Inside
4
An ever changing year How the Battalion responded to lockdown
6
The Cadet Experience What being an Army Cadet is all about
12
Summer activity in lieu of Annual Camp Pictures and stories
18
Community Engagement Including Remembrance commemorations
22
Adult Volunteers Committed, skilled and qualified
26
Around the Battalion And it’s not all about Covid!
32
I remember this year Reflections on an eventful year
35
The Glasgow and Lanarkshire Bn Organisation, statistics and contacts
back cover
STOP PRESS: Just in ... Bn winners in UK Shooting Championships
Glasgow and Lanarkshire Bn — Annual Review 2021-22
Welcome to the Battalion’s Annual Review 2021-22 It gives me great pleasure to share with you our Review of the past 12 months. I was extremely proud in December to take over the Battalion from Col Alex McNamee who I would like to thank for all that he has done for the Battalion over many years. I wish him well in his new post as Colonel Cadets Scotland and I would also like, on a personal basis, to record the support he has given me throughout my time in the cadets.
It has been another strange year - going in and out of Covid lockdown - however I have to say I was delighted at how we were able to deliver as a Battalion - switching from on-line training to face-to-face training as the rules and guidance changed. This required a great deal of flexibility by both the cadets and the Adult Volunteers. In spite of these restraints there was still considerable achievement by our cadets over the year and that was only possible with the selfless commitment of the Adult Volunteers who continue to give so much of their time to the cadets week in and week out. I would also like to thank our Professional Support Staff and the Training Safety Adviser who ensure we have all we need to deliver great activities for the cadets in a safe and managed way. Thanks also go to Cadets Branch at 51 Brigade, Lowland Reserve Forces’ and Cadets’ Association and the Army Cadet Charitable Trust Scotland for their continued support. Finally, I would like to thank all the cadets who work so hard to support their detachments, their companies and the Battalion in everything they do. I am certain that you will see throughout this Review the value the Army Cadets adds to a young person’s life and prospects. I now look forward to another successful year with the Battalion and, in particular, returning to residential training at our Annual Camp in July. Colonel Derek Coulter Commandant
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An ever-changing year 2021 had started with all of mainland Scotland in Level 4 of lockdown with no face-to-face training taking place and virtual activities were being delivered. By mid-march, however, planning for both a return to face-to-face training and for Annual Camps was underway. • April: By the middle of April the Battalion was moving ahead with arrangements to get detachment training up and running again. • May: May saw almost all detachments back to face-to-face training with suitable Coronavirus protection arrangements in operation. Planning was also underway for Annual Camp. On17 May most of Scotland moved from Level 3 to Level 2 which allowed some restrictions on training to be removed but Glasgow City Council areas remained at Level 3. • June: From early June the Coronavirus Protections Levels in Scotland allowed cadet face-to-face training to continue with appropriate precautions in place throughout the month. • August: Annual Camp did not materialise as expected, as Youth Link Scotland’s guidance only allowed residential training to take place where accommodation was provided in individual rooms. As a result, in the first two weeks of August the Battalion provided a wide range of daily nonresidential training based at the Dechmont Cadet Training Centre, and at Reserve Forces Centres throughout the Bn area, all with the necessary Coronavirus precautions in place. And on 9 August all Scotland moved out of Level Zero with almost all Coronavirus restrictions ended. • September: As schools resumed after the summer break, most detachment training resumed. • October: With most Covid restrictions lifted and with both cadets and Adult Volunteers able to travel across the UK and stay in overnight accommodation, October was the first full month of the year that saw a return to near-normal cadet activity in the Bn. These arrangements were continued over the remaining months of 2021. • November: Remembrance Day commemorations and collections for Poppyscotland resumed this year with Coronavirus precautions in place. Face-to-face Scottish sports competitions resumed in November with six -a-side football in Edinburgh. • January: Detachment training resumed after the short break for the festive season. No overseas activity could currently be arranged. • February: Residential training was once again permitted and each of the three Bn companies had a weekend at the Dechmont Cadet Training Centre. Masks still had to be worn in some circumstances. • March: As we go to press most face-to-face training is taking place and arrangements are being made for residential annual camps to take place this summer. It is expected that confirmation of any COVID procedures that will be in place at camp will be published shortly. More about Annual Camp on page 34. More: • Summer Pictures on page 12 • Cadets in the Community on page 18 • Sport and fitness on page 9
Glasgow and Lanarkshire Bn — Annual Review 2021-22
After a considerable length of time since my last residential camp, it would be fair to say I was excited. The company weekend certainly delivered, full of engaging fieldcraft lessons and quality time in the rain. Patrolling and OP lessons were among the best. Overall it was a great, fun filled weekend that was certainly appreciated after all the time with only restricted training due to covid. Cdt Fraser Jørgensen - 5 Pl SG
Coronavirus For all of the period of this Review some Coronavirus precautions were in place. Youth Link Scotland, the national agency for youth work, advises what service youth organisations can provide within the various Coronavirus (COVID-19) protection levels. HQ Regional Command through 51 Infantry Brigade then provides the Battalion with direction and advice on how to implement these measures.
Photographs The majority of the pictures in this Review were taken by the Adult Volunteers and cadets involved in the activity. The images on the front cover and throughout this Review were taken at various times during the year and reflect the Coronavirus safety measures that the Army Cadet Force had in place at the time the pictures were taken.
Quotations Some quotations in this Review have been shortened for editorial reasons. Page 5
The Cadet Experience The Army Proficiency Certificate (APC) The APC is the core training syllabus for Army Cadets. 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. The Battalion has its own residential Cadet Training Centre in Cambuslang on the outskirts of Glasgow with its own ranges and training areas. 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. By late 2021 however most detachment face-to-face training was taking place with appropriate coronavirus precautions in place. As we go to press at the end of March 2022 almost all activities are back to pre lockdown levels and a residential Annual Camp is being planned for July.
THE APC SYLLABUS • • • • • • • • • • • • •
Drill and Turnout Expeditions Fieldcraft Skill at Arms First Aid Community Engagement Keeping Active Navigation Shooting Music Cadet Information Systems Military Knowledge Adventurous Training
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 51 Brigade Cadet Training Team deliver the cadres in Scotland and they resumed, post Covid, in October 2021.
Master Cadet 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 courses were running virtually during lockdown but will resume at Frimley Park in 2022.
Cadet Leadership Course 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 BarryBuddon training area with the 51 Brigade Cadet Training Team. The Leadership Courses were not running during lockdown but are expected to resume shortly.
Read what a senior cadet thought about the Senior Cadet Instructors Cadre on page 32.
Glasgow and Lanarkshire Bn — Annual Review 2021-22
Above and below: Teaching practice at the SCIC.
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 the Covid restrictions was difficult but it has fully resumed in 2022. Adult Volunteer nominated for St Andrew’s First Aid Award. See page 31.
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. Some DofE training, particularly Expeditions were restricted during lockdown but have now resumed and the Bn is catching up with qualifications.
Above left: Cadets and Adult Volunteers from across Amiens Coy cycled over 20 miles from Auchinstarry Marina through to the Kelpies in Falkirk as part of the preparation for their Duke of Edinburgh’s Award by bicycle. Above right: Having a break when researching Commonwealth War Graves during a Duke of Edinburgh’s Award expedition near Killearn. Below left: Navigation skills are necessary for route planning. Below right: Practice expedition.
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Competitive 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. The Bn competed in the Full Bore competition at Barry Buddon achieving third place. An individual bronze medal was won by Cdt Logan Barr, 3 Tp RE. Prior to Covid restrictions the Battalion had a run of success in the UK News of the World Small Bore Championship with 3 wins in the previous 4 years. UK small bore shooting competitions resumed at the end of 2021 and in the News of the World Small Bore Competition the Bn won Class A and were the runners-up (just one point behind Derbyshire ACF) in the Class B competition. 8 Bn cadets were placed in the ACF Cadet Hundred Competition. Full small-bore results in the panel below.
Adventurous training
Vocational qualifications
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 Adult 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. Residential courses which were suspended during lockdown have now resumed.
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.
News of the World Challenge Cup - Class A - Cadet Small Bore Rifle Winners: 4 Pl RSB: Sgt Luke Canavan, LCpl Josh McCallum, Cdt Ben Marshall, Cpl Scott Morcos. News of the World Challenge Cup - Class B - Any .22 Bolt Action Rifle Runners-up (by just one point): 4 Pl RSB: Cdt Jessica Ewing, Cdt Pearse Clancy, Cdt Jenny Kennedy, Cdt Victory Ekpekurede. ACF Cadet Hundred 2nd: LCpl Josh McCallum 5th: Cpl Luke Canavan 8th: Cdt Victory Ekpekurede 9th: Cdt Jenny Kennedy 12th: Cdt Jessica Ewing 13th: LCpl Scott Morcos 16th: LCpl Ben Marshall 31st: Cdt Pearse Clancy Walter Kirk Trophy for Iron Sights Rifles Winners.
STOP PRESS: A 4 Pl clean sweep at the UK Small Bore Championships. Full details on the back cover. Glasgow and Lanarkshire Bn — Annual Review 2021-22
Some qualifications are linked to the cadet training syllabus including the Army Cadet Achievement, Teamwork and Citizenship Award (SCQF 4) and the SQA Leadership Award (SCQF 6) for senior cadets who successfully complete the demanding week-long Cadet Leadership Course. CVQO is a UK education charity offering a range of vocational qualifications to young people and adults within youth organisations accredited by BTEC, ILM or City & Guilds. These include the Award for Young Leaders (ILM Level 2 - SCQF 5) and the BTEC 2 Diploma in Teamwork and Personal Development in the Community. Gaining vocational qualifications during lockdown was difficult as the awards rely on cadets having success in a variety of practical training activities. However, now that training has resumed, it is hoped that the number of achievements will return to their pre-pandemic levels.
Sport and keeping active With lockdown in effect for much of the period of this Review and no competitive sports events taking place across the ACF, the gap was filled by virtual activities which allowed individuals to compete against one another but in a safe way that conformed to government social distancing guidelines. What turned out to be the last virtual sports event of the year was the Virtual Cross Country and One Run Global Competition held on Saturday 16 October via the Strava app. Cadets and Adult Volunteers chose a cross country class that matched their age and one attempt during the day was counted. One World Global was the incredible 24 hour relay and live festival for global unity with over 57,000 runners in 195 countries taking part. The Bn cadets awarded medals were: LBdr Craig Shepherd - A Tp RA Bdr Josh Scrymgeour - A Tp RA Cpl Cait Minster - 1 Pl REME
Football winners The Six-a-Side Football Championships at the World of Football sports centre Edinburgh on Sat 27 November were the first competitive team sport to resume in Scotland. The Bn won the Junior Boys event (pictured right) and were runners-up with the Junior Girls.
Virtual running delivered lots of medals At the end of February cadets and Adult Volunteers were invited to take part in a Virtual Running Race. Cadets who achieved a best personal time over 10km were awarded a medal as listed in alphabetical order below. Cdt Virginea Carpineta, F Pl RHF Cdt Kelvin Carrigan, A Tp RA Cdt Maria-Elena Cerenescu, F Pl RHF Cdt Abdou-Aziz Deme, F Pl RHF Cdt Layla Flynn, F Pl RHF Cdt Robert Gibson, A Tp RA Cdt Sharon Idehen, F Pl RHF Cdt Emanuella Idehen, F Pl RHF Cdt Liam Jeffrey, F Pl RHF LBdr Isla McGarry, A Tp RA LBdr Lewis McKnight, A Tp RA Cdt William McPherson, F Pl RHF
Cdt Cailean McPherson, F Pl RHF Bdr Barry Moore, A Tp RA Cdt Rachel Murdoch, F Pl RHF LCpl Szabolcs Nemeth, F Pl RHF Cdt Tselmwg Nyamjav, F Pl RHF Cdt Elsie Orisawayi, F Pl RHF LCpl Ian Paton, F Pl RHF Bdr Josh Scrymgeour, A Tp RA LBdr Craig Shepherd, A Tp RA Bdr Arlo Tait, A Tp RA Cdt Rena Zhang, F Pl RHF
SI Katie Knight and PI Kimberly Paton, both of F Pl RHF competed as Adult Volunteers.
Cadets from A Tp RA keeping fit at the detachment. Page 9
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 skills with a wide range of musical instruments and go on to play in the Cadet Military Band and various ensembles. Music can also lead to cadets gaining vocational qualifications.
Diversity and Inclusion Army Cadets INSPIRE aims to raise awareness of Diversity and Inclusion matters in the Army Cadets and to promote the development of a culture that is as contemporary and inclusive as it can be. When we ask ourselves why young people join a youth organisation, the answer generally comes back: ‘Because it’s fun, there’s friendship, a sense of achievement, structure and it’s a safe space’. To continue to deliver these things for young people, it remains essential that the Army Cadets is welcoming, inclusive, contemporary and relevant. In other words, it must reflect the community it serves. This requires it to create a sense of belonging and to reach out to all young people, regardless of background or ability. To that end Adult Volunteers in the Bn have been taking part in Army Cadets INSPIRE education and training opportunities. 9 have completed the D&I Awareness course, and 7 have gone on to become D&I Allies. Others participated in a range of workshops including Learning and Behavioural Diversity, Trauma Awareness, Unlocking Female Talent, and Gender Identity and Trans Awareness. In March 2022, Lt Joyce Quin and SI Angie Susman completed a Train the Trainer workshop and will be rolling out an Introduction to Diversity and Inclusion taster session to all of the Bn Adult Volunteers.
Glasgow and Lanarkshire Bn — Annual Review 2021-22
A recently appointed instructor talks about diversity and inclusion in the Battalion on page 33.
Military skills The annual Brigade Military Skills Competition in which the Bn has had considerable success over the years, was another casualty of the pandemic and did not take place in 2020, however in October 2021 the Cadet Training Team Scotland held a military skills training event. Pictured right. The Cadet Training Team also ran a Drill Competition where the Bn team were the ACF runners-up. Pictured below.
Above: Firing on the 30 metre range at the Dechmont Cadet Training Centre Below: Scottish cadets on the Senior Cadet Instructors Cadre at Barry Buddon - Oct 21
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Not our usual Annual Camp With no residential camps allowed, the Battalion arranged day-to-day training for the first two weeks of August at our Dechmont Training Centre and at various Reserve Forces Centres in lieu of the traditional Annual Camp. And even with Coronavirus precautions in place, there was lots of fun, friendship, action and adventure around.
SUMMER PICTURES
Glasgow and Lanarkshire Bn — Annual Review 2021-22
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Annual Camp 2021 - the camp without a camp! The logistical problems of operating a two-week training package without a single base to work from, while still delivering the Cadet Experience was initially quite daunting. Having to move all cadets, instructors and equipment on a daily basis, rather than waking up with everyone - and everything - on site, required careful coordination and detailed planning. Due to Covid, many of the cadets had never attended a camp of any type previously, however we were determined this would not be an excuse for offering a lesser experience. A very busy and productive (not) camp was delivered, with all the essential elements - ranges, fieldcraft, adventurous training, fun days, and even a passing out parade with VIP guests and parents! The commitment and dedication of the cadets and the Adult Volunteers really shone through, with the biggest compliment being that despite the limitations, the training still had that Annual Camp 'buzz'. The challenge now is making Annual Camp 2022 even better! Major Alan Long, OC Amiens Coy
Cadets achievements recognised Family and friends were invited along to watch the cadets of Amiens Company pass out on completion of their training on a parade at the Motherwell Reserve Forces Centre. The inspecting officer was Col Pat O’Meara, Col Cdts Scotland.
Cdt Josh Jackson-Brown from 5 Platoon RSB invited his grandfather to the parade.
Glasgow and Lanarkshire Bn — Annual Review 2021-22
had a great week, he enjoyed it all. Great listening to his stories when he returned, and was so proud when he passed all his courses and received his certificates and badges. Gave him confidence and he made new friends. Thank you so much for all the hard work you have put into the annual for them to attend. Parent’s tweet after Annual Camp
Normandy Company on parade
This was my first Annual Camp with the cadets and it was a good experience except that we didn't get to stay because of Covid. We covered lots of training including drill, skill at arms, first aid and PT. On the last day we went to Wiston for climbing, command tasks, and making shelters out of logs, leaves and other materials in our surroundings. On our way back to Motherwell our bus driver played different songs and then we stopped at a petrol station for refreshments - all in full camouflage kit!. I did not enjoy anything - everything was good - and I look forward to doing it all again. Cdt Shannon Gough, 5 Pl RSB
More from the Honorary Colonel of the Battalion on page 33.
I enjoyed camp. It was great to meet other cadets and see old friends. I would have liked to have a time patrolling the day before the exercise. The food wasn't bad and was certainly better than I expected. I'm looking forward to next camp. Cdt Rowan Johnson, 5 Pl SG
Non-residential training continued for the remainder of 2021 with residential weekends resuming in February 2022.
Looking forward to a training year with no restrictions and a residential Annual Camp. See page 34.
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Community engagement Working with and being part of the local community has always been part of cadet activity in villages, town and cities throughout Scotland. Covid and lockdown unfortunately prevented much of the usual interface with the community.
Christmas toy appeal
Thankyou letter from Windsor Castle
In time for Christmas cadets from Amiens Coy again supported the Salvation Army Christmas Toy Appeal with cadets, parents, Adult Volunteers and supporters handing in gifts to the detachment. Their kindness put a smile on many a youngster’s face at Christmas and will mean the world to some of the families. Pictured below: Cadets from 2 Pl RSB.
LBdr Blair Stewart and LBdr Stephen McLelland of C Tp RA with the letter from Her Majesty The Queen thanking the detachment’s cadets for taking the time to write to veterans at Christmas.
Creating a Jubilee Wood LBdr David Whyte and LBdr Connor Scott from D Tp RA joined cadets from the Sea Cadets and Royal Air Force Air Cadets to plant trees on the training area at Dechmont to mark The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee. 2,700 native trees will form the Platinum Jubilee Wood an enduring legacy in honour of The Queen’s 70-year reign. Lowland RFCA in partnership with Her Majesty’s LordLieutenant of Lanarkshire, Lady Haughey CBE.
Cadets from 1 Pl RSB at the unveiling of the sculpture depicting the German Shepherd Khan who was awarded the PDSA Dickin Medal (the Victoria Cross for Animals), together with his handler LCpl James Muldoon, 6th Bn The Cameronians (SR). Glasgow and Lanarkshire Bn — Annual Review 2021-22
Remembrance While the Battalion supports a number of charities at local detachment level and cadets can often be found shaking a can or bucket, it is the annual Scottish Poppy Appeal that involves all the detachments (and almost all our cadets!). With lockdown in place in 2020, cadets had little opportunity to have full involvement with both the Remembrance Day Parades and Poppyscotland collections. However in November 2021 our cadets and adult Volunteers were once again out in the streets of their local communities throughout the Bn area.
We are still waiting on credit card machine money but have a total back today for cash for Poppy Saturday in Glasgow city centre which is £10,598.24. Considering this was a first step back after the wipe out Covid year 2020 (in 2019 the total was 13.1k) I am delighted with it. As you know it’s a one-day figure and doesn’t cover all the other evening collections in Glasgow and those throughout Lanarkshire so it is impossible to accurately calculate all of that in money terms. Thanks again for everything and it is so good to have you all back! Robert McRae : Poppy Appeal Organiser West
An army photographer in action on Remembrance Saturday in the centre of Glasgow. More pictures on pages 20 and 21.
Poppy Pledge delivered 2 Pl RSB Motherwell undertook this years Poppy Pledge, recognising 100 years of the poppy, and raised over £1,789 for Poppyscotland.
Cdt Cooper Black and Cpl Scott Connor of B Pl RHF, volunteered for the photoshoot to help promote Poppyscotland’s MY POPPY RUN. Page 19
Remembrance
Glasgow and Lanarkshire Bn — Annual Review 2021-22
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Adult Volunteers 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. 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. During lockdown Adult Volunteers across the Battalion did their best to ensure as much virtual activity as possible took place, however, from May 2021 most detachments were back with their normal evening parades. Weekend training also resumed at our Dechmont Training Centre, although initially on a non-residential basis. Some Adult Volunteer training and development took place on-line in 2021 but face-to-face training and courses have now resumed.
Adult Volunteer Ranks • • • • • • • • • • • •
Probationary Instructor Probationary Sergeant Instructor Sergeant Instructor Staff Sergeant Instructor Sergeant Major Instructor Regimental Sergeant Major Instructor Second Lieutenant Lieutenant Captain Major Lieutenant Colonel Colonel
Three new officers in the Bn Three Adult Volunteers had their commissions confirmed in 2021 and were appointed Second Lieutenants: Amy-jo Battersby, Sarah O'Connell and Mark Maxwell.
I started my journey through cadets 16 years ago where I started as young 12-year-old recruit and now I am a Second Lieutenant and a Detachment Commander. I take great pride in the Battalion and in the development of the cadets and Adult Volunteers and I believed that striving for a commission would help me achieve these ends. Prior to attending the assessment weekend, I said ‘I better not be number one’ but on the day I was allocated number one and was therefore first for all the assessments. Before I knew it was the end of the day. I couldn’t believe it was over as I had spent months preparing for it - all to be over in flash. Nevertheless, I left knowing that I had given it my very best. Counting down the days waiting for the letter to arrive seemed like a lifetime. Opening it quickly I couldn’t believe that I had passed, so much so I had to read it three times and ask someone else in the household to confirm that I had actually passed before I told anyone else. I am extremely proud of what I have achieved and hope to go on to mentor other Adult Volunteers through the process in the future. 2Lt Mark Maxwell
Glasgow and Lanarkshire Bn — Annual Review 2021-22
PSI Angie Susman (above left) with a fellow student on her Advanced Induction Course. Below (top left) SSI Mark Hume on his KGV1 Course at the National Cadet Training Centre, Frimley Park.
The Cadet Adult Recognition Awards Lowland Reserve Forces’ and Cadets’ Association continued this year with the CARAs - cadet nominated awards to recognise and thank Adult Volunteers within the three cadet organisations in the Lowlands of Scotland. The Bn winner was PI Sean Deary (pictured left) and the runner up Capt Alec Stirling MBE.
I am so pleased that the cadets took the time to consider me for this Award. I have been a Probationary Instructor for just over a year - so I feel it’s a real achievement in such a short time. PI Sean Deary
Probationary Instructors make their promise While there is still much training ahead it is a significant moment as Adult Volunteers of the Glasgow and Lanarkshire Bn complete the enrolment ceremony and undertake the Cadet Promise. The first step to becoming a useful and valued member of the Army Cadets.
Probationary Instructors on their Advanced Induction Course in July 2021 Page 23
The Commandant presents Lt Mhairi Jack with her long service medal.
New qualifications gained Three Adult Volunteers completed the Healthy Minds Facilitators Course at the National Cadet Training Centre in February. The course enables instructors to run the Healthy Minds Awareness Course in the Bn. They will also deliver a Promoting Resilience period to Probationary Instructors. The Bns healthy minds instructors are (left to right in our picture) 2Lt Sarah O’Connell, Lt Linda Green and SI Breige Jamieson.
Rev Jerome Boyle, one of the Bn padres, at a Company Weekend at The Cadet Training Centre.
An amazing course (with incredible instructors) that will allow us to raise awareness of mental health issues in the cadets. SI Breige Jamieson
Not summer weather in Wales After five days training in the wilds of a very dreich Wales, 2Lt Sarah O'Connell achieved her Basic Summer Mountaineering qualification.
Glasgow and Lanarkshire Bn — Annual Review 2021-22
SSI Cheryl Mulligan on her First Aid Development Course at the National Cadet Training Centre, Frimley Park.
Students and instructors on the Cadet Training Team Advanced Induction Course at Barry-Buddon, March 2022, including eight from the Glasgow and Lanarkshire Bn.
The dismounted close combat trainer.
Adult volunteers in the Bn took part in this year’s Cateran Yomp.
Adult Volunteer changes at the top The year of this Review saw a number changes of command in the Bn, including a new Commandant, Col Derek Coulter (from his position as Deputy Commandant) with that role filled by Lt Col Donna Laird (formally OC Amiens Company).
I started my cadet career in 1994 as an Adult Volunteer in the rank of SI. Since then, I have moved through the ranks and held appointments as a Detachment Commander, Sports Officer, Company 2ic and Company Commander, which has given me the experience to return to the Bn after a two-year absence. I am delighted to be appointed Dep Comdt of the Glasgow and Lanarkshire Bn and I am looking forward to supporting the Commandant and all the Adult Volunteers in delivering the Cadet Experience. Lt Col Donna Laird
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Around the Battalion Bn cadet addresses Association meeting Treats for the troops Early in the year cadets from 2 Pl RSB and 3 Tp RE assembled boxes, letters and treats for the soldiers who had been deployed overseas in the previous few months.
In May, Cdt Fraser Jørgensen from 5 Pl Scots Guards was invited via zoom to the Annual Meeting of the Lowland Reserve Forces’ and Cadets’ Association. The 13 year old cadet and his mother spoke about what the cadets meant to them, especially during the lockdown periods. The presentation was well received by the Association members and guests as reported by Major Colin McCormack, Cadet Executive Officer of the Bn:
To say they did a good job would be a massive understatement, they were absolutely fantastic. While public speaking on its own can be a nerve racking experience, the 13 year old cadet was simply uplifting and extremely confident. The Chairman, Office Bearers , Lord Lieutenants, various Colonels, Brigade Staff and not to mention the variety of other officers and NCOs from across Scotland who were in attendance, were extremely impressed. And yes, mum was awesome too!
Lord Lieutenant’s Awards In August two Bn Adult Volunteers received a Lord Lieutenant’s Certificate of Meritorious Service at the City Chambers in Glasgow. Lt Col Derek Coulter – then Dep Comdt of the Bn and SSI Mick Cobb. B Pl RHF.
March in March Army Cadets UK promoted the March in March Walking Challenge in partnership with Combat Stress. The aim of the event was to give cadets and Adult Volunteers the opportunity to keep active by walking 10 miles in March; to have fun while keeping fit and to raise awareness of Army Cadet Healthy Minds. Over £14,500 was raised for Combat Stress by the event. Glasgow and Lanarkshire delivered £990, the second highest contribution of a Scottish battalion. More Community Engagement on page 20. More Sport on page 9. Glasgow and Lanarkshire Bn — Annual Review 2021-22
Above left: Col Coulter with the Lord Lieutenant of the City of Glasgow, Philip Braat. Right: SSI Cobb.
… and Col Coulter was also recognised by Poppyscotland for his outstanding contribution to the charity over many years. More about Poppyscotland on page 20.
Easing out of lockdown New accommodation at Drumchapel B Tp RA finally moved into their new accommodation in the former police station in Drumchapel in February. 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. The police station 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. Finding a personal space to carry out first aid practice.
The new accommodation - before (below) and after.
3 Tp Royal Engineers getting back to training after lockdown.
Making sure that their tug-of-war skills had not been forgotten during lockdown at D Pl RHF. Cadets from B Tp RA enjoying their new accommodation on an evening of fitness and recreation.
Giving the detachment a helping hand: Page 31.
Cadets from 5 Pl RSB getting to grips with a STEM project after lockdown. Page 27
Always a first time Padre ordained The Rev Jerome Boyle was formally ordained into his church at the end of November 2021. He has been a Padre with the Bn for over a year and, together with the Bn Senior Padre Ecilo Selemani, is fully involved in all aspects of cadet life.
Cdt Calvin Brown from Royal Signals Tp has his uniform on for the first time - and is off to his first residential weekend with Normandy Coy. No doubt there will be lots of fun, friendship, action and adventure to be experienced. And some pictures from all the February company weekends can be found on page 17.
Senior officers move on Col Alex McNamee was appointed Colonel Cadets 51 Bde in October 2021, moving from his role as Commandant, He assumed the role of Col Cdts from Col Pat O’Meara who had been in post for 5 years. Col Derek Coulter moved from Deputy Commandant to become Commandant of the Bn in October 2021 and Lt Col Donna Laird became Deputy Commandant in February 2022. More about the new Dep Comdt on page 25.
Keeping it in the family In May, CSM Dean Dougal was promoted to Cdt RSM. He is pictured here with his sister SI Kimberley Dougal, a former Cdt RSM herself and from the same detachment, 2 Pl RSB. Maj John Reynolds was awarded the 4th clasp to his Cadet Forces Medal and SMI Tommy Traynor was awarded the 1st clasp to his Cadet Forces Medal and presented with his Cadet Forces Warrant.
The Garrison Sergeant Major of Edinburgh Castle WO1 Anthony Gibson visiting cadets at 5 Pl SG in November 2021. Glasgow and Lanarkshire Bn — Annual Review 2021-22
Read about more senior cadet appointments on page 30.
The Commandant presents Capt Cammy Green of Amiens Coy with the ACCT Summer Pictures Portfolio Award (see opposite page).
In memory of a hero In February the Battalion was pleased to receive a memorial trophy to recognise the life of an Adult Volunteer who had served in the Bn, albeit for a tragically short time. Davey Timmins had served in the Royal Logistic Corps and had lost an eye and suffered horrific internal injuries as a result of an explosion in Afghanistan while he was taking part in Operation Panther’s Claw in July 2009. He was a highly respected member of the Corps' Explosive Device Disposal Team 5 – celebrated as ‘The Famous Five’ for their impressive record of dismantling deadly devices. He was later awarded the Queen's Gallantry Medal for saving a badly-injured comrade just days earlier and for his work defusing Taliban mines with the official citation stating:
‘His actions were an inspiration in the darkest of moments. Following the casualty’s arrival at the field hospital, the medical doctor made it clear that without Timmins’ action the casualty would not have survived. Whilst this incident serves to illustrate Timmins’ extraordinary courage and selfless commitment to others, it is all the more exceptional given that he had already been highly commended by the hospital staff for ensuring the survival of two Afghan National Army Warriors, seriously injured in Nad-e-Ali, earlier in his tour.’ His 22 injuries included a fractured skull, a collapsed lung and the loss of his right eye but with sheer determination and intensive rehabilitation he beat the odds and survived. Undaunted, he threw his life into supporting veterans’ charities and working with the Bn at C Pl RHF in Easterhouse. He was enjoying life in the Bn when in January last year he died in his sleep aged just 39. His parents wanted to recognise his short time in the Bn by presenting the LCpl Davey Timmins QGM Memorial Trophy, to be awarded annually to a cadet to who has strived most to overcome challenges. Our picture shows Stephen and Cathy Timmons with Maj Walter Kerr, OC Normandy Coy and Brig (Retd) Chris Murray, Colonel Commandant, Royal Logistic Corps.
Summer Pictures Portfolio Awards With the return to face-to-face training during the summer months, ACFA Scotland (now re-branded as ACCT Scotland) invited detachments, companies and battalions in Scotland to deliver a portfolio of up to ten photographs illustrating the fun, friendship, action and adventure of cadet activity. Awards were made to C Tp RA (detachment portfolio) and Amiens Company (company portfolio).
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Motherwell detachment on display Climbing success Catlin Connor took time away from her Non Uniform Volunteer position at B Pl RHF to compete in the UIAA Ice Climbing European and World Tour 2021/22. She joined three other British Ice Climbing Team athletes who had been training hard throughout the past year of the pandemic.
Our pictures show (above) Caitlin Connor competing in Utrecht and (below) Rory Watson and Caitlin Connor winning gold in the youth category at the event. Pictures credit: Robert Hendrickson.
Bn officer appointed Trustee Lt Joyce Quinn has been appointed as a Trustee of Army Cadet Charitable Trust UK.
Glasgow and Lanarkshire Bn — Annual Review 2021-22
In November, 2 Pl RSB held a Showcase Evening for the cadets’ family and friends to come along and see what the detachment is all about. There was a presentation on the Army Cadets including a series of photographs showing the many aspects of being an Army Cadet. There were a number of activities on show including fieldcraft, first aid, and drill. A charity raffle was held to raise money for Poppyscotland with prizes including a bottle of Champagne donated by Arnold Clark in Motherwell, a 7a-side pitch hire donated by Ravenscraig Regional Sports Facility and a box of both tea cakes and caramel wafers gifted by Tunnocks. The Name the Bear competition (winning name Barney!) was followed by a bonus raffle with the great prize of a tour of Ibrox stadium for four people donated by Rangers Football Club. The evening ended with a presentation to some of the detachment’s newest cadets on their completion of Heart-start First Aid. A total of £300 was raised on the evening for Poppyscotland.
Supporting the Lord Lieutenant A senior cadet is appointed each year as the Lord Lieutenants Cadet for both the City of Glasgow and Lanarkshire. They provide support to the Lord Lieutenant at official engagements, although these were severely limited during lockdown. The current holders of the position are: For the City of Glasgow, Sgt Callum Hepburn of 6 Tp Scots DG, and for Lanarkshire, SSgt Scott Cairns of the Pipes and Drums detachment .
Old boys lend a helping hand
First aid training in practice
B Tp RA has been in Drumchapel for many years and as a result there are many ex-cadets still around, so the OC Lt Andy McHugh put out a call to ask if anyone had spare Christmas decorations that could be used to decorate the cadet hall over the festive season. A former Detachment Commander Geoff Lamb answered the call and he and his team not only decorated the hall but also provided the food for the detachment Christmas party and donated £1,000 to unit funds (pictured below).
Each year, St Andrew’s First Aid recognises extraordinary people and organisations across Scotland who have performed outstanding acts of first aid or have gone above-andbeyond their legal first aid responsibilities to make their communities safer. In January 2Lt Amy-Jo Battersby was nominated for an Award. She witnessed erratic driving in heavy fast moving traffic by a man suffering from a hypoglycaemic seizure. She entered the casualty’s car and applied the handbrake. While an ambulance was called the she administered sips of Lucozade and moved the casualty to the roadside, and while awaiting the ambulance, he slowly recovered. Amy-Jo was praised for her clear control of the situation and the prevention of a possible road accident. At the Awards ceremony she met with Her Royal Highness Princess Anne.
Being an ex cadet and former OC of the unit for over 30 years I knew first hand how hard it was to fundraise and with the unit being in a deprived area like Drumchapel I knew that many parents would find it hard and a few near impossible to find the money to finance the detachment’s Christmas party. So, with myself being in regular contact with many of the former members of the unit, I put the call out on our ex members WhatsApp page and from then on the donations came flooding in. Geoff Lamb
New accommodation for B Tp RA on page 27.
Packing the shooting kit As we go to press at the end of March, 4 Pl RSB are preparing to head south to compete for the Punch and Shell trophies at Bisley on April 9th. Read about their success so far on page 8.
Cadets from across the Bn working on their banner skills in the hope of becoming the next Royal British Legion Scotland Standard Bearer.
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I remember this year
Cdt Louis Thomson, B Tp RA
Sgt Luke Canavan, 4 Pl RSB
Cdt Joel Kearney, 6 Tp Scots DG
Cdt Mason Hunter, B Tp RA
The things I love about cadets are the friends that I have made throughout. Being a cadet has given me so much responsibility. If I wasn’t in the cadets I wouldn’t be doing much, as the cadets is my life.
I had a wonderful experience on the Senior Cadet Instructors Cadre. The instructors were really great and put everything across clearly. Throughout the course I gained new skills on how best to instruct a class of cadets and I was able to bring these skills back to my detachment to further the cadets in their APC training. I would recommend this course to anyone who wants to improve their teaching skills. It is a very worthwhile course.
I had just joined the cadets two weeks before I was out in Glasgow city centre helping to raise money for Poppyscotland - and getting my picture taken by an army photographer. I was pleased to be able to help out as I want to join the army I know how important Poppy Scotland is for looking after army veterans.
What I like about cadets are the friends I have made and responsibilities that I get. With another cadet I run the detachment canteen. I joined the cadets because my dad was here and he achieved so much which I hope I can do also. If I hadn’t joined the cadets I would probably be stuck in my room for hours playing video games.
In front of the lens on page 19.
Cdt Morgan Quinn, Pipes and Drums Detachment
Learning a new music instrument has been fun! I've learned how to play the tenor drum and I'm looking forward to preforming with Army Cadet bands in the future when I have more experience.
LBdr Joe Keogh, C Tp RA
I really like the fun and laughs that we have in the cadets. Camp was a great adventure. I made lots of friends and have even better memories.
LCpl Ben Marshall, 4 Pl RSB Cdt Esie Orisawayi, F Pl RHF Cpl Liam Gouby, D Pl RHF
I was very pleased to get the SVQ Level 2 vocational qualification and will use it on my CV when applying for different courses and jobs. You learn so much in the cadets on all manner of things including life skills, but gaining an qualification is a real bonus.
Taking part in the virtual running race was very nice and the conditions were lovely and doing it with a friend helped to motivate us both. I am now much more into walking and running and avoid taking the bus when I can. I will certainly take part in more running events when they come along.
FUN, FRIENDSHIP, ACTION , ADVENTURE
Glasgow and Lanarkshire Bn — Annual Review 2021-22
The 51 Brigade Cadet Drill Competition was a great experience. I worked alongside cadets from different detachments and at various star levels in the squad. After a number of training weekends, we all went to the event determined to do well and in the end we came home with runnersup medals. A great achievement and a great experience for everyone involved. Pictures from the Drill Competition on page 11
Col Stephanie Jackman MBE TD
PSI Arnold Mswaka
It is with much pleasure that I write this piece today knowing that we have endured the worst of the pandemic, come out the other side and are enjoying the lifting of restrictions. Not to say we should throw caution to the wind but ‘living with Covid’ means life for the cadets and Adult Volunteers can return to a normal akin to what we relished before the lockdown of 2020. It really has been a very strange time since, but I am so proud to be Honorary Colonel of a Battalion that just ‘got on with it’ and made the very best of what little freedoms we had, showed true strength of character and achieved an incredible amount as this Review is testament. With face-to-face training returned I am now able to get back to visiting the Battalion, seeing all the good works and hopefully impart some wisdom! It really has been great to be back with the young people again, they lift your spirits with their enthusiasm and energy, and with changes to the top echelon, I have been especially impressed with how our new Commandant and Deputy Commandant have established themselves so quickly as a ‘dream team’, carrying on the great works of their predecessors. They have lots of exciting ideas so I think the future is very bright with much to look forward to. I know I for one simply cannot wait to finally visit the Battalion on their residential Annual Camp this year, especially since the last two were cancelled.
It was during the lockdown in 2020 that I thought of doing something to give back to my community. I became aware of Army Cadet Volunteers through Facebook and I thought I would give it a try. I applied and my application was successful. When I received a letter about the interview, I became very nervous as I didn’t know what to expect, however, I was very happy with the way I was treated during and after the interview. I thought as a person of different race I might not be welcome. To my great surprise there is diversity and inclusion in the Battalion irrespective of colour, race, religious beliefs and other considerations. I felt loved and included and I started my training a few weeks later. As everything was new to me all the instructors who taught me from scratch had to be very patient. I passed my Basic Induction Course, Intermediate Induction Course and at the time of writing have just successfully completed the Advanced Induction Course. The first time I held a rifle I was very nervous but I learned all the safety procedures and I am now confident on the range. I am really enjoying working with the cadets. They’re young and intelligent and I have learnt a lot of new things from them. In due course I hope to be able to inspire them and help them achieve their goals. Probationary Instructors make their promise: Page 23.
Capt Alec Stirling MBE
Starting back to residential training has been great for A Tp RA. Before our company weekend in February, the first for almost two years, it was fantastic to see the cadets buzzing and talking about going to camp again. The older cadets were telling the new recruits what to expect and they in turn were all very excited about it. And when it finally came around the cadets had lots of training opportunities at the Dechmont Cadet Training Centre and for the younger ones it was the first time on a 30 metre range firing the Cadet GP rifle. First aid skills were also advanced together with training in fieldcraft and skill at arms. And it’s not just the training - it’s the being away from home for the weekend that the cadets enjoy working and relaxing along with their friends. After camp I sat with the latest recruits and asked them how their first camp had been. It was clear that it had been a resounding success - and the most asked question - ‘when is the next one?’ And with the two-week residential camp in Yorkshire now at the planning stage - the weekend experience has been a great taster of what is in store for everyone this summer. Pictures from the February Company Weekends: Page 17. Looking ahead to Annual Camp: Page 34. Page 33
The years gone by ...
… and the year ahead with a residential Annual Camp at Strensall in Yorkshire.
Pictures courtesy Dean Simpson
COMMANDANT: Colonel D Coulter DEPUTY COMMANDANT: Lt Col D Laird CADET EXECUTIVE OFFICER: Major C McCormack
550 Cadets
78 Adult Volunteers
29 Officers
as at 31 March 2022
AMIENS COMPANY OC: Maj A Long 1 Pl RSB - Strathaven 2 Pl RSB - Motherwell 3 Pl RSB - Newmains 5 Pl RSB - Coalburn 6 Pl RSB - Larkhall 3 Tp RE - Airdrie 4 Pl SG - Bellshill 5 Pl SG - Lanark
INVICTUS COMPANY OC: Maj J Reynolds A Pl RHF - Kings Park B Pl RHF- Cambuslang D Pl RHF - Pollokshaws 4 Pl RSB - Hamilton 1 Pl REME - E Kilbride 2 Pl REME – E Kilbride 6 Tp Scots DG - Govan Pipes and Drums — Cambuslang
NORMANDY COMPANY OC: Maj W Kerr A Tp RA - Broomhill B Tp RA - Drumchapel C Tp RA - Anderson D Tp RA - Carmyle C Pl RHF - Easterhouse E Pl RHF - Shettleston F Pl RHF - Maryhill E Tp RSigs - Kelvinbridge
CONTACT US: Glasgow and Lanarkshire Battalion ACF, Headquarters and Training Centre, Gilbertfield Road, Glasgow, G72 8YP 0141 641 0858 lo-gl-ao1@rfca.org.uk @reportinggandl
The Glasgow and Lanarkshire Battalion is supported by
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. Design and Production: Col (Retd) PK Neil DL Page 35
Hamilton cadets take all the trophies at the UK Small Bore Championships.
News of the World Challenge Cup. The team: Sgt Luke Canavan, Cpl Josh McCallum, LCpl Ben Marshall and Cdt Jessica Ewing. •
• The Punch Trophy.
The inter-service competition against the RAF Air Cadets and the Sea Cadets. It’s the first time in over 30 years that the ACF has won this competition. LCpl Marshall had the highest individual score on the day with a score of 189 out 200. Cpl McCallum took 2nd place with a 185. • The Shell Trophy.
Teams of 3 cadets in a inter-services knockout competition. Winning Team: Sgt Luke Canavan, Cpl Josh McCallum, LCpl Ben Marshall. • The Reserve Competition.
Winners: Cdt Jenny Kennedy and Cdt Pearse Clancy.
In the afternoon we went on to compete for the Inter-Services Shell trophy. Each cadet organisation forms three teams of three firers. These firers then fire in a fast-paced knockout competition. I felt very excited as this was different from the slow deliberate target shooting of the morning. Myself, Luke and Josh managed to knock out the other teams to reach the final against the Sea Cadets. The final was extremely close until the last second where we pulled ahead and won the trophy for our detachment. I have never been prouder of my team and myself for our achievements and I hope we can continue to improve in the near future. LCpl Ben Marshall, 4 Pl RSB