Page 58 - Cadet Review Autumn 2024

HSY ACF
CADET CSM EARNS PRESTIGIOUS MASTER CADET TITLE AT NATIONAL TRAINING CENTRE
The annual summer training camp is the highlight of the year for most cadets, offering a chance to progress through the star levels and hone their skills. For Cadet Company Sergeant Major (CSM) Evie Brooks of B Company, this year's camp was even more special, as she had a compelling reason for arriving later than the other cadets. CSM Brooks had being attending the prestigious Master Cadet Course at the National Cadet Training Centre, Frimley Park—a remarkable achievement and the pinnacle of cadet training.
Heading to Frimley Park, she was filled with both apprehension and excitement, ready to take on one of the most demanding courses the ACF has to offer. Reflecting on her experience, she described it as
her most rewarding in the five years she has been part of the organisation. "Master Cadet is by far my favourite experience in the five years I’ve been a part of the ACF," CSM Brooks shared. "Though it was very demanding, and by the end of the week, I was more exhausted than I’ve ever been leaving a camp, it was an incredible opportunity. I am extremely proud of how hard I have worked to have had the chance to train at Frimley Park."
The course’s Fieldcraft element stood out as a highlight, providing a fitting conclusion to her cadet career. "The Fieldcraft element was the perfect
way for me to end," she said. "It consolidated all
my knowledge into a continuously rolling exercise, allowing us to take full control of the battle situations
Master Cadet is a course I recommend everyone aims for, and I hope none shy away from the opportunity.
presented to us and test our limits both under fire and while in the harbour area, where we took on sentry duties throughout the night."
The challenges didn't stop there. CSM Brooks
and her fellow cadets underwent rigorous training, including section attacks, a 1km log run, and
an obstacle course—all while working with new teammates. Despite the intensity and continuous and challenging workload, CSM Brooks found the experience deeply rewarding. "These challenges not only tested us physically but mentally, as we had to quickly adjust to working in our sections with people we had never met. By the time I left, everyone had gelled together so well and created solid friendships which will last beyond our time in the ACF," she commented.
As CSM Brooks prepared to age out of the cadets, she reflected on the course as a well-rounded conclusion to her cadet journey. "Master Cadet is a course I recommend everyone aims for, and I hope none shy away from the opportunity. I am really pleased with the ending this course has given my cadet career."
CSM Brooks went on to express her gratitude to the instructors and fellow cadets who made the experience so memorable and to those who have supported her throughout her entire cadet journey. "Thank you to all the adults and cadets who made the experience so incredible and thank you to all the adults who have supported me in finding and
reaching my hidden potential over the last five years," she concluded.
CSM Evie Brooks' achievement is a testament to her dedication, hard work, and the support of those around her. As she steps into the next chapter of her life, her experience at Frimley Park will undoubtedly serve as a proud milestone in her journey.
58 CADET REVIEW AUTUMN 2024