Page 45 - Cadet review Summer 2022

in making trips like Ex Ares Challenge work and the critical need to ensure that both the number and
mix of adults is correctly set, which can be a hurdle given work, time and cost commitments. Any notion that the Exercise presented an opportunity for a
jolly would be misplaced, so to ensure the success
of future trips considering how the volunteers are supported and encouraged to participate is a worthy discussion, and in these times of rising inflation creating access to appropriate financial support, for those that require it, if it facilitates a balanced training team may prove both necessary and sensible.
Despite having been in the role for coming on four years, I have failed to calculate the optimum mix of volunteers with prior military service to those without and whilst a core strength of the Army Cadet Force is having those from a variety of backgrounds, there are times when the experiences and qualification from prior service are a distinct benefit. On a morning when the heat is rising faster and higher than one is used to back home in the UK and moving up behind a section of cadets practicing Battle Drills, I was mindful that almost 30 years to the day I was feeling the heat and engrossed in similar activities, only then at Archer Post. Yet on this occasion, absent the responsibilities of a platoon commander on repeated live firing exercises, with the freedom to observe
at leisure it was very apparent that, despite some notable exceptions, some instructors were clearly in their natural environment and to the benefit of the cadets; as was the common denominator between those instructors. Once again, showing why fostering the relationship with Regimental afflictions, leading to a migration of skills, is a worthwhile activity.
Equally apparent,
is the role
of the adult volunteers in making trips like Ex Ares Challenge work and the critical need to ensure that both the number and mix of adults is correctly set
My 48 hours completed and sat in the airport departure lounge I am starting to consolidate my observations and think about how I might use them within my advocacy role when a second parallel with 30 years ago occurs; my return flight is cancelled with no indication of when it will be rescheduled. On a positive note, British Airways were considerably more apologetic in delivering the bad news than RAF Movements had been when keeping me in Nanyuki for a few extra days, but as it turned out I only had another 24 hours to wait, and I was on my way home.
It is with good reason that advocacy, both within and outside of the military, is a principal function of the Honorary Colonel. Particularly, as the majority of cadets go on to have careers in the civilian workplace, where the source of the qualifications and experiences achieved, the life-skills and self efficacy gained, may not be so obvious to those employers who have not themselves served. Whilst the activities of the Army Cadet Force occur the year round, the intensity of a demanding overseas trip not only accentuates the development of the work relevant characteristics the cadets acquire, but it also demonstrably highlights the commitment to, and investment in, the cadets made by the Adult Volunteers. Consequently, in addition to showing my appreciation, I would be denigrating my obligations, perhaps even allowing a travesty, if I neglected to
do all I can to make the future beneficiaries of these endeavours aware of their origin.
*What is the social impact and return on investment resulting from expenditure on the Cadet Forces in the UK? May 2021.
CADET REVIEW SPRING 2022 45