Reporting G&L 2020-21 by ReportingGandL

Inside

4 6 8 Using a smartphone app to validate a virtual sponsored walk. See page 19.

MONTHS OF LOCKDOWN How the Battalion responded to lockdown

LOCKDOWN 2 Begins and (just) ends

THE CADET EXPERIENCE What being an Army Cadet is all about

VOCATIONAL

WHAT A DIFFERENCE A YEAR MAKES

16 20 22 24 28 Back cover

Opportunities to gain Vocational Qualifications

Battalion activity before and during lockdown

COMMUNITY Battalion cadets support their local community

ADULT VOLUNTEERS Committed, skilled and qualified

CONVERSATIONS IN LOCKDOWN Inspirational guests’ virtual chats with cadets

ALL IN A YEAR And it’s not all about lockdown!

QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS From cadets and Adult Volunteers

THE BATTALION Organisation, contacts and statistics

Our pictures: 

Some of the images on the front cover and throughout this Review were taken before the outbreak of Coronavirus and do not reflect the safety measures that the Army Cadet Force currently has in place.



As face-to-face photography has not been possible over most of the year, some images of individuals had to be cropped from those already on file and are of variable quality. Apologies if we are not showing everyone's best side!

Welcome to the Battalion’s Annual Review 2020-21 It has been an unprecedented year, not only for the Battalion, but for the wider ACF and the country as a whole. Who would have believed this time last year that we would still be in a state of lockdown twelve months later? Apart from a few weeks in the autumn of 2020 there has not been any face-to-face training with our cadets or Adult Volunteers, and that has been very difficult for everyone in the Battalion. I have been extremely impressed by the resilience and innovation shown by everyone to keep the flame alive adapting training and moving into the virtual world with both enthusiasm and professionalism. I very much appreciate the work of our Adult Volunteers who give up so much of their free time and wish to thank them for continuing to deliver fun, safe and exciting online training to our cadets throughout a difficult year. I would also like to take this opportunity to thank our Professional Support Staff and the Training Safety Adviser who have all been working under various pressures, including working from home for the most of the year. Supporting us throughout the year has been Cadets Branch and others at Headquarters 51 Brigade, The Army Cadet Force Association both in Scotland and the UK, and the Lowland Reserve Forces’ and Cadets’ Association. Finally, as always, I would like to put on record my thanks to the cadets of the Battalion for what they do and what they achieve - I could not have any better or more enthusiastic cadets. I appreciate that some cadets who left us during the year had not progressed as far as they would have liked because of lockdown. However, I hope that they all enjoyed some good times with the Battalion and I wish them all the very best for the future. The Battalion is a team effort and I very much appreciate how everyone has helped to deliver the productive year we have had despite the challenges and I look forward to moving out of lockdown and getting back to face-to-face training and hopefully an Annual Camp in the summer.

The Commandant presenting Sergeant Instructor slide to Lauren McLean. More about Adult Volunteers on page 20.

Colonel Alex McNamee Commandant

MONTHS OF LOCKDOWN …. Much like the rest of the country our 2020-2021 year began in lockdown and continued with various restrictions throughout the year. Detachment face-to-face training resumed in mid October but on Boxing Day restrictions were reintroduced when all of central Scotland was placed on Level 4. As a result our Review is different this year. There is less content, fewer pictures and fewer stories about cadet activities to relate. That said we have tried to provide some snapshots of the year which has been largely under lockdown and of how the Battalion worked hard to keep the flame alive. On 17th March 2021 HQ Regional Command, confirmed that planning for a return to face-to-face training and for Annual Camps was underway and following guidance from the Scottish Government and Youth Link Scotland, Scottish Battalions were allowed to resume face-to-face training within certain guidelines in late March. 

Coming out of the Second Lockdown on page 7.



What the rest of 2021 and into 2022 might bring on page 31.

The long lockdown months To keep everyone in the Battalion connected during lockdown we had a series of Zoom conferences on a weekly basis including:  Commandant’s briefing.  Adult Volunteers.  Senior Cadets.  Company Commanders and other senior staff This enabled us to plan virtual cadet and Adult Volunteer training and other Bn events. It was important during lockdown to keep Adult Volunteer skills up to scratch and details on how we achieved that are on page 20. There were on-line quizzes and competitions including a series provided by the Cadet Training Team Scotland. More about these and others throughout the Review.

Competitive events were important during lockdown. Egg decoration was a favourite at Easter - and more skilled than rolling them down a hill! These from A Tp RA.

Commandant’s on-line briefing

Television presenter Lorainne Kelly OBE, the first ever National Honorary Colonel for the Army Cadet Force provided a special message to cadets and Adult Volunteers during lockdown.

During lockdown cadets from 5 Pl Scots Guards made videos recorded at their homes about why they are in the cadets and what they get up to at the detachment. Pictured are Cdt Isla Callis and LCpl Rory Paterson

A Virtual Area Commanders' Course from the National Cadet Training Centre at Frimley Park in September was attended by the Battalion’s Capt Lisa Hay, Capt Alan Long and Capt Raymond Bell.

… AND EASING OUT OF THE FIRST LOCKDOWN As the Battalion eased out of lockdown for the first time in October and put social distancing and other measures in place to safeguard both cadets and Adult Volunteers, it was a time of reflection on what had been missed in 2020 and how to plan for the best in the months ahead. A second lockdown was not in our thoughts at that time.

THE SECOND LOCKDOWN CONTINUES Late January and the virtual Junior Cadet Instructors Cadre in operation.

The view from one detachment

It concluded with 12 successful cadets.

CTT Scotland presented a Wellbeing Package on healthy living.

The Inspiring Leadership series included the legendary career of Mark Billingham MBE. From Cadet CSM to Regular RSM in 22 SAS and afterwards providing personal protection for famous personalities such as Hulk Hogan and Tom Cruise. Mark told his amazing story in a truly exciting session - and all delivered wearing his 5 Pl Scots Guards t-shirt!

With the Cadet Force Commissioning Board in Scotland twice postponed, preparatory work for the Battalion candidates continued via Zoom.

The Commandant updates the Bn on current issues and initiatives.

On line quizzes were again popular. This one from Invictus Company.

3 Tp Royal Engineers have been running online Zoom lessons since November along with the return of face-to-face training. We found that it was beneficial for some cadets who had fallen behind due to lockdown and also allowing those who were unable to attend training due to shielding or self-isolating to continue to participate in detachment activity - and there was a good turnout for both. With the return to lockdown we are back with virtual lessons including running detachment quiz nights to keep up the cadets’ morale during these difficult times and to allow them to engage with their friends. It also helps to take their minds off online schooling and all the many restrictions of the second lockdown.

Training Centre hosting regular troops While the Battalion training centre at Dechmont was not being used for cadet training during the second lockdown it was accommodating soldiers from the Royal Scots Dragoon Guards (pictured below), REME and RAMC who have been helping the Scottish Government in the fight against Coronavirus.

Inspirational guests -

keeping the flame alive during lockdown. See page 22.

THE SECOND LOCKDOWN ENDS As we go to press at the end of March 2021 the Battalion is easing back to face-to-face detachment training with social distancing and other Coronavirus precautions in place. There is a look at what the rest of 2021 and into 2022 may bring on page 31.

THE CADET EXPERIENCE

THE APC SYLLABUS

The Army Proficiency Certificate

 Drill and Turnout

The APC is the core training syllabus for Army Cadets.

 Expeditions

It’s a progressive syllabus that gets more challenging each year. As cadets learn more about each topic and increase their skills, they move through the star levels from Basic to Master Cadet. Training takes place throughout the year during detachment training evenings. Cadets undertake more advanced and practical training at weekend and annual camps.

 Fieldcraft

The Battalion has its own residential Cadet Training Centre in Cambuslang on the outskirts of Glasgow with its own ranges and training areas.

 Sport

Senior cadets get the opportunity to attend a range of courses to improve their military and leadership skills which may also result in additional qualifications. Lockdown affected face-to-face training for much of the period of this Review, however, some activities were able to continue on a virtual basis.

Senior Cadet Instructors Cadre The Senior Cadet Instructors Cadre (SCIC) is a 4 Star subject designed to increase the senior cadet’s knowledge of the techniques of instruction first introduced on the Junior Cadet Instructors Cadre (JCIC). The Senior Cadet Instructors Cadre took on a virtual look in October and Sgt Sophie Logan (right) was one of three cadets from the Glasgow and Lanarkshire Bn who successfully completed this first virtual cadre over a week in October. As a result of successfully completing the cadre Sophie also achieved 4 Star. The other successful Bn cadets were Sgt Euan Davidson and Sgt Billie McAinsh.

 Skill at Arms  First Aid  Cadet and the Community  Navigation  Shooting  Music  Signals  Military Knowledge

Master Cadet Course

Cadet Leadership Course

The Master Cadet Course is the culmination of the APC training syllabus and successful completion is one of the elements necessary to achieve Master Cadet status and the authority to wear the sixth and final APC star. It takes place at the National Cadet Training Centre at Frimley Park in Surrey.

The Cadet Leadership Course is one of the most intensive courses open to cadets. Courses are held throughout the UK and in Scotland it is normally a week at Easter in the Barry-Buddon training area with the 51 Brigade Cadet Training Team.

To avoid a whole year of senior cadets missing out on the Master Cadet Qualification a Covid 19 Board was set up to interview cadets and determine their suitability for the qualification based on submissions by Battalions. As a result Sgt Calum Cathro and Sgt Alannah Craw were awarded their Master Cadet Covid-19 certificates in August and CSM

Unfortunately no courses were held during the pandemic, but it is hoped that they will resume soon. The Cadet Training Team Scotland established a library of training slides and videos to support cadets with their virtual training and help develop their leadership skills from home.

Mellisa Rodger and CSgt Dean Dougal gained theirs in November.

Notwithstanding all the difficulties which were experienced during the 12 months covered by this Review - most of it spent in lockdown - there was considerable achievement by individual cadets and Adult Volunteers and we have highlighted just some of them in this Review.

PRE LOCKDOWN

LOOK BACK

First Aid Skills and Qualifications As well as being a core subject of the APC syllabus with cadets having to achieve a Heart Start Certificate to gain just the Basic award, cadets are encouraged to gain additional advance level qualifications. All Adult Volunteers are first aid trained to at least First Aid at Work (FAW) level. Many senior cadets also gain the FAW qualification. First aid training during Covid - see below.

The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award All cadets are encouraged to participate in the Award moving from Bronze to Silver to Gold. There are a number of sections to the Award that have to be completed Volunteering, Physical, Skills, Expedition, and for Gold only, Residential - and many DofE activities can be linked to cadet training.

Music Cadets from our Pipes and Drums detachment develop their musical skills alongside other cadet activities and when they become proficient with the bagpipes or drums they perform as part of the Scottish Cadet Organisation’s Pipe Band. Cadets from all detachments can develop their playing with a wide range of instruments and go on to play in the Cadet Military Band and various ensembles. Music study can also lead to Vocational Qualifications see page 11. On-line music training and practice - see page 14. During lockdown the Battalion worked hard to keep cadets engaged and the cadets themselves were able to check their record of progress in the ACF on-line at the recently launched Cadet Portal. To ensure that cadets could continue to progress and to reward success some cadet activity could be completed on-line including aspects of Vocational Qualifications and the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award. In spite of the difficulties of the year a commendable number of cadets were recognised for their achievements.

Covid safe first aid training The First Aid At Work course in November was one of the first Bn events that was planned and delivered after face-to-face training resumed in mid October. The planning and delivery of the course had to change to ensure that it was Covid safe and to ensure social distancing, so the number of students was reduced from 24 to 12. The normal planning of lessons and activities also had to change as the course was not residential, including changing the Friday night delivery to an on-line session delivered via Zoom. A number of practical elements also had to change including the students being assessed on bandaging themselves and also for the choking lessons, where abdominal thrusts and back blows are normally undertaken using a padded vest. These had to be adapted with CPR manikins being used instead. It was a challenge to deliver the course in a Covid-safe manner due to the interactive nature of first aid training, however the course ran smoothly with no major issues and we were able to qualify or re-qualify 12 of our Adult Volunteers, allowing them to provide essential first aid cover as required.

THE CADET EXPERIENCE

PRE LOCKDOWN

LOOK BACK Competition Shooting All cadets are involved with shooting as one of the core subjects of the Army Proficiency Certificate, although many go one further and compete in detachment, battalion, Scottish and UK competitions.

Small Bore As we went to press last year we reported on the Battalion’s run of success in the UK News of the World Small Bore Championship with 3 wins in the last 4 years. After round two of the 2019-2020 championship the Bn held the top 4 places and 4 Pl RSB and 2 Pl RSB and were due to compete in a shoulder to shoulder final at Bisley on 4th April to complete the competition, however, due to lockdown the event did not take place. The competitions for the Shell Trophy and The Punch Trophies which were due to take place on the same date were also abandoned. 15 Battalion cadets qualified for Cadet Hundred badges with Sgt Scott Troy being placed first and CSgt Aiden Allan in third place. 8 cadets qualified to compete in the Whistler Inter Services Competition, but that also did not take place.

Other Shooting Competitions No full bore or air rifle competitions took place during the period of this Review.

Military Skills Competition The Annual Brigade Military Skills competition in which the Battalion has had considerable success over the years, was another causality of the pandemic and did not take place in 2020.

Adventurous Training Adventurous Training is a popular activity with cadets and can involve canoeing, climbing and hill walking. The Cadet Centre for Adventurous Training (CCAT) delivers Adventurous Training qualifications and skill based experience courses for Adults Volunteers and senior cadets aged 16 or over. With its three centres in the UK and through overseas bases it offers a wide range of challenging, inspirational, progressive and safely managed courses at all levels from basic foundation through to intermediate and leader/instructor qualifications via both the Joint Service and National Governing Body accredited schemes. The courses include Summer, Winter and Alpine Mountaineering, Rock Climbing, Winter Climbing, Caving, Open Canoeing, Kayaking (Sea & Inland), Skiing (Nordic & Alpine) and Mountain Biking. Some virtual courses have re-started at CCAT and it is hopes that face-to-face courses will resume before too long.

Pictured left is LCpl Catlin Connor of B Pl RHF on her CCAT Ice Climbing Course in Canada in March 2020.

VOCATIONAL Vocational Qualifications There are many opportunities open to both cadets and Adult Volunteers to gain vocational qualifications that validate what they have learned in the cadets and may help them to progress in further education or employment.

PRE LOCKDOWN

LOOK BACK

Vocational Qualifications delivered through RFCA The Reserve Forces’ and Cadets’ Associations have been working with the Scottish Qualifications Authority to map the skills and knowledge learned and demonstrated during cadet training onto the Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework. This enhances the employability of our cadets by showcasing their skills and learning in a way that is meaningful to future employers. The Army Cadet Achievement, Teamwork & Citizenship Award (SCQF 4) has been designed to credit the skills demonstrated by cadets over the 12 months of training towards the Army Cadet Force APC Two Star Award. Vocational Qualifications delivered through CVQO CVQO is a UK education charity offering a range of vocational qualifications to young people and adult volunteers within youth organisations. They give our cadets and Adult Volunteers the opportunity to have their unique skills and abilities developed, recognised and accredited – either by BTEC, ILM or City & Guilds. To get them started on their Vocational Qualifications journey, cadets who complete One Star can apply for the BTEC1 Certificate in Teamwork and Personal Skills (SCQF 4). CVQO’s Award for Young Leaders is a 2 day course for 14 to 15½ year-old cadets accredited at ILM Level 2 (SCQF 5). Through a combination of classroom based theory lessons and practical leadership activities, the learners have loads of fun while discovering how to motivate and inspire those around them. Senior cadets who progress beyond Two Star can complete the BTEC 2 Diploma in Teamwork and Personal Development in the Community (SCQF 5). This qualification provides recognition of cadet activities and is a perfect way to help strengthen higher education, apprenticeship or job applications. Cadets who play in the Pipes & Drums or the Military Band can gain the BTEC 2 Diploma in Music for Practical Performance (SCQF 5). This qualification focuses on particular aspects of employment within the music sector, and helps cadets stand out from their peers in today’s competitive employment market. Vocational awards are inherently practical and rely on the practical assessment of skills. Therefor lockdown restrictions meant there was less opportunity for cadets and adult Volunteers to gain vocational qualifications this year. Nevertheless, adjustments and adaptations were made where possible including online assessment, and a creditable number of awards were gained in 2020. As a result of logging activity while working through his Two Star syllabus Cpl Scott Connor of B Pl RHF (pictured right) completed the SQA Army Cadet Achievement Award in mid August.

11 9 1 6 15

BTEC1 Certificate in Teamwork and Personal Skills BTEC2 Diploma in Teamwork and Personal Development Diploma in Music for Practical Performance ILM2 Award for Young Leaders SQA Army Cadet Achievement Award

WHAT A DIFFERENCE A YEAR MAKES It’s difficult to summarise what was missed during lockdown - so many things that had just been routine week to week and month to month activities during detachment evenings and on training weekends - just disappeared overnight. It wasn't just missing the face-to-face training - it was missing the face -to-face friendships that are very much part of being an Army Cadet. Top to bottom: Both cadets and Adult Volunteers were denied many opportunities to improve their experiences and skills and to gain recognised qualifications as specialist courses were cancelled or postponed.

     

First aid training Charity collections Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Kenya assistance Canadian exchange Battlefield tour

The Cadet Experience to follow at a later date Among the many events postponed to another year was the Battalion Biennial Arena Display scheduled for August 2020. The pictures below from previous displays remind us of what our guests missed out on.

PRE LOCKDOWN

LOOK BACK

Sport, which plays an important part in the lives of many cadets was also badly affected by lockdown — from training and events at detachment, company and battalion level through to competing in Scottish and UK championships. With the lack of sports competition during lockdown cadets were encouraged to participate in ‘virtual competitions’ - allowing individuals to compete against one another in a way that conformed to government’s social distancing guidelines. The events included a virtual one-mile timed run; the Army Cadet Cycle Challenge; Cross Country Competition and Walking Home For Christmas — the Walking With The Wounded's annual, nationwide challenge to support their work with the NHS. In each case cadets and Adult Volunteers recorded their individual performance on an app which was then submitted to prove participation in the event. 2021 began with a Keeping Active Campaign and further virtual sports and keep fit events are planned until such time as everyone can again meet together on the sports field.

In the UK Virtual Cross Country Championships the Battalion medal winners were:  Class C: Intermediate Boys:

Winner: Sgt Scott Troy, 4 Pl RSB  Class E: Senior Boys:

Runner up: LCpl John Glover, A Pl RHF  Class F: Senior Girls:

Winner: Cdt Holly Tennant, 3 Tp RE Runner-up: Cpl Lauren Hooks, 4 Pl RSB  Class H: Female Adult: Third: PI Katie Knight, F Pl RHF

PRE LOCKDOWN

LOOK BACK

Above: The Battalion team — winners of the ACFA Scotland Athletics Championship 2019

WHAT A DIFFERENCE A YEAR MAKES During lockdown some cadet activities were cancelled, some postponed and others were delivered on line.

Many of the subjects of the Army Proficiency Certificate could be studied on-line and the Battalion delivered a series of virtual lessons.

The Cadet Training Team Scotland developed a library of training resources including videos for the Senior Cadet Instructors Cadre - see page 8.

The Cadet Training Team also provided a series of inter-battalion challenges based on cadet training hosted on the Kahoot platform.

There were no Pipes and Drums or Massed Band live events - but there was practice at home and virtual performances and a number of Pipes and Drums on-line training courses.

The Heroes of St Valery on page 16.

In addition to taking part in the UK Virtual Sports activities (see previous page) cadets were encouraged to keep fit in their local area. Sgt Billie McAinsh of 6 Pl RSB encouraged her cadets in the detachment to use the NHS Couch to 5K app by completing laps in her back garden.

PRE LOCKDOWN

LOOK BACK

For many the cancellation of Annual Camp was the greatest disappointment of lockdown. The Commandant sent a message to the cadets and Adult Volunteers and we look back on previous years to remind us of what was missing during the summer of 2020.

Commandant’s Message Monday 6 July 2020 Today I am feeling a bit lost, I should have got up early and put on my uniform and taken part in the first parade of Annual Camp 2020. I would have then spent the day talking to cadets both those who are well known to me and have been too many camps and others who are at the start of their cadet journey and on their first big camp. I would have been surrounded by the Adult Volunteers - all feeling the same excitement as me about the two weeks ahead, meeting with old friends and making some new ones. Instead due to the Coronavirus restrictions I find myself contemplating how much I miss that start of camp feeling - and I know I am not alone. I know some of our senior cadets would have been looking forward to their last camp as cadets and will be very disappointed to miss the chance to be mentors to the junior cadets, taking company and battalion parades. To them I say please remember all the good times you have had as a cadet and look back with fondness on your time as a member of Glasgow and Lanarkshire Battalion and do not let these unusual times eclipse those memories. As for me I will look forward to coming out of these unprecedented times and getting back to face-to-face training as soon as we can and until then continue to get online and see as many of you virtually as possible. Annual Camp 2021— I can’t wait! Annual Camp: Latest info on page 31.

COMMUNITY Community events were somewhat different this year during lockdown, but that did not prevent Battalion cadets marking them in their own special ways, including doorstep salutes.

CSM Mel Rodger contributing to the virtual Hands Across

The Commonwealth Concert on VJ Day

You can watch and listen to the video here: tinyurl.com/ACFmusic1

Detachments have their own favourite charities but all come together in November to support Poppyscotland. While it is difficult to quantify the total amount raised by cadets throughout the Battalion we do know that in 2019 over £13,000 was collected by cadets in Glasgow city centre on a single day, which gives an indication of what cadets throughout the Battalion regularly contribute to the Poppy Appeal. However, cadets were unable this year to shake cans to support Poppyscotland but many cadets and Adult Volunteers found innovative ways to continue contributing.

Above: 2019 Below: 2020

Next year marks 100 years of the poppy and hopefully Army Cadets will be back out on the streets for that important milestone.

Encouraging cadets to remember those who gave their lives for others. 11 somethings for 11 days to recognise the month and year. next page

Remembrance Day 2020 may go down as one of the quietest since they started in 1919. It may even have been as quiet as it was on the 11th hour of the 11th day of 1918 as the Armistice came into effect. With no cadets allowed on parade, cadets and Adult Volunteers marked Remembrance Sunday by taking part in a doorstep salute at 11am to pay their respects to the fallen. In a simple ceremony Lt Col Derek Coulter laid a wreath on behalf of the Battalion at the normally bustling cenotaph in front of Glasgow City Chambers.

COMMUNITY 11 somethings for 11 days The Battalion encouraged cadets and Adult Volunteers to do 11 somethings for 11 days to recognise the month and year. Cdt Fraser Jørgensen of 5 Pl Scots Guards visited 11 war memorials in an 11 mile radius of his detachment. Cdt Danny Findlay and Cdt Ewan McGready of Royal Signals Tp visited memorials and places of interest around the area for 11 days. SMI Aidan McGie visited the Lambhill cemetery each night and ran the perimeter of the graveyard passing war graves and the front and rear memorials (a total of 4km). Lt Joyce Quin carried out her ‘11 days 11 memorials’ tribute each day from 1st to 11th November. As well as over 30 cadets taking part in the doorstep salute A Tp RA also remembered at the memorial outside the Detachment on the afternoon of Remembrance Sunday. A token presence of 9 cadets marked 2 minutes silence and laid a wreath to those who have gone before. As they were unable to take part in the usual street collection for Poppyscotland, A Tp asked cadets, parents, families and friends to donate, and the detachment matched the sum from Troop funds. This resulted in a total of £800 was donated. Other contributions to Poppyscotland were: 

Glasgow and Lanarkshire Bn Just Giving: £1,808.50



5 Pl Scots Guards: £283.75



1 Pl RSB: £391.25

Christmas Gift Appeal Cadets from Amiens Company saved some of their pocket money over the last few weeks of the year to contribute to the Salvation Army Christmas gift appeal to help families struggling with the pressures of Christmas. Pictured right.

Care Home Cards Cadets from 3 Pl RSB spent time in lockdown writing letters and cards to the residents of the nearby Morningside Care Home. All of the cards were beautifully and lovingly crafted with residents and staff in mind. Reports from the home said that they had offered great comfort - especially to the residents with no family members able to visit during lockdown.

Some of the 11 somethings for 11 days captured in pictures

Cdt Fraser Jørgensen at two of his war memorials and Cdt Ewan McGready and SMI Aidan McGie visiting Lambhill.

Not to go to waste

Empowering the East End

When lockdown closed the Battalion Dechmont Cadet Training Centre for face-to-face training, the stock of the cadet canteen was donated to local good causes.

LCpl Mitchell Gavin from the east end of Glasgow decided during lockdown to create a social project to help his local community. East End Empowering Stars was created with the aim of promoting mental health awareness during the pandemic restrictions.

The contents of the car boot below went to the McWhirter’s Residential Home in Larkhall while more of the goodies went to NHS and care workers in and round Lanarkshire. You can never be too old (or young) to enjoy tattie crisps and Irn Bru.

He and his friend Cdt Adam Jackson helped to feed and clothe the homeless; comforted the elderly; tidied up allotments and deliver boxes with ingredients to children to encourage them to make pancakes. Both the cadets from E Pl RHF were awarded a Commander Cadets Coin for their hard work and dedication to the community during lockdown.

1083 miles and £500 raised! Cadets from 3 Tp Royal Engineers completed a virtual sponsored walk from John O’Groats to Lands End and raised £500 for the charity Chris’s House. The charity was founded by Anne Rowan, a Wishaw mum with a passionate vision for a crisis centre established in memory of her son Chris, who she lost to suicide in 2011 at the age of 36. It is the first 24 hour, non-medical crisis centre in Scotland and provides much needed support to those in need and to their families.

ADULT VOLUNTEERS

Adult Volunteer Ranks

While much of this Review concentrates on the experience of cadets, none of that would be possible without the Adult Volunteers who work hard to ensure that the cadets are offered the wide range of activities that require their skills and experience. All ACF instructors are qualified to carry out the training they undertake and that usually means attending courses - some on weekends, others over several days.

 Probationary Instructor  Probationary Sergeant Instructor  Sergeant Instructor  Staff Sergeant Instructor  Sergeant Major Instructor  Regimental Sergeant Major Instructor  Second Lieutenant  Lieutenant

Much of the military skills training is delivered in Scotland by the 51 Brigade Cadet Training Team with additional week-long courses being held at the National Cadet Training Centre, Frimley Park in Surrey.

 Captain

During lockdown Adult Volunteers across the Battalion did their best to ensure as much virtual activity as possible took place acknowledging that the longer cadets were away from the ACF the more likely they are to drift away if their interest and involvement was not maintained.

 Colonel

 Major  Lieutenant Colonel

Some Adult Volunteer training and development took place on-line with some face-to-face training resuming when lockdown was eased in October 2020. With the second lockdown in place since Christmas training is again via virtual lessons and assessment. Even with all the limitations of the lack of face-to -face training over the year a number of Adult Volunteers gained the necessary qualifications and have been appointed Sergeant Instructors.

Above: Probationary Instructor Training - on line during lockdown. Below: An Advanced Induction Course being held at the Battalion Training Centre in November.

Adult Volunteer Courses complete in year: 90

Army Cadet Safety Management System

5010c Army Cadet Risk Assessment

Advanced Induction Course

Familiarisation and Assessment

Adult Leadership & Management

Area Commanders

Sergeant Instructors Appointed

6 Awaiting attendance at the twice postponed Scottish Cadet Commissioning Board

Probationary Sergeant Instructor Amy-Jo Battersby successfully completed a week of online training to gain her Adult Leadership and Management qualification.

Below: The Battalion’s Professional Support Staff glad to be back at work just before Christmas - and just before the re-introduction of lockdown on Boxing Day.

Appointment of Brigade Cadet Advisers Two members of the Battalion became Brigade Cadet Advisers in 2020. The Commandant was appointed as the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Adviser and SSI John Swan as Shooting Adviser.

UK Appointment Capt Chris Peacock was appointed the Assistant National Training Advisor (Cadets) in November. His role is to be the point of contact for Regional Command as the authority on cadet training and to support the delivery of the new ACF and CCF(A) syllabus, and ensure its successful introduction across the UK. He has been promoted to Major in the new role.

In July the Lowland Reserve Forces’ and Cadets’ Association launched the CARAs - cadet nominated awards to recognise and thank Adult Volunteers within the three cadet organisations in the Lowlands of Scotland. For Glasgow and Lanarkshire Bn the winner was Lt Kenny Boag of 5 Pl Scots Guards and the runner-up was Lt Joyce Quin of A Tp RA..

Supporting Initial Officer Training Lt Kenny Boag was appointed in December to the UK Initial Officer Training Faculty. This is the team that is responsible for ACF officer development through the hosting of a number of training and assessment events at the home of the British Army Officer, The Royal Military Academy Sandhurst. Kenny ran a Commissioning Familiarisation Course for prospective officer candidates during lockdown and the successful candidates are already performing well in the Pre Cadet Force Commissioning Board course that is on-going at the moment.

Bn Senior Officer Appointments 

In early September Capt Alan Long (pictured) was appointed the Company Commander of Amiens Company, assuming command from Captain Lisa Hay.



RSMI John Terry was appointed Battalion Training Officer in December. His story is on page 25.

Putting lockdown time to good use Adult Volunteers are well used to turning their hands to matters that are not included in the training syllabus. Lt Mhairi Jack and SI Ian Rodger of 1 Pl RSB took the opportunity during lockdown to clean up the area around the cadet hut in Strathaven. After lots of weeding and pressure washing they were very pleased with what they had achieved. Now again ready for the re-start of face-to-face detachment training.

Before

After

CONVERSATIONS IN LOCKDOWN Inspirational guests helped to Keep The Flame Alive Throughout the first lockdown the Battalion invited a series of inspirational speakers to discuss with cadets (virtually of course) some of the relevant topics of the day. Jordan Wylie ACF National Ambassador was the first speaker to be sourced by Lt Kenny Boag of 5 Platoon Scots Guards. He conducted a Facebook live Q&A on the 5 Platoon Facebook page which was made open to cadets from across the Battalion as well as cadets from a detachment in Surrey! Jordan outlined his life as a soldier, a private security consultant, an adventurer and a successful author and TV personality. He talked about his struggle with mental and physical health and how his charity work has helped him to re-build his life and move forward. He passed on a number of important hints and tips to the cadets on coping mentally and physically during lockdown as well as drawing upon his incredible life experiences to impress upon them the importance of a positive mental attitude. Keith Norwood Secretary of the Scots Guards Association (Glasgow Branch) hosted a Facebook live event on the 5 Platoon Scots Guards FB page where he described his experiences as a senior NCO in the Scots Guards building up to and participating in the Trooping of the Colour. Keith is a long-time supporter of 5 Platoon and is an excellent and entertaining speaker. Again cadets from across the Battalion tuned in to hear a fantastic and very detailed behind the scenes account of the British Army’s most high profile public event. He also talked about the routine of public duties and even described a late night meeting in the grounds of Buckingham Palace with Prince Phillip! Based on the success of the first 2 events it was decided to move the next events to the Zoom video conferencing format and host them as Battalion wide events. Mark Billingham MBE, former SAS trooper and TV personality was the first of the speakers to appear on this new format. The man that once was Hulk Hogan’s bodyguard told his story which resonated well with the almost 70 cadets who learned about his life and achievements. An ex-cadet himself he described how the lessons he learned during his cadet experience have stayed with him throughout his highly successful military and private sector career. He is a powerful and engaging speaker and he used a number of the challenges he has faced in his life as an example to cadets of how our values and standards will often provide a basis for making the right choices. His key message was: ‘Attempt it - it’s ok to fail sometimes as long as you get back and try again’. WO1 Gavin Paton was next up. He described in great detail his own military career and how that took him from a private soldier with the intention of only serving 4 years before joining the police, to rising up to become a commissioned officer and ultimately assuming the position of the most senior non-commissioned officer in the British Army. He talked about how this has taken him all around the world to train and serve with other nation’s forces in often very challenging situations. He also detailed how his current role gives him the opportunity to engage at all levels of the army and provide private soldiers and noncommissioned officers with a voice that can make sure their interests are effectively represented. He also provided a huge amount of information on the careers and opportunities available in the British Army and answered many questions from those cadets interested in a career in the forces. He also stressed how important a cadet experience is not only in terms of preparing those who wish a career in the forces but just as importantly in preparing young people for a successful and fulfilling life and career no matter what path they choose to follow. Scottish Football Legend James McFadden spoke to the cadets about his time as a professional football player at club and national level and also about his life off the pitch. He talked about the sacrifices and self-discipline required to be a professional sportsman and compared this to our own values and standards. Probably the most enduring memory that most will remember from James’ talk was when he was asked about the iconic moment when he scored arguably the greatest goal in Scottish football history to beat the then World Champions France in Paris. Instead of talking at length about himself he instead talked about the fact that the victory that night was down to an incredible team effort and he paid tribute to his team mates for giving him the platform to score that goal. Informative, inspirational and very open and honest. A great evening’s discussion. 2Lt Paul Kirkwood described his career as an EOD specialist at home and abroad in an incredibly entertaining and informative way. Mr Kirkwood described the various EOD roles in the armed forces and the training and duties involved in each. He treated the cadets to a number of stories of how he undertook his main duties of searching and device destruction both for historical devices uncovered during building works in the UK and, for more dangerous missions in conflict zones.

WO1 Colin Kirkwood, RSM of the Scots Guards talked about his time with the Guards, his time in Afghanistan and his time as a leader in the army. The cadets asked plenty of difficult questions and Colin answered as many as he could before the time ran out. A captivating no holds barred talk that had everyone wanting more. So a second virtual appearance was arranged for later in the year.

An hour spent listening to the captivating life story of our ACF Ambassador, Big Phil Campion. Absolutely inspiring, and a testament that through any adversity or challenge you can prevail to be the truly best person you can be. Phil’s passion for the Army Cadets was clear throughout together with his commitment to help deliver The Cadet Experience.

Mark Aitken from Lanark is one of the foremost figures in the Scottish mountain climbing community and he gave everyone the opportunity to question him on many aspects of mountaineering including clothing, kit and rations. Pictures, videos and tales of his experiences in the mountains of Nepal were much appreciated including the tale of his near to death experience while being beaten up by a Gorilla! And we now know the answer to the question ‘what type of Haribo does a Mountaineer prefer: Starmix or Tangfastic?’ Actually it’s nuts and raisins. Major-General David Eastman MBE is the General Officer Commanding Regional Command and Commander Cadets. The cadets spent over an hour listening about a varied and exciting career - clearly showing the passion he has for his troops and for the Army. Very rarely do cadets get the chance to question a senior officer, and General Eastman provided lots of answers and spoke of his appreciation of what the Army Cadet Force does and what today’s cadets have to offer society. General Eastman also took the opportunity to present Lt Boag with a Commander of Cadets Coin for service to the Glasgow and Lanarkshire Battalion during lockdown. See panel below. Warrant Office Class One Sarah Cox, Royal Logistics Corps. Former Army Cadet and award winning army chef and currently the Command Sergeant Major of Army Recruiting and Initial Training Group. What an incredible night hearing about her amazing career during which she broke new ground for women in the army. Her honest and enthusiastic approach had the cadets and Adult Volunteers hanging on her every word. Sarah has also promised to keep in touch and visit us at some point in the future. Brilliant evening spent with the Edinburgh Garrison Sergeant Major, WO1 Scott McFadden. He told us that as a young guy from Greenock with few prospects, the army opened up a whole load of opportunities for him. Joining the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders at 16 was the start of an army career that included an appointment as the first SCOTS Regimental Sergeant Major of Old College at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst in 200 years and becoming the senior soldier in Scotland. Master Karim Belgacem is a 6th Degree Black Belt in Tae Kwon Do and he delivered an interesting and informative on-line meeting with the Battalion’s cadets. He told of the dedication and sacrifice involved in getting to the top emphasising that there is no easy route - just hard work, determination and lots of practice, which many of the cadets recognised is just what they do in their ACF training. A true martial arts success story from a former British and Scottish Champion. He is currently the host of the Martial Focus podcast A great evening spent with one of our National Ambassadors, Sally Orange. Sally spoke frankly about her career in the Army, her mental health and about her amazing marathons each dressed as a different fruit! She holds multiple Guinness World Records; has run over 50 marathons; completed 8 full Ironman Triathlons and has 22 years of exemplary service in the Royal Army Medical Corps as a physiotherapy officer, including an operational tour in Afghanistan. An evening learning about our Training Safety Adviser, WO2 David Gibb's remarkable army career. He enlisted into 1st Bn The Royal Scots in 1987 and served with them and the Royal Regiment of Scotland through the ranks to Warrant Officer Class 1. He served on operations in Kuwait, Northern Ireland, Iraq, Bosnia and Afghanistan and was Mentioned in Dispatches in Kuwait and received the Brigadiers Commendation in Bosnia. As always, an hour is just too short and we only touched on a very limited part of David’s brilliant career - not reaching his time in the Jungles of Brunei. However, as he is part of the Battalion he can expect some more face-to-face conversation with the cadets when training resumes. Another Training Safety Adviser, this time from the Black Watch Battalion, was up next. WO2 Ian Campbell recounted tales from his various postings and positions from 30 years in the service of Queen and Country. In particular he described his experiences both as a student and as an instructor at the Infantry Battle School. Some great stories of some marvellous achievements well told . 41 years service in the ACF - man and boy. That’s the experience that Lieutenant Colonel Derek Coulter, the Deputy Commandant of the Battalion talked about during the evening’s discussion. He shared photos and told us of how his Cadet Experience has moulded him into the successful man he is today and no doubt inspiring cadets of today to see the Army Cadets as a continuing part of their lives in the years to come. Johnny Mercer MP, a former army officer is a minister in the Ministry of Defence. He was commissioned in the Royal Artillery after graduating from Sandhurst and served mostly with 29th Commando Regiment Royal Artillery and 3rd Regiment Royal Horse Artillery. He did three tours in Afghanistan as a liaison and training officer with Afghan forces; attached to a Special Forces unit; and as a coordinator of artillery and air strikes in support of ground operations. He retired from military service in December 2013 with the rank of captain. He answered the many and varied questions of the cadets including speaking about his book We Were Warriors: One Soldier’s Story of Brutal Combat - a memoir of his upbringing and army service, especially his time in Afghanistan.

… and well deserved recognition for the organiser on page 27.

ALL IN THE YEAR Happy 100th Birthday The Royal Corps of signals celebrated its 100th birthday in 2020.

Senior cadets of the Battalion Two cadets held the top cadet appointment of Regimental Sergeant Major during the Review year. They were Chloe Mills from A Tp RA (below left) and Mel Roger from 2 Pl RSB (below right).

The Corps came up with the idea of getting every serving soldier, veteran and cadet who wears the Royal Signals cap badge - affectionately known as ‘Jimmy’ - to be once again united in a single challenge to raise money and publicity for the Corps. So E Tp Royal Signals, the only Signals detachment in the Battalion took on the 100km for 100 years challenge and the cadets and Adult Volunteers chalked up the kilometres in and around Glasgow. In recognition of everyone's efforts ‘special edition’ Royal Signals ACF polo shirts were presented to all involved. More about sport on page 13.

Supporting the Lord Lieutenant Senior cadets are appointed each year as Lord Lieutenant's Cadets to support the Lord Lieutenant in their duties. For the City of Glasgow Sgt Callum Hepburn, 6 Tp Scots DG was appointed (below left) and for the County of Lanark - Sgt Sophie Logan, 3 Tp RE (below right).

Musical Talent Cdt Craig Shepherd from A Tp RA has shown that he has the TEX Factor. The Knightswood Secondary pupil entered the TEX Factor competition by sending a one minute musical audition video to the annual National Competition run by Army Cadets Music. Talented xylophonist Craig has been notified he is through to the semi finals, and will need to submit another 5 minute video of himself playing his instrument to be in with a chance of winning a cash prize. Competition will be tough as the standard of cadet musicians is acknowledged as being high.

Exercise Tartan Lockdown National Cadet Pipes and Drums ran Exercise Tartan Lockdown in July - their online Solo Piping and Drumming Competition. Cdt Cameron Anderson from the Pipes and Drums Detachment, fought off some stiff competition to gain third place in the Intermediate Piping Section. The competition is usually held at Pipes and Drums camps, however, this year it was a virtual affair with the judges making their decisions based on recordings made by the cadets themselves at home locations.

Anti-Bullying Poster Competition Step Change, the Army Cadet Force Diversity and Inclusion Project ran a competition in May to encourage cadets to design an anti-bullying poster. Below are the entries from (left) Cdt Abbie Young - 2 Pl RSB and (right) Cdt Craig Shepherd - A Tp RA. While they were not the competition winners their entries helped to reinforce the Bns anti-bullying policies.

Ice Climbing in Canada LCpl Catlin Connor of B Pl RHF enjoyed a week of multi-pitch ice climbing in the Canadian Rockies with the Cadet Centre of Adventurous Training. More about the Catlin and the CCAT on page 10.

The new Training Officer reflects Becoming Training Officer was something I never really saw myself doing. My thoughts, whenever I considered my ACF future, took me down the Company Commander route. Like many people within the organisation I spent a lot of time during lockdown reflecting on my service in the ACF and whether it was time for a change. I felt that maybe it was the opportunity to allow someone else to take on my roles and responsibili-

New Accommodation for B Troop RA Just in time for Christmas B Tp RA received the keys to their new accommodation. Previously the cadet detachment was in the middle of abandoned ground, with no clear lighting and an overgrown path to reach the rundown hut which had been around for decades. Formally the Drumchapel Police Station B Tps new home was renovated by the Lowland Reserve Forces’ and Cadets’ Association and is equipped with a drill hall, lecture rooms, offices and of course a canteen. Unfortunately the new lockdown on Boxing day meant that the cadets had to wait until April to enjoy their new facilities and we will report on how they got on in next year’s Review.

ties and to rejuvenate myself with a new challenge. I considered everything very carefully, took advice and then decided that as Training Officer

could

help

cadets

gain

maximum

experience and achievement from being in the ACF. It’s been a rocky first few months in post due to the lockdown restrictions but I am relishing the challenge that is ahead: from getting back to faceto-face activity, as well as planning and implementing our 2021 Annual Camp training plan. My aim is to ensure that training continues to deliver for both the cadets and the Adult Volunteers and to retain our position as a committed and successful Battalion. RSMI John Terry

Above: The new accommodation. Below: As it was before.

On International Women’s Day in March, Cdt Isla Callis of 5 Pl SG, one of the detachments newest girl recruits, talked on video about why she joined the cadets and what she gets out of it.

ALL IN THE YEAR

Now one of The Best While not every cadet sees regular service as a future career some do, including Calum Cathro, formally of Royal Signals Troop where he served from age 12, reaching the rank of SSgt and gaining Master Cadet.

Army Cadet Cycling Challenge

He joined the Army Foundation College at Harrogate in October 2020 aged 17.

Sgt Scott Troy of 4 Pl RSB was not only the Boys Runner-up in the Cycling Challenge, travelling 380 miles - he also completed the longest cycle ride in a single day.

At the college Calum’s personal favourite is PT and he enjoys running in his spare time which he hopes will help prepare him for Parachute Regiment selection. And his latest report back to the detachment: ‘Just loving it so far!’

More virtual sport on page 13.

An A for Art LCpl Anais Gouby from D Pl RHF created this fantastic piece of ACF inspired artwork as part of her school art portfolio. Not only did she get an A for her great work, but she decided to donate it to her detachment for displaying on the wall as a thank-you for what the ACF has helped her achieve.

And passing off Ex Cpl Aaron Melrose of 5 Pl SG stepped off the square at Harrogate in February as Guardsman Melrose. His proud former Detachment Commander posted: ‘off to stand on the shoulders of giants as he joins the Scots Guards’.

New Padre for the Battalion In January the Rev Jerome Boyle was appointed as a chaplain to the Bn. He has worked in numerous fields over the years including film and television production, teaching, freelance interpreting, community outreach and development work with asylum seekers and other minority groups. He has been a community minister for several years and is currently working as a healthcare chaplain with the NHS. He has served in various units of the Army Reserve since 1995.

From ACF to Regular Padre A former padre of the Bn (and latterly serving with the Black Watch Bn) has joined the Regular Army. The Rev Fr Kevin Dow was first commissioned into the Royal Army Chaplains Department in 2013.

Being awarded for the task Following his virtual discussion with cadets of the Battalion Major-General David Eastman presented a Regional Commander’s Coin to Lt Kenny Boag for organising the series of inspirational speakers throughout lockdown. Meet all the contributors on page 22.

The Honorary Colonel reflects I have been Honorary Colonel for just over a year now and what a year it has been, so very different from what I had expected.

Commencing my role in September

2019 and enjoying my visits to the plethora of training activities conducted across the Battalion I could never have anticipated that only a few months further on and we would be at the height of a pandemic and all face-toface training would have ceased. We

now

find

ourselves

coming towards the end of our second lockdown and I do hope for all our sakes that this is the lockdown that ends all lockdowns.

In complete

contrast to the cessation of life as we knew it our cadets and Adult Volunteers have been

absolutely

resolute

and

stalwart

their

determined efforts to keep up to speed with their

A winning question

qualifications and keep the cadets engaged in on-line activity.

Cdt Fraser Jørgensen from 5 Pl SG was surprised and pleased to receive a signed copy of Levison Wood’s book Walking the Himalayas.

I have been immensely impressed with the numerous

He told Reporting G&L that, on the on-line inspiring Leadership Session, he had asked Levison about ‘a life threatening brush with nature that his Army training had helped him survive’ and he got really interesting answer.

events signed up to and overall the ‘make the most of it’

and varied initiatives conducted, the community support engagement undertaken during this crisis, the charity ethic from across the Battalion. It has been a particularly difficult year for all but I do believe we will come out of it no worse for wear,

And he thinks Levison’s book is a really great read.

however, I know everyone is really keen to get back to

Leadership Qualification

do. Congratulations to all and I am so looking forward to

SI Briege Jamieson was one of the 5 Bn Adult Volunteers who successfully completed the Adult Leadership and Management Course during lockdown.

face-to-face training and won’t it be great when you many future physical rather than virtual visits! Col Stephanie Jackman MBE TD

The course, currently run virtually by the National Cadet Training Centre, Frimley Park, provides ACF Adult Volunteers with leadership and management training to enable them to fulfil the role of Detachment Commander. The picture shows Briege attending in person at a previous course at the CTC. The Adult Leadership and Management Course can also lead to a vocational qualification. More about vocational qualifications on page 11.

The Honorary Colonel discussing the finer points of navigation with cadets at the Dechmont Cadet Training Centre.

QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS The ending of the second lockdown has coincided with the end of the year covered by this Review. Cadets and Adult Volunteers worked hard to ensure they achieved as much as was possible during a difficult twelve months - and we have featured some of their experiences throughout this Review. We asked some cadets and Adult Volunteers serving in the Bn to answer questions about what being in the cadets is all about and what lockdown has meant to them. Here is a selection of their answers. LCpl Leigh Gordon 2 Pl RSB Age 16 2 years in cadets At school (S5) What made you first decide to join the cadets? I wanted to step out of my comfort zone and gain confidence in myself. What’s your favourite APC subject? First aid. What activity do you most enjoy being a cadet? Charity bag packing and other types of volunteering. Most enjoyable activity at Annual Camp? Water sports. Have you gained any additional certificates in the ACF? I have gained first aid and CVQO qualifications. Where are most of your best friends? At the cadets and that is where I met my friends. What do you most want to achieve in the cadets? To work my way up the ranks. What will you do when you are too old to be a cadet? I will become an Adult Volunteer. Your feelings about the pandemic and lockdown. I feel the lockdown has had a detrimental affect on everyone's mental health but having cadets to go to, even if it’s online, makes it a little better. Best ever moment in the cadets! Earning my Lance Corporal stripe.

LBdr Jacqueline Scollan A Tp RA Age 16 4 years in cadets At school (S5)

Cpl Andrew Crossan D Pl RHF Age 17 5 years in cadets In college What made you first decide to join the cadets? My brother persuaded me to join. What activity do you most enjoy being a cadet? I enjoy exercises, both day and night as it gives you a sense of responsibility to carry out what you have been taught and is very exciting. Have you been to Annual Camp? Longmoor and Altcar. Have you gained any additional certificates in the ACF? I have DofE Bronze and Silver; A Young Leader SQA Qualification and Emergency First Aid at Work. I am also looking to make a start on DofE Gold. Won any medals in competitions? Second place in a swimming relay; first place in the Lean Cup and second in Military Skills. What do you most want to achieve in the cadets? I’d like to achieve the rank of sergeant and my 4 Star if possible, I also would like to be the best I can be — which would be an achievement in itself. Your feelings about the pandemic and lockdown. Overall the pandemic has been mainly a nuisance to me, but not to the point where it ruins my life. I’ve had some personal struggles as a result of coronavirus but part of getting through them and the pandemic is to keep looking forward - and to follow the rules. Best ever moment in the cadets! Winning Lean Cup shooting competition.

What made you first decide to join the cadets? My cousin was in cadets and said that it was fun and it would get me out of the house. What’s your favourite APC subject? Fieldcraft. Have you been to Annual Camp? Longmoor twice and Altcar once. Most enjoyable activity at Annual Camp? Competitions and the Night Exercise. Have you gained any additional certificates in the ACF? Bronze DofE, Young Leaders BTEC and I am working on my Silver DofE. Won any medals in competitions? 1500m, football, tug of war and first aid. What do you most want to achieve in the cadets? I would like to reach sergeant and achieve DofE Gold. What will you do when you are too old to be a cadet? I am going to join the army. Your feelings about the pandemic and lockdown. I feel the pandemic has brought families closer but I also wish it would end so that everything would be normal again and we can go back to camps. Best ever moment in the cadets! When I got promoted and achieved first place in first aid.

The Questions and Answers from two of the Battalion‘s Adult Volunteers are on page 30.

LBdr Josua Scrymegeour

A Tp RA Age 15 2.5 years in cadets At school (S4)

What made you first decide to join the cadets? I heard about it from my cousin - tried it out and love it. What activity do you most enjoy being a cadet? Practical first aid. Have you been to Annual Camp? Twice: 2018 and 2019. Most enjoyable activity at Annual Camp? Lucas Tooth Competition. Have you gained any additional certificates in the ACF? DofE Bronze award. Have you gained a Vocational Qualification in the ACF? SQA Young Leaders award. Won any medals in competitions? Lucas tooth, volley ball, football, athletics. Where are most of your best friends? Most of my friends are in cadets. What do you most want to achieve in the cadets? I want to get as many qualifications as possible and try and become Cadet RSM. What will you do when you are too old to be a cadet? Come back as an Adult Volunteer, depending on work. Your feelings about the pandemic and lockdown. Brings my motivation down - can’t wait to get back to normal. Best ever moment in the cadets! Winning the Lucas Tooth Competition and going on skiing trips.

Cdt Fraser Jørgensen 5 Pl SG Age 13 1 year in cadets At school (S2) What made you first decide to join the cadets? It aligned with my interests. What’s your favourite APC subject? Skill at Arms. What activity do you most enjoy being a cadet?

Cpl Euan Thompson 1 Pl RSB Age 16 4 years in cadets At school (S5) What made you first decide to join the cadets? My mum suggested I try it, and I have found that I enjoy it. What activity do you most enjoy being a cadet? Going to camps as there are a lot of different activities, and socialising with other cadets. Have you been to Annual Camp? Been to three great camps. Have you gained any additional certificates in the ACF? First Aid and DofE Bronze. Working towards Silver. Where are most of your best friends? Most of my friends are at school, although I have some at cadets also. Have you gained a Vocational Qualification in the ACF? BTEC Level 1 (SCQF Level 4) in Teamwork Personal Skills and Citizenship. ILM Level 2 Award for Young Leaders. What will you do when you are too old to be a cadet? I think I will study Physics at University. Your feelings about the pandemic and lockdown. I’m taking 5 Highers this year, so have filled my time with my studies. Cadets has given me virtual training and challenges to keep me in the loop. I’m getting bored with it all now and I just want to get back to normal. Best ever moment in the cadets! Winning company Best Cadet at Annual Camp. It was a big surprise…and getting promotions!

Practising drill. Have you been to Annual Camp? No - cancelled due to COVID. Have you gained any additional certificates in the ACF? Not yet — will enrol for DofE Bronze after summer in third year at school. What do you most want to achieve in the cadets? Progression to highest rank possible! Won any medals in competitions? Not yet - Awarded signed Levison Wood book in Leadership seminar series for best submitted question.*

LCpl Anais Gouby D Pl RHF Age 17 3 years in cadets In college What made you first decide to join the cadets? Wanting to try something new and at the time I wanted to join the army when older. What’s your favourite APC subject? Drill, skill at arms and shooting. What activity do you most enjoy being a cadet? Do camps count? If so then camps and competitions because you get to see and meet new people so it’s always fun. Won any medals in competitions? I have - at the swimming competitions in 2018 and 2019. What will you do when you are too old to be a cadet? For now, I don’t really know. Continuing with what I’m studying in college for now and maybe I’ll think about becoming an Adult Instructor because it would be good experience - and I would be able to gain additional experiences out of it. Your feelings about the pandemic and lockdown. I mean it’s been pretty hard, sometimes mental health gets in the way. It’s okay doing things I like which helped me get through and going out into the fresh air helped too. Of course I missed doing things used to do like being able to go to college or cadets … but yeah. Best ever moment in the cadets! Honestly I don’t know, maybe the day I joined or got my uniform but also probably every time the detachment was proud of any of us!

What will you do when you are too old to be a cadet? Go to university to progress my engineering dream. Your feelings about the pandemic and lockdown. Missing cadets! Best ever moment in the cadets! Shooting at company camp. * you can read Fraser’s story on page 27

MORE Q&A ... Following on from the cadets on the previous pages we asked two Adult Volunteers for their answers to a few questions. Both are Detachment Commanders, and, as it happens, are brother and sister!

Lt Stephen Mulligan Detachment Commander 4 years cadet 7 years Adult Volunteer

SI Cheryl Mulligan Detachment Commander 5 years cadet 6 years Adult Volunteer

Why did you become an Adult Volunteer?

To develop great values and leadership in our young people.

To give back to the cadets as it helped me become more confident during my teenage years.

Best part of being an Adult Volunteer.

Being able to witness our cadets develop, prosper and become outstanding young people.

Seeing the cadets achieve more than they expected.

Have you gained any qualifications through the ACF (other than the statutory ones)?

I have gained level 3 certificate in Education and Teaching through the first aid instruction I deliver across the Battalion.

First Aid Teacher Qualification Level 3 in Education and Teaching.

Have you been to Annual I have been to 9 annual camps (4 as a cadet and 5 Camp(s) – best one? as a Adult Volunteer). Best one (cadet) – my first at Altcar 2008. Best one (Adult Volunteer) – my fourth at Longmoor 2018.

Adult Volunteer: 2018 - when the companies had changed and we were training with new cadets and adults.

Best part of being at an Annual Camp.

Challenging and pushing our cadets beyond their comfort limits and to seeing their reaction when they manage to achieve something they did not think they were capable off.

Seeing the cadets smile and laugh during the adventure training days.

What has lockdown meant to you?

I was furloughed from work for 6 months so between that and no face-to-face training within cadets. I had lots of time to devote to my University Studies.

Lockdown was a shock to the system as I had to go from working in a busy office to going to working from my bedroom and not being able to actively bounce ideas off my colleagues.

What have you missed most during lockdown?

Being able to go to music festivals / gigs and being able to open my detachment to all of our cadets.

The ability to go out and see my friends which I was used doing and the fact I had nothing to do on Monday and Wednesday due to the closure of the detachment.

How do you see your future in the cadets?

Short term – Reopen my detachment and rebuild numbers. Medium Term – Hopefully become a Company 2IC. Long Term - Hopefully become a Company Commander or Training Officer.

Short-term: being able to build up my unit to have a Pipes & Drums band for the Battalion.

Best ever moment in the cadets?

Taking part in the Expedition to Poland in 2017.

Becoming the Detachment Commander of the first unit I joined as an Adult Volunteer. It was a proud moment!

Finally— I wish you had asked me about …

How I used to the skills developed within cadets to help outwith the organisation.

How I used the skills I learnt both as an Adult Volunteer and as a cadet in my day to day job!

Cadet: 2014 – my last annual camp as a cadet and I was able to achieve my Four Star by the end of it.

Long-term: Achieving an officer commission and being giving more responsibility.

Skilled, qualified and dedicated - learn more about the Battalion’s Adult Volunteers on pages 20 and 21.

Looking ahead It’s difficult to predict what the remainder of 2021 and into 2022 will look like. The Battalion is, however, ready to implement policies and procedures as soon as they are announced.

Training resumes At the end of March detachments are heading back to face-to-face training with Coronavirus precautions in place.

Annual Camp Planning is already underway to allow Annual Camp to take place this year with suitable arrangements in force. Current provision is for the Battalion to be at BarryBuddon during the first two weeks of August but with only a limited number of cadets and Adult Volunteers attending. All Scottish ACF Battalions will camp in Scotland this year.

Sport As reported on previous pages virtual sports and keeping fit events have replaced face-to-face team competitions, It is hoped that Scottish and UK sporting fixtures can resume later in the year.

Competition shooting Currently there is no date for Scottish and UK small and full bore competitions to resume. The Bn Air Rifle competitions will resume as soon as conditions allow.

Overseas visits No overseas visits took place during the period of this Review In previous years the Bn was involved in the Canadian Exchange programme, battlefield tours and visits to other places of historical interest in Europe. New arrangements will be put in place as soon as it is practical to do so.

If you would like to find out what a more ‘normal’ year in the Battalion is like, it’s worth reading last years Review. It is somewhat different! You can read it as an e-book on this link: tinyurl.com/GandL19

COMMANDANT: Col A McNamee DEPUTY COMMANDANT: Lt Col D Coulter CADET EXECUTIVE OFFICER: Major C McCormack

497 Cadets

26 Officers

108 Adult Volunteers as at 31 March 2021

AMIENS COMPANY

INVICTUS COMPANY

NORMANDY COMPANY

1 Pl RSB - Strathaven

A Pl RHF - Kings Park

A Tp RA - Broomhill

2 Pl RSB - Motherwell

B Pl RHF- Cambuslang

B Tp RA - Drumchapel

3 Pl RSB - Newmains

D Pl RHF - Pollokshaws

C Tp RA - Anderson

5 Pl RSB - Coalburn

4 Pl RSB - Hamilton

D Tp RA - Carmyle

6 Pl RSB - Larkhall

1 Pl REME - E Kilbride

C Pl RHF - Easterhouse

3 Tp RE - Airdrie

2 Pl REME – E Kilbride

E Pl RHF - Shettleston

4 Pl SG - Bellshill

6 Tp Scots DG - Govan

F Pl RHF - Maryhill

5 Pl SG - Lanark

Pipes and Drums — Cambuslang

E Tp RSigs - Kelvinbridge

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Unless stated otherwise the pictures in this publication have been taken by the Adult Volunteers and cadets involved in the activities featured. Reporting G&L is published by the Glasgow and Lanarkshire Battalion Army Cadet Force. Editorial: Lt Col D Coulter • Design and Production: Col (Retd) PK Neil DL