ordered a pizza as a special surprise, along with a leaving card and a gift to be delivered to his home address. The CSM then hosted a laugh a minute Kahoot quiz which was thoroughly enjoyed by all. This was followed
by a short but great video that was created by the NCOs, who he has been currently training. The Adult Volunteers honoured the CSM with a few words which left him a little speechless, this was then followed by the OC, Major Claire Kirk giving her farewell speech.
In addition, during lockdown he has also completed his BTEC Level 2 Diploma.
“I have to say I am super proud of all of the senior cadets for putting the video together and actually making the CSM speechless. It shows that our seniors respect each other and look up to their peers as role models and how important the skills and
life lessons such as leadership really do work and have an impact on our young people.” Captain Vicki Brooks Staff Officer Training.
“CSM Swales was a model senior cadet, both inspiring and aspirational. The cadets of the company valued his experience, advice and leadership. He will be sorely missed.” Major Claire Kirk.
E Company head into 2021 virtually
Postponed from December when the Company was meant to hold a face-to-face training weekend at Detachment locations due to the tier restrictions for a Skill at Arms and First Aid Weekend and subsequently the lockdown in England virtual training was the next best thing.
Throughout the weekend, the cadets from around E Company took part in a range of APC theory lessons, which included Field Craft, Expedition, Navigation and First Aid. Senior cadets also had sessions on leadership and preparation for their Senior Cadet Instructor Cadre. Additional activities such as Company games and quizzes also took place alongside two guest speakers:
Corporal Andrew Cline (REME) who is attached
to 27 Regiment Royal Logistics Corps, and Lance Corporal Jodie Farr of 162 Regiment Royal Logistics Corps who talked about their time as a cadet and their experiences with the Army Reserve. The three talks were enjoyed by the cadets who engaged with a lot of questions and comments to the guest speakers.
The weekend was brought to a close by a Q&A session, where the cadets had the opportunity to ask questions to the HQ team in attendance, before Major Clare Kirk thanked the cadets and instructors for their hard work over the weekend, through the difficult medium of Zoom training.
Most importantly.... we had FUN
– for my team and I, this is why we do what we do
The Officer Commanding, Major Kirk said: “It has been a tough year, having to postpone all face-to- face activity due to government guidelines has been upsetting for both cadets and adult volunteers alike. I requested that Staff Officer (Training) – Captain Vicki Brooks reschedule the plans for our designated Company weekend in order to be able to provide it virtually. Following an extended stand-down period to usual, this was exactly what the company needed following the Christmas period. Overall, the weekend had a fabulous mix of APC training, fun games and guest speakers, providing us all with the opportunity to re-engage with the ACF. Though we all look forward to the day we can return to detachment locations and CTC Driffield, virtual engagement is paramount until we can do so again”
Major Kirk went on to say: “As OC, I wish to thank everyone who participated - from the cadets, adult volunteers and guest speakers, as without their hard work and dedication, the weekend would not have been as successful as it was. It was great to see the positive impact the sessions made, everyone closed the weekend activities with a smile having success- fully completed all learning opportunities, but most importantly....we had FUN - for my team and I, this is why we do what we do.”
CADET REVIEW SUMMER 2021 29