Reporting G&L 2022-23

Welcome to the Battalion’s Annual Review 2022-23

Welcome to the Glasgow and Lanarkshire Battalion Annual Review for 2022-23.

It has been another very successful year for the Battalion and one of which I am extremely proud. As I reflect over the year, I cannot help but be delighted with the commitment and enthusiasm shown by our cadets and Adult Volunteers.

You will see in this Review exactly what we get up to as a Battalion and the many opportunities we give to our cadets who, as a result, have achieved a great deal including DofE Awards, ACS stars, vocational qualifications, sports medals and shooting success.

However, none of our achievements would be possible without the team that supports everything we do. I would like to thank our Professional Support Staff and the Training Safety Adviser who continue to ensure we have all we need to deliver safe and effective training.

I am also grateful for the support of Cadets Branch at 51 Brigade, the Lowland Reserve Forces’ and Cadets’ Association and the Army Cadet Charitable Trust.

And last, but no means least, I would like to thank all the Adult Volunteers and Non Uniform Volunteers for their hard work and dedication to the Army Cadets.

I have every reason to look forward to the next 12 months when, as a Battalion, we will once again strive to deliver the very best of fun, friendship, action and adventure for our cadets.

Colonel Derek Coulter

The Commandant presented with the 4th clasp to his Army Cadet Force long service medal: 44 years as a cadet and Adult Volunteer. The presentation was made by Col Alex McNamee, Col Cdts 51Brigade, following the final of the Battalion Relay Quiz. See page 26.

Commandant

THE CADET EXPERIENCE

The Army Cadet Syllabus (ACS)

The ACS 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 at Cambuslang on the outskirts of Glasgow with its own ranges and training area.

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.

Senior Cadet Instructor Cadre

The Senior Cadet Instructor 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 Instructor Cadre (JCIC). The 51 Brigade Cadet Training Team deliver the SCIC in Scotland.

Master Cadet Course

The Master Cadet Course is the culmination of the cadet 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 ACS star. It takes place at the National Cadet Training Centre at Frimley Park in Surrey.

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 Barry Buddon training area with the 51 Brigade Cadet Training Team.

THE ARMY CADET 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

The first proud achievement of cadet training: Gaining their Basic certificate and badge.

In the current year 8 cadets have achieved 4 Star with 2 cadets successfully attending the Master Cadet Course at the National Cadet Training Centre.

Glasgow and Lanarkshire Bn Reporting G&L 2022-23

Military competitions

Competitions are an ideal way to develop skills and encourage teamwork.

The Cadet Training Team Scotland ran the annual Military Skills Competition in the Barry-Buddon Training Area in September. Testing a wide range of military skills including navigation, advance to contact, command tasks and deliberate attack, it was a hard fought competition.

There were 5 ACF and 7 CCF teams competing and the ACF competition was won by the Battalion as was the

In the Drill Competition for the Captain Walter Barrie Memorial Trophy, the Bn were the runners-up.

Competing in the Brigade Military Skills competition was an amazing experience. Spending training time withothercadetsfromallovertheBattalion brought us together and we all shared an enthusiasm to do well. We were thrilled to win,witheachofourdetachmentsandcompaniesbeingveryproudofus.Icouldn’thave askedtobeinabetterteam!

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 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 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.

Back at the Battalion a wide range of Adventurous Training takes place at both weekend and annual camps.

More Adventurous Training at Annual Camp on pages 18 - 21.

Cpl Reis Millar, 3 Pl RSB

Battalion success in sports competitions on page 12.

GAINING ADDITIONAL QUALIFICATIONS

The Duke of Edinburgh’s

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 at Gold, Residential - and many DofE activities can be linked to cadet training.

Battalion recognised for DofE post Covid pandemic recovery - see page 31.

Vocational qualifications

There are many opportunities open to both cadets and cadets and may help them to progress in further education or employment.

First Aid

While all cadets are trained in first aid from Basic level, senior cadets are encouraged to undertake more advanced training and many cadets achieve a First Aid at Work (FAW) qualification which enables them to deal with more serious situations.

The FAW qualification sits on the Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF) and are recognised by external employers and meet the legal requirements for first aid qualifications within a workplace.

Top: Ready for the hills. Above: Preparing route cards. Below: Checking the route.

More about the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award in the Bn on page 25. First aid training put into practice on page 29.

Battalion cadets joined musicians from all around the UK for the Summer Music Camp in London. The week long camp, with periods of learning and practising, ended with a performance at the Royal Hospital Chelsea.

LCpl Hayley MacCabe of B Pl RHF and SI Vivien Thorpe of 5 Pl RSB performing at the music camp

Cpl Bradley Kerr of 3 Pl RSB (left) was commended for his performance in the

Six Bn cadets performed with the bands to a Quinn, Cpl Cameron Anderson, Cdt Charlize Anderson, Smith, LCpl Hayley MacCabe.

Below: The Military Band performs at the Royal Hospital Chelsea during the London Music Camp.

Battlefield tour

With three long years in the planning and with Covid slowing down our fundraising events, 45 cadets and Adult Volunteers set off for France in October.

While many cadets knew a bit about the Normandy landings, all said that they came away with a much better understanding of the final push in Europe of the Second World War. And the trip to Disneyland was a much appreciated extra!

The most impactful part of thetripformewasourvisits to the American and British war memorials, which affected and humbled me greatly. The American memorial was composed of almost 10,000actualgravesofUSservicemen who died in Normandy, with massive and perfect rows of white crosses and stars of David - a very visualreminderofthegreatsacrifice ofAmericansoldierswhofoughtand diedforfreedominEuropeandanend to Nazi tyranny. The British war memorial was in the style of the cenotaphinLondon,alargeconcrete setofstructuresandpillars,withthe namesofthesoldiers,butunlikethe Americanmemorialnottheirbodies.I hadtheimmenseprivilegeoflayinga wreathattheheartofthememorial, whichIwillnotforgetforalongtime. Therewereover24,000names,andI foundtwobearingmyname,alance corporalandaLieutenantO’Brienboth barely in their twenties. I am now even more appreciative of the sacrificeofmyprecedingcountrymen and their allies in the war that guaranteed my freedom today and will never forget their effort and sacrifice.

Caen Normandy Memorial: Cdt Pearce O’Brien, 2 Pl RSB laying the poppy wreath while piper Cpl Bradley Kerr, 3 Pl RSB, plays in the background.

Cdt Pearce O’Brien 2 Pl RSB

Developing shooting skills

All cadets are involved with shooting as one of the core subjects of the Army Cadet Syllabus progressing their marksmanship skills from firing the Scorpion air rifle in their detachment to small bore shooting in indoor ranges and full bore on 30 metre ranges at weekend and annual camps. Some cadets go further, however, and compete in detachment, battalion, Scottish and UK competitions.

As we went to press last year we learnt that 4 Pl RSB were the UK small bore champions (inset) - and this year the detachment are just back from Bisley, again winning the News of the World Challenge Cup and the InterServices Punch Trophy. They were runners-up in the Shell Competition.

Reserves:

Beingpartofthedetachmentsmall bore Cadet Hundred team for the firsttimehasbeenanexceptionally rewarding experience, not only has it mademeproudofmyselfandmyfellow cadets but Ifeel privileged to have the AdultVolunteersputinsomuchtimeand efforttoallowustoregularlypractice.I wasin4thplaceattheendofthefirst roundsoIamhopefulthatIwillreceivea CadetHundredshootingbadge - itwould beagreatachievement!

Cdt Yazmin Marshall 4 Pl RSB

Members of the A and B Teams pictured above with Lt Col Martin Roberts, the Army Cadets National Shooting Adviser. Sgt Ben Marshall, LCpl Jenny Kennedy, LCpl Mollie Jo Seal, LCpl Pearse Clancy, Cdt Yazmin Marshall, Cdt Katie Smith, Cpl Max Miller (A Pl RHF), Cdt Ben Harkins (B Pl RHF).

Cpl Joseph Myles (A Pl RHF), Cdt Callum Sinclair.

• The Lean Cup

Winners: 4 Pl RSB

Runners-up: B Pl RHF

Third: A Tp RA

• The Jim Kerrigan Trophy

Winners: A Pl RHF (pictured right)

Runners-up: E Pl RHF

Third: 3 Tp RE

• Joint best individual shots of the day: RSM Luke Canavan

LCpl Pearse Clancy

Other small bore and air rifle competitions

• Cadet Hundred

In the Cadet Hundred Competition 310 cadets from across the UK fired in the first round and Bn cadets through to the final round are listed right. Final round results not known at time of press.

4 Pl RSB were the top Cadet Hundred Team in the UK.

• Walter Kirke Trophy for Iron Sights Rifles

Winners: 4 Pl RSB

1st Sgt Ben Marshall 193 (HPS 200)

4th Cdt Yasmin Marshall 188

6th LCpl Jenny Kennedy 185

8th= RSM Luke Canavan 182

8th= LCpl Pearse Clancy 182

11th Cdt Katie Smith 178

13th LCpl Molly Seal 177

14th Cdt Jessica Ewing 176

The results of the Commonwealth Air Rifle Postal Competitions are not yet known

Battalion full bore shooting success on page 6.

Keeping active and winning trophies and medals in Sports Championships

Keeping Active is part of the Army Cadet Syllabus.

This can range from physical training, adventurous training and expeditions at the detachment to taking part in events and competitions at detachment, battalion, Scottish and UK level.

The Bn entered teams for all the Scottish sports events in 2022 with considerable success (see table opposite).

Bn cadets have also contributed to Scottish Teams at UK sports championships. Having won all four events at the Scottish Football Championships, four Battalion teams represented Scotland at the UK Championships.

Scottish Sports Championships 2022- Battalion Results

Scottish Athletics Championships: George Duncan Athletics Arena, Perth: 14 May 2022

• Winners: Class B Boys.

• Runners-up: Class A Boys, Class C Girls, Class D Girls.

• Overall runners-up.

Scottish Cross -Country Championships: Barry-Buddon Training Area: 3 Sep 2022

• Winners: Senior Boys, Senior Girls.

Scottish Orienteering Championships: Barry-Buddon Training Area: 3 Sep 2022

• Winners: Senior Boys, Senior Girls, Junior Girls.

• Runners-up: Junior Boys.

• Joint Overall Champions for Cross-County and Orienteering.

Scottish Swimming Championships: St Andrews: 22 Oct 2022

• Winners: Senior Boys, Junior Girls.

Scottish Football Championships: World of Football Edinburgh: 19 Nov 2022

• Winners: Senior Boys, Junior Boys, Senior Girls, Junior Girls.

Bn cadets representing Scotland at the UK Football Championships (left) and UK Cross Country Championships.

Cdt Callum Paterson of A Tp RA showing off his UK sports medals: Gold in the 400 metres and 800 metres; Silver in the 4x100 metres relay and Silver for orienteering.

COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT

Just some of the charities supported this year

Below are snapshots from just some of the activities backed and charities adopted in 2022-23. Above: Cadets from 1 Pl and 3 Pl RSB on a sponsored walk for Erskine.

Each cadet detachment in the Battalion makes its own decisions on how to offer support the local community throughout the year.

Cadets from 1Pl RSB, 3Pl RSB and 4Pl SG, assisted the St Andrew’s Hospice with their annual sponsored hill climb. The cadets had a vital role in acting as way-markers to ensure everyone stayed on the right path and afterwards they picked up all the litter that some carelessly left behind!

Cadets from Invictus Company supporting the annual Govan Fair.

Cadets 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.

Cadets from 1 Pl and 3Pl RSB supporting the Strathaven and Newmains Gala Day.

How many Christmas cards did you send?

The cadets of C Tp RA wrote cards for all the residents of Erskine - over 300 - and all were gratefully received.

Choosing a Standard Bearer

Cadets from the Bn along with cadets from the RAF Air Cadets competed in the Standard Bearer Competition for the Glasgow, Lanarkshire and Dumfries & Galloway Area of the Royal British Legion Scotland. And following the final Legion Scotland National Standard Bearing Competition in May, CSM Scott Connor of B RHF was the runner-up and recognised as the Deputy National Standard Bearer, the youngest ever to hold

In December 2 Pl RSB provided donations to Shelter (above) and earlier in the year they also raised over £500 for the charity Combat Stress (below). For MarchinMarchcadets and Adult Volunteers were encouraged to walk or run 10 miles during March, either all in one go or spread across the month. All the money raised supports Combat Stress to treat veterans across the UK with severe mental health issues.

Cadets taking part in the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award need to complete the Volunteering Section, which results in them delivering value to their communities.

For the year to June 2022 cadets from the Bn contributed 481 hours volunteering which the Award calculates has a social value of over £2,222.

Cdt Sophie Raphael (back second from left) was awarded the Detachment Commander’s coin for her individual contribution of £326.

More about the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award on page 7.

CSM Scott Connor on his duties as the Lord Lieutenant's Cadet for the City of Glasgow on page 32.

Remembrance

Cadets from through the Bn were involved in Services of Remembrance in their local areas with a major parade for Invictus and Normandy Companies in Glasgow.

Working with the Ninjas

Cadets from 1 Pl RSB assisted the Strathaven Combat Crochet and Knitting Ninjas with their annual Remembrance decorations.

Every November, this immensely talented and creative group decorate Strathaven with hundreds of hand-knitted and crocheted poppies, adding a beautiful and poignant touch of colour to the town.

Bn cadets on parade at (above) Motherwell and Coalburn and (below) at George Square, Glasgow.

While detachments support many local charities throughout the year,

Above: Cadets at the Remembrance Garden, George Square, Glasgow, as the Battalion receives a Poppyscotland Centenary Award. See page 31.

Camp 2022 was the first residential Annual Camp for two years ANNUAL CAMP

Annual Camp is an important part of the cadet training year and two weeks at Strensall Training Camp in West Yorkshire was the first fully residential Annual Camp since pre-Covid and it delivered the usual mix of military skills, adventurous training, sport and recreational activities. The summer weather was kind to us and both cadets and Adult Volunteers considered it a success.

And as can be seen from the pictures, some cadets also put on their glad rags for an out-of-camp ‘fine dining’ experience.

Committed, skilled and qualified

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 week-ends, 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.

ADULT VOLUNTEERS

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

Glasgow and Lanarkshire Bn

Students attending Adult Volunteer Induction Courses 2022-23

Lord Lieutenant’s Certificates awarded 2022-23

City of Glasgow

Maj Walter Kerr

County of Lanark

Maj Alan Long

2Lt Mark Maxwell

SSI James Connolly

SSI Colin Shearer

SI Cheryl Stewart

Cheryl being presented with her certificate by Lady Haughey CBE, Lord Lieutenant of Lanarkshire.

Find out about the cadets that gained Lord Lieutenant’s Certificates and other recognition on page 32.

After 6 year’s service as the RSMI of the Bn, John Terry moves to the commissioned ranks.

When a cadet becomes to old to continue to serve, some choose to train as an Adult Volunteer. See page 32.

The Lowland Reserve Forces’ and Cadets’ Association promote the CARAS - cadet nominated awards to recognise and thank Adult Volunteers within the three cadet organisations in the Lowlands of Scotland. In the Glasgow and Lanarkshire Bn the winner was SSI Michael Cobb (below left) and the runner-up 2Lt Amy-Jo Battersby.

InJanuaryIgottowear mycadetberet(having beingfirst issued with itasacadet6yearsago)onmy firstuniformnightasthenew Detachment Commander of 5 PlScotsGuards. Itfeltsurrealputtingitbackontodo theroleI’vealwayswantedsinceIwas 13.

Everwishyoucould goback and tell your younger self - dreams do sometimescometrue?

SI Breige Jamieson OC 5 Pl Scots Guards

AROUND THE BATTALION

First presentation of Memorial Trophy

Last year we carried the story of the David Timmins Memorial Trophy and this year the first cadet to be awarded the trophy is Cdt Callum Paterson. An extract from his citation is shown below. Callum is pictured with David’s mum Cathy and Brig (Retd) Chris Murray, Colonel Commandant, Royal

Cdt Callum Paterson joined A Tp RA aged 16 in December 2021– a bit older than is usual for a recruit.

Since joining he has excelled in a number of areas including sport when in his first year he had won gold medals at the Scottish Athletics Championships for 100, 800 and 1500 metres and for Cross Country.

At the UK Championships he achieved gold at 800 and 1500 meters and silver in the 4x100 metres relay. A gold medal was also achieved for Orienteering and a silver one for Cross Country.

Callum is also involved in the wide range of detachment activities having attended Annual Camp; the Proclamation of King Charles III in September and the Remembrance Day parade. He was also involved in the Poppyscotland charity collections.

For a cadet who has not yet completed a full calendar year his attitude and contribution have been outstanding and for this reason he was nominated to become the very first recipient of the Cpl Davey Timmins Memorial Trophy.

Cadets at the Defence School of Communications and Information Systems, Blandford, in February for signals and CyberFirst Defenders courses.

The CyberFirst course increases awareness of cyber security, and develops practical skills which helps promote STEM careers for the cadets in the years ahead.

Glasgow.

Keeping on the right side of the law

Cadets from 4 Pl SG visiting the Police Scotland Air Unit - learning what kit and equipment they use and what happens when the helicopter goes out to an incident.

More about Duke of Edinburgh’ Awards on page 7.

Cadets from 1 Pl and 3 Pl RSB visiting the Police Scotland Dog Section. Making friends and seeing the dogs in action.

Cadets of Amiens Coy taking part in their Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Bronze Expedition, cycling form Maryhill to Lagganbeg on Loch Lomond.

Cadets and Adult Volunteers of the Bn were interviewed by the British Forces Broadcasting

Above: The teams that made it though to the final. Right: The winning team from 3 Pl RSB.

Amiens Company ready for a winter training weekend at the Dechmont Cadet Training Centre.

Visiting a local emergency service

3 Pl RSB were hosted in January by the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service in Motherwell.

The firefighters showed the cadets their kit, let them have a go at the hoses, explained all about their role and gave them an insight into careers in the emergency services.

Out by the Clyde

A group of cadets from 6 Tp Scots DG paid a visit to BAE Systems’ Govan site in November for a tour of HMS Glasgow.

The new Type 26 Frigate, which was approaching its final stages of construction on Glasgow’s River Clyde, will be part of a new fleet set to partially replace the Type 23 Frigates currently employed by the Royal Navy. The cadets had excellent brief about the ship and what its duties will be after launch, as well as an update on the shipyard itself.

He was also the best shot on the course!

SI Katie Knight of F Pl RHF, completed the 54 mile Cateran Yomp though the Perthshire foothills in 23 hours and 23 minutes - slashing her previous best time by over 2 hours.

The Commandant was joined at Annual Camp by two past commandants. Col Alex McNamee (left) and Col Pat O’Meara - all showing off their Queens’s Platinum Jubilee Medal.

SI Seamus Ferry of B Pl RHF successfully completed his Level 3 Army Cadet Shooting Course at the National Cadet Training Centre, Frimley Park.

Nursing scheme for Army Cadets

The Battalion is one of two in Scotland to trial the Royal College of Nursing Prince of Wales Nursing Cadet Scheme which gives young members of youth organisations an introduction to potential careers in nursing.

Supported by His Majesty The King when he was Prince of Wales, the scheme aims to develop and prepare young people aged 16 to 25 years for life: to develop an interest in a healthcare profession and to support them towards employment in nursing. The scheme runs alongside the Army Cadet Syllabus, combining guided online and experiential learning. This includes learning modules and a clinical observational placement within their local health care region.

Once they have completed this, cadets submit a portfolio of reflection and gain a completion certificate. They are then supported to take decisions on next steps, which can include a level 2 or 3 related diploma, a foundation degree or an undergraduate nursing degree.

The NHS is funding the scheme and Adult Volunteers in the Bn are delivering the training. So far this year three training weekends have been completed and as we go to press the nursing cadets are undergoing clinical placements at a local hospital (pictured left).

Ithinkthehighlightofthecourseisgettingto learn about what it would be like to have a careerinthehealthsectorandhowyougeta placementandputyourskillsintopractice.I’mstillin school but I’ve applied for Paramedic Science at universityandIthinkthiscoursewillreallyhelpmewith thisapplication.

Cpl Kerry Wallace Pipes and Drums detachment

Pictures from Amiens Company resulted in them gaining an Annual Camp Photographic Award presented by ACCT Scotland.

Annual Camp pictures from across the companies can be found on pages 18 - 21.

Scottish First Aid Awards

Four members of the Bn were nominated in this year’s St Andrews First Aid Awards:

• Sgt Nadine Miller – 4 Pl SG

At a Company Weekend Nadine identified another cadet as being unwell. Within a few minutes the casualty lost consciousness. Nadine put her in the recovery position while an ambulance was being called. On the arrival of the paramedics Nadine gave a calm measured hand-over.

• Cdt Amelia Adams and LCpl Perry Cavinue – 4 Pl SG and 3 Pl RSB

Amelia and Perry were shopping when a female shopper collapsed and suffered a seizure. The staff in the shop did not know what to do so the cadets stepped up and took control, working together to ensure that the area was safe and kept free of customers. The cadets remained calm and were reassuring to the shop staff and members of the public.

• SI Seámus Ferry – B Pl RHF

Seámus heard screaming and looked out of the window to see a neighbour who had tripped and fallen down a storm bunker. He ran down five flights of stairs to assist. He assessed the situation and attempted to keep the casualty calm. Seámus then called the emergency services and remained with the casualty until the ambulance arrived – assisting the recovery of the casualty.

The winner was announced on the 31 March at the Radisson Blu, Glasgow and while none of our nominations won, they had a great night. Our picture shows the finalists with the Commandant.

The Commandant presenting Capt Alec Stirling MBE with the 4th clasp to his Cadet Forces Medal, following 36 years of Adult Volunteer service in the Battalion.

SI Breige Jamieson with mum and medals following their completion of Half Marathon and £500 raised for Whiteleys Retreat.

All about First Aid training in the Army Cadets on page 7.

WhenIwas promotedtoLance Bombardier speechlessand,to behonest,itwas thebestfeeling ever!Itmademe feel honouredand itgavemelotofnewresponsibility andmoreofaleadershiprole. Thedetachmentrecentlymovedtoa newbuildingandrestartedrecruiting, whichmeantIwasthefirsttobe promotedwiththefreshstartandto bepartofthehistoryofBTpRA.

I remember this year...

Joiningcadetswas oneofthebest thingsIhaveever donewithmylife frommeeting lotsofnewpeople togaining confidencetodo thingsIneverexpectedtodoandI havemademywayuptheranks seniorcadetof

Ihavegainedmanyuseful qualificationsandIamtakingpart intheRCNCadetNursingScheme.

These are just a few of the thoughts of the many cadets who have experienced fun, friendship, action and adventure with the Glasgow and Lanarkshire Battalion during the period of this Review.

Our apologies to those who are not quoted here, but hopefully their experiences are fully reported in words and pictures on our previous pages.

Myfirstannual campwasan amazingexperience.Itwasjust afterlockdownand itwasgreattoget outofthehouse againandmake newfriends. Ilovedalltheactivities,especiallythe fieldcraftexercise.

Iwasamemberof theScottish seniormalerugby teamthisyearat theUKChampionshipsatAltcar. It wasamazing.Lots ofgoodgames andwebeattheWelsh82-0!

Wewereamixedteamwith membersfromtheotherScottish battalionsandwehadgreatteam spiritandmorale.

Iwasselectedfortheteam followingseriesoftrainingdays whenIgottoknowtheother cadetsandabitaboutwherethey allcamefrom.

Ihavealwaysenjoyedplaying rugbyandwasdelightedIcoulddo thisandwinagoldmedalinaUK competitionintheArmyCadets.

Beingpartofthe PipesandDrums

Detachmenthas givenmethe opportunityto attendmusic campstohelp developmyskills andgivenmethechanceto performatsomeamazingevents andvenueswhichwouldnothave beenpossiblehadInotbeeninthe ArmyCadets.

PerformingintheChristmas MarketsinAberdeenCityCentre wasanamazingexperienceand it’ssomethingI'mveryproudto havebeenpartof. Iwillbepreformingagainthisyear attheBeatingRetreatinApril, whichisanamazingeventonthe esplanadeofEdinburghCastle. Thereisnobettervenuefora publicperformance.

Ifoundmy SilverDukeof Edinburgh’s Award expeditiontobe enjoyablewhile alsobeing somewhat challenging.

ThepartsofmyexpeditionI enjoyedthemostwaswitnessing thegreatoutdoorsandgettingthe chancetoworkwithateamwho showedgreatspiritandenthusiasm. Aswewalkedwewereabletowork togetherasateamtoovercome themanyobstaclesthatwefaced, whetheritwasnavigatingthe route,orjusttryingtocooka simplemeal.

Ifeltakeensenseofcomraderyand belonginginmygroup.

Thelandscapewasamazinganditis somethingIwouldhavelikelynever experiencedifIneverdoneDofE. Overall,myDofEexperiencewas mostenjoyableanddefinitely somethingIwouldrecommendto all.Iwasabletodevelopskillsand workonmyphysicalfitnesswhichI amveryhappyabout.

Iamgratefulfortheopportunity andtheexperiencethatDukeof Edinburgh’sAwardhasgivenme . Bdr David Whyte, D Tp RA.

LBdr Mason Hunter, B Tp RA.

LCpl Liam Hubball, E Tp RS.

LCpl Andrew Ballantyne, D Pl RHF.

Cpl Kayla Quince, Pipes and Drums Detachment.

It always feels good to be recognised

This Review focuses on what the Battalion delivers, not only for its own cadets and Adult Volunteers, but also for the wider community. However, it is good when we can report that an organisation we have supported over a number of years gets back to us and says ‘well done’.

The Bn were presented this year with one of Poppyscotland’s Centenary Awards for our contribution to the charity over the years.

The Youth Uniformed Group Award was made to the Commandant in Glasgow city centre on the Saturday before Remembrance.

The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award has also recognised the Battalions hard work.

Following the restrictions of the Covid pandemic, the Battalion worked hard in 2022 to get the Award underway again and as a result we:

• Have the second-equal highest percentage of eligible cadets registered for the Award in the UK at 48%.

• And are the ‘most improved county’ in the UK measured by an increase in Award completions.

Our picture below shows Lt Col Robert Lockhart, the Brigade DofE Cadet Adviser, presenting the certificate to Lt David Green the Bn DofE Officer and the Commandant at Dechmont CTC.

Cdt Fraser Jørgensen of 5 Pl SG, with mum Heather, at the Lowland RFCA reception in April.

Sgt Nadine Miller of 4 Pl SG with her Praiseworthy Certificate from ACCT UK awarded in recognition of her interventions and actions in a series of medical issues involving cadets both in and out of camp. Nadine was praised for both her first aid skills and her calm, professional approach.

CSM Scott Connor in his role as the Lord Lieutenant’s Cadet of the City of Glasgow, on duty when His Majesty The King opened the refurbished

More about the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award on page 7 and the benefits of Award Volunteering in the Battalion on page 15.

This year’s story and pictures on page 17.

Takingontheresponsibilityofbeing the Cadet RSM for the Bn issomethingIamimmenselyproudof. Ithas inspired me to guide and motivate othercadetstobetheverybestthey canbe. Ihavealsobeenabletobuild a resilient mindset through the different challenges and tasks that comewiththerole.

Itakegreatprideinbeingresponsible for leading and coaching the othercadetswithintheBn. Iencourageeverycadettoachieveallthey canasIlookatbackatmytimein the cadets that included gaining Master Cadet; currently being the Lord'sLieutenant’sCadetforLanarkshire;becomingoneofthebestsmall bore shots intheUK; enjoyingthe experience of many Annual Camps and,ofcourse,makinglotsoffriends alongtheway.

I am very grateful for the many opportunities that I have had as a memberoftheACF.

I was appointed the Lord Lieutenant’sCadetfortheCityof GlasgowatAnnualCamp2022and after speedily sewing the badge ontomyblankingplate,Iworeit withgreatpride.

Sincethen,Ihavehadanumberof dutiestoperformincludinghaving lunch with the Princess Royal in the City Chambers and meeting the King at the opening of the refurbished Burrell Collection. Ialsohadtheamazingprivilegeof being the Guard Commander for the proclamation of the King in George Square, which was the largestparadeoutsideLondon. I also attended an event of the Incorporation of Masons of Glasgow where I was presented with the Lady McDonald Award and received a cheque - along withadeliciousmeal!

After Covid restrictions were relaxed,IwasinvitedtotheCity Chamberstobepresentedwithmy official certificate by the Lord LieutenantoftheCityofGlasgow, JacquelineMcLaren.

Looking ahead I have been told that I will be given the honour once again of being a Guard Commander in Glasgow at the King’sCoronation.

Iamverymuchlookingforwardto that.

Army Cadets has been my best fiveyears. I’vemetsomanynew peopleandmadesomanygood friends. Thecadetshaveallowed me to gain many qualifications, such as CVQO, BETC, Duke of Edinburgh’s Award and Young Leaders.

Annual Camp is great and after camp2022IwentonanOutward Bound course. I was the only cadet in the Battalion chosen to goonthiscourseanditwasthe best two weeks ever. I met so many people from all over the world that I am still in contact with and gained so many new skills.

Myadvicetocadetsisalwaysgo in any course offered to you because everything you do in cadetscanbeputonyourCVand willhelpyouinlaterlife.

ItimedoutofcadetsinOctober andIamcurrentlyintheprocess ofbecominganAdultVolunteer, sothatIcanhelpcadetstohave theverybesttime:thesameway Idid.

RSM Luke Canavan

Cadet RSM

Lord Lieutenant’s Cadet After being a cadet...

PI Jacqueline Scollan

CSM Scott Connor

Luke with the small bore shooting team on page 10. Scott salutes the King on page 31. Annual Camp on pages 18 - 21.

AfterbeingwiththeGlasgowand Lanarkshire Bn for many years, I was appointed Deputy Commandantin2022andthepastyearhas been a very challenging, but rewardingone.

OurBattalionstrivestogiveevery singlecadet theverybestCadet Experienceandtheintroductionof the new Army Cadet Syllabus is helpingustodeliverthat.

Since we started back to normal trainingandplayingcatch-upafter Covid,ourrecruitingisbacktoan all-time high and we have increased the number of senior cadetsandappointedanewCadet RSM.

Our two-week Annual Camp at Strensallin Yorkshire was amost enjoyable experience for all involved - the Teambuilding Package in particular was a favourite.

AnnualCampthisyearwillbeabit closer to home at Wacrop in Cumbria where we will be introducing star-based training, a firstforthisBattalion. Iamverymuchlookingforwardto theyearahead.

Lt Col Donna Laird Deputy Commandant

favouritetimeoftheyear. Yes,it’sa challengetogetusallthere,butit’s allworthwhilewhenweare.

We, the Professional Support Staff play a vital part in all that the Battaliondoes,andwillcontinueto work in harmony with the Adult VolunteersinsupportoftheCadet Experience whilst continually remindingourselvesthatweallhave aparttoplayindevelopingothersas wellashelpingourcadetsgrowinto well rounded individuals, whilst enhancingtheirlifeskills ‘Individualtalentcanwingames,but teamwork,commonsenseandgood communicationswinschampionships’.

Maj Colin McCormack Cadet Executive Officer

More about the Cadet Experience on pages 4 -13. Community Engagement on pages 14 -17.

Annual Camp on pages 18 - 21. Adult Volunteers on pages 22 and 23.

Iamthedetachmentcommanderat3 Pl RSB. Our detachment is on the edge of Newmains and historically hasproducedsomeoftheBattalion’s top cadets, but we struggle with recruitmentfromarural-isharea.

3 Pl RSB was my first detachment whenIjoinedtheArmyCadetsand hasaspecialplaceinmyheart.

Theplatoonhasgonefromstrengthto-strengthpostcovidandthecadets have worked very hard to get the most out of the Army Cadets. We havebuiltgreatrelationshipswithin thecommunitywhichhashelpedus withrecruitmentandfundraising Beingadetachmentcommanderisby farthebestjobtheACFhastooffer. Itishardworkandattimesitseems impossibletojuggleeverything.But intheend,itiswhereIcanmakethe mostdifferenceinawaythatdirectly affectsthecadetsthemselves. Ienjoythinkingstrategicallytocreate training programmes that will see cadets achieve. I love celebrating with them when they have accomplished something they never thoughttheywouldmanage. Ienjoy takingcadetsontheirfirstcampand seeingtheirfamiliesfaceswhenthey come home smiling because they havehadsomuchfun. Andthereare timesweaskalotofcadets.Itmight bethattheyhavetotakeresponsibilityforthefirsttime;maketheirfirst bigdecisionortakealeapoffaithbut theyareconfidentandbuzzing. BeingtheDetachmentCommanderof 3 Pl RSB, has been hard but super rewarding.Itwillbehardtotopit.

Deputy Commandant

2Lt Amy-Jo Battersby OC 3 Pl RSB

Detachment Commander

Cadet Executive Officer

Headquarters and Training Centre, Gilbertfield Road, Glasgow, G72 8YP 0141 641 0858

lo-gl-ao1@rfca.org.uk

COMMANDANT: Col D Coulter

DEPUTY COMMANDANT: Lt Col D Laird

CADET EXECUTIVE OFFICER: Major C McCormack

584

Cadets 85 Adult Volunteers

as at 31 March 2023

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

30 Officers

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

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. Some of the quotations in this Review may have been shortened for editorial reasons. Reporting G&L is published by the Glasgow and Lanarkshire Battalion Army Cadet Force. Design and Production: Col (Retd) Ken Neil DL.

Fun, friendship, action and adventure is what the Army Cadets offers to young people across the Battalion.

To deliver these things it is essential that we are welcoming, inclusive, contemporary and relevant. In other words, the Army Cadets must reflect the community it serves. This requires us to create a sense of belonging and to reach out to all young people, regardless of background or ability.

The Battalion works hard to ensure that our culture and behaviours are as welcoming and inclusive as possible throughout the organisation.

INSPIRE is the focus for inclusion and diversity for the Army Cadets in Scotland. Scan the QR code to find out more.

LOOKING BACK

Do you remember the difficult years of the Covid pandemic and how the Battalion continued to deliver for both our cadets and the community? You can read last years (and some previous years) Annual Reviews by scanning the QR code.

LOOKING FORWARD

The regular biennial displays by the Battalion have not taken place since the Covid pandemic, but they will resume again in August 2023 in a slightly different format.

Once again our visiting VIPs will have the opportunity to see what being an Army Cadet is all about.

FUN FRIENDSHIP ACTION ADVENTURE