15 May 2018
I am a Cadet Force Adult Volunteer (CFAV) with the Army Cadet Force (ACF), I hold a Territorial Army Type ‘B’ Queens Commission with specific responsibility to train and develop young people throughout Essex. My responsibilities include the Training of CFAVs joining the ACF, supervisory guidance to adult instructors, also the arrangement and delivery of safe, exciting and fun training packages for the cadets by supporting all Company cadet Training Activities.
I first joined the Combined Cadet Force whilst at school in Dunblane, Scotland at the age of 12 and went on to become a junior soldier at age 16. I later served for over 23 years as an adult with the Royal Regiment of Artillery. My career has taken me as far afield as Germany, Northern Ireland, Canada, USA and the Middle East earning me six medals and the coveted rank of Warrant Officer. During my service I became a specialist in several technical military disciplines and held responsibility for the training of officers and soldiers.
I joined the ACF because I believe that experience gained in the services is of direct benefit to local young people. I wanted to give them an opportunity to learn, develop and make the mistakes in a safe and controlled environment, as well as teaching them discipline and developing their confidence. The transition from the army to becoming a youth leader in the army cadet force was well worth the challenge. The emphasis is on developing and encouraging young people between the ages of 12 and 18 to achieve their best by introducing them to standards and values which will help them to become whatever they wish to be in life.
Before taking up my promotion as a commissioned officer, I served as a Sergeant Instructor, Staff Sergeant Instructor and completed my duties as a Company Sergeant Major at the Essex ACF annual camp held at Wathgill in the Yorkshire Dales in August 2014.
If you are interested in becoming an adult volunteer but have no military experience, then don’t worry, the CFAV training is designed to take a person with no military knowledge and skills and provide them with the necessary skills and knowledge to be able to instruct young people between 12 and 18. Adults within the ACF come from all walks of life and differing cultural backgrounds. Training continues throughout your career and you can take on as many skills as you desire. These skills are not only military but also adventure training and management qualifications, we also are heavily involved with the Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme.
As a Lead Supportability Engineer (Training) at our Basildon site, I continue to apply my knowledge and am involved in the development and delivery of operator and maintainer training for our products to customers around the world. My role as a CFAV has helped me as I have learnt how to apply the above when instructing students whose first language is not English and from a different cultural background and mind set. I have learned how to deal with young people and the issues that some have so mainly different methods of motivation patience, understanding, respect and flexibility. Watching the cadets grow and develop from 12 year olds to young mature adults that have confidence, respect and more importantly self-respect. Helping kids with behavioural problems develop and control their behaviour and become decent young people. Providing stability, security and respect for young people which allows them to develop and gives them a good base from which to start their adult lives.
Leonardo supports me by giving me special leave to be used alongside my annual so that I can attend our annual two week camp, which this year is in Oakhampton on Dartmoor.