December 2023
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Welcome W
elcome to this month’s edition of Army Cadet Magazine. It is my privilege to have recently taken up the role of Commander Cadets and I look forward to getting out and about and encountering as much of the cadet experience as possible. In previous jobs, I have seen – and been inspired by – the cadets and adult volunteers who make up this fantastic youth organisation, some of whom you will read about in this edition. We have a fascinating interview with Mark (Billy) Billingham MBE, who many of us will have seen on our TV screens as the Chief Instructor on Celebrity SAS: Who Dares Wins. Turn to page 16 to find out how joining the Cadets steered him away from getting into trouble and towards an outstanding SAS career. There’s an opportunity to put your drill skills to the test with a quiz on page 22, devised by Regimental Sergeant Major Martin Lloyd from CTC Frimley Park. Plus, we’ve also asked some of our Army Cadets family to share what kit they really rate. Find out what they would recommend putting on your Christmas wishlist on page 26.
'I have been inspired by the cadets and volunteers who make up this fantastic youth organisation'
Meet the Commander Cadets Army Cadets is delighted to welcome Major General James Senior CBE as its new Commander Cadets. He brings a wealth of experience to the role. A few CV highlights: • Commissioned in December 1996, joining The King’s Royal Hussars in Munster, Germany. • Operational tours in Bosnia, Kosovo, Northern Ireland and Iraq. • On promotion to Major, commanded a squadron of The Second Royal Tank Regiment. • In 2011 he was deployed to Afghanistan as a Campaign Planner in HQ ISAF in Kabul.
I hope this edition finds you ready for the festive season! Major General James Senior CBE Commander Cadets
• From January 2014 to August 2016 he commanded The Light Dragoons. • On promotion to Colonel he was Assistant Head Strategy in the Army HQ. • In December 2019 he was promoted to Brigadier and became head of the Army’s Integrated Review Team. • From September 2021 to August 2023 commanded 38 (Irish) Brigade before being appointed General Officer Commanding Regional Command. In his spare time he enjoys endurance running and has completed several marathons, including the Dead Sea Ultra Marathon in Jordan and the Great Wall Marathon in China. He is married to Victoria and they have three teenage boys.
Copyright The contents of this magazine are fully protected by copyright and may not be reproduced without permission. Disclaimer While every effort has been made to ensure that adverts, details and articles appear correctly, Army Cadet Magazine cannot accept responsibility for any loss or damage caused directly or indirectly by the contents of this publication. The views expressed in this publication are not necessarily those of its publisher or editor. Army Cadet Magazine is produced by saltmedia.co.uk
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Contents 20
16
6
30
22 6 The briefing
22 Take the test
News from across the Army Cadets.
Regimental Sergeant Major Martin Lloyd from CTC Frimley Park puts your drill skills to the test.
16 SAS legend Find out more about Mark ‘Billy’ Billingham MBE from hit TV show Celebrity SAS: Who Dares Wins.
26 Ultimate kit list
20 Spotlight on ...
Members of the Army Cadets family share which kit they would love to receive at Christmas.
The Combined Cadet Force Association (CCFA), a charity committed to supporting the CCF.
30 Relatable role model Harnaam Singh on his role as RSM for B Company, Staffordshire and West Midlands (North Sector) ACF.
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Bringing light into the darkness National Lead Chaplain Padre Alan Jeans MBE ACF shares a seasonal message.
O
ne of the unavoidable facts of being human is that we are all part of a pattern of life, which we experience through the changing seasons of the year. Thankfully, our annual camps are planned to take place during the drier, warmer months of a British summer! In December though, we face longer nights and shorter days, and way back in our history our ancestors tried to bring light into the darkness and find hope in our future. December is a particularly important month for Christians as they celebrate Christmas. It's significant for other religions too, with Judaism and Buddhism among those also celebrating major festivals. Jewish Festival of Lights 7 December-15 December Hanukkah, the Jewish Festival of Lights commemorates the occasion when Jews celebrated the rededication of the Temple in Jerusalem with an eight-day festival.
Padres are there for everyone within the Army Cadets family. Whether cadets and CFAVs are a member of one of the main world faiths, or none, or exploring another form of spirituality, the Padre will still be their Padre. The Wellbeing Team is made up of Padres, medical support officers, and those working in Healthy Minds, and Diversity and Inclusion. The Padre takes a particular responsibility for spiritual, moral, and pastoral welfare within a County or Battalion.
Buddhist Bodhi Day 8 December Buddhists celebrate the day that Buddha is said to have gained enlightenment while sitting under a tree. To mark the event, Buddhists spend the day focusing on meditation and studying Buddha’s teachings, as well as celebrating with a meal of tea and cake, or rice and milk. Some hang strings of coloured lights in their homes and on trees to symbolise what they believe are the many paths to enlightenment. Winter Solstice 22 December The solstice is the shortest day of the year, and was marked by Pagans as the festival of Yule. It has been celebrated for thousands of years. In ancient times, midwinter was celebrated as heralding the return of the sun, and people lit fires and came together to drink and rejoice. Others, including the Celts, used to set fire to a log to illuminate the darkness, banish evil spirits and bring good luck to their families.
time of the year, Christians the world over will look to the example and teachings of Jesus as their guide and sense of direction throughout their lives. For those who have not had a good year, Christmas can be challenging. Belonging within the Army Cadets family should be a comfort. Whatever your faith or beliefs, it's the perfect time of year for us to come together and celebrate the belonging and mutual support we enjoy in the Army Cadets – and we can all be part of being a light in the darkness and finding hope in our future.
'It's the perfect time of year to celebrate the belonging and mutual support we enjoy in the Army Cadets'
Christian Christmas 25 December Christmas is marked on 25 December (7 January for Orthodox Christians), and is the holy day that commemorates the birth of Jesus. For Christians, Jesus is the son of God, with his birth foretold in the Old Testament and described in the New Testament of the Bible. Many images are used in the Bible to describe who Jesus is, and one is The Light of the World. With Christmas being at the darkest 5
The briefing
2023 Remembrance events in London, attended by Leicestershire, Northamptonshire and Rutland ACF
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Photos: Mitchell Allen
News from across the Army Cadets
THE BRIEFING
LNR ACF represents the Army Cadets at national remembrance events Leicestershire, Northamptonshire and Rutland ACF (LNR ACF) made a significant mark at two remembrance events this year. The annual National Service of Remembrance at the Cenotaph, Whitehall pays tribute to the servicemen and women who made the ultimate sacrifice. This year, LNR ACF took part in the parade. They prepared diligently for this high-profile event, undergoing rigorous training to ensure they carried out their responsibilities with precision and honour. They joined military and civilian participants from across the UK at the poignant event, which was attended by members of the Royal Family, government officials, and thousands of spectators. LNR ACF also proudly represented the Army Cadets at the Royal British Legion’s Festival of Remembrance at the Royal Albert Hall on Saturday 11 November, a prestigious occasion commemorating the sacrifices of all military personnel who served the UK and Commonwealth. It featured performances by renowned musicians and choirs, along with symbolic acts of remembrance. A highlight of LNR ACF’s participation in both events was the appointment of Cadet Regimental Sergeant Major Thomas Dyer as the ACF Banner bearer.
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The briefing News from across the Army Cadets
Ex SHAMROCK PEGASUS The battlefields of the first and second world wars and the world’s largest singleday marching event were on the itinerary for Ex SHAMROCK PEGASUS. The four-day study trip in Belgium and the Netherlands was attended by 25 cadets from Ballygowan Detachment, supported by seven CFAVs from across F Company, 2nd (NI) Battalion ACF. At the Langemark German Military Cemetery in Belgium, cadets encountered the sheer scale of loss that occurred during the First World War. In Oosterbeek, the cadets were among 35,000 people taking part in the 96th annual Oosterbeek Airborne March, held in remembrance of the 1944 Battle of Arnhem and Operation Market Garden.
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The trip also took in the famous Bridge Too Far, held by the British Airborne unit for four days under extreme German attack in September 1944, and the Overloon War Museum with its poignant Holocaust display. En route back to Calais, the group diverted to Valkenswaard War Cemetery, on the Dutch/Belgian border, to place poppies on the graves of 16 Irish Guardsmen, killed in the opening hours of Operation Market Garden. After returning home, the group was contacted by the granddaughter of one of these men to thank them on behalf of her mother, who was only one year old when her father died – a touching finale to an amazing trip.
THE BRIEFING
Cadets complete demanding fell running course for SSAFA Army cadets Ben Hewett and Tom Steingold, from Felsted School in Essex, have completed one of the most demanding fell running courses in the UK – the Bob Graham Round – and raised over £2,500 for SSAFA, the Armed Forces charity, in the process. The Bob Graham Round covers 106 km, including 42 of the Lake District's highest peaks and over 27,000 ft of climbing. 'We chose SSFA because it is the oldest tri-service charity but not necessarily the best-known, and we wanted to give it the recognition it deserves,' said Ben.
SSAFA
Click here or scan the QR code to help Ben and Tom reach their fundraising target of £5,000.
Ship ahoy! Ex LEVIATHAN is the start of a long-term project with the Tall Ships Youth Trust to provide an annual adventurous training opportunity for CCF Army cadets. The aim is to provide a competitive Tall Ships Race for multiple CCF(A) units, starting in September 2024. This year saw the first group from the host unit, JFS CCF in Harrow, testing the waters to establish the challenges, rules of competition and opportunities a tall ship event could offer. Over five days, the group were trained in their duties and put into practice all they had learned. The team sailed their 72ft Challenger yacht out of Portsmouth Harbour, completing a full lap of the Isle of Wight in only eight and a half hours with the help of a good wind. From there, they learned to control the vessel in difficult and changing winds, climbed the 100ft mast for maintenance tasks, and serviced the engine before a final night navigation under the stars back to Portsmouth. In 2024, JFS look forward to inviting two units to compete against them in point-to-point racing, sail-raising competitions and navigation exercises for the Leviathan Cup before expanding to four vessels in 2025.
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The briefing News from across the Army Cadets Shooting prowess The Cadet Inter Services Skill at Arms Meeting was held at Pirbright Ranges in Surrey on 26-29 October. The Army Cadets teams competed against the RAF Air Cadets and Sea Cadet Corps in individual and team matches. There were a number of 12 Rifle matches from 100m-300m using the Service Rifle on Gallery and ETR Ranges. The Army Cadets teams won the following, which were presented by ACOS Cadet Branch Col Catherine Jardine. 2 NI – Advance to Contact Match 2 NI – Rifle Pairs Match 2 NI – Champion Army Cadets Team 2 NI – Western Rifle Meeting Cup and 4 gold Medals LCpl Mcrea 1 NI – Top Army cadet Shot HM Malaya Trophy and Gold Medal Sevenoaks CCF – Infantry Brigade Cup Sevenoaks School – CCF Falling Plate Winners Cdt Sgt Major S Bray – Top CCF cadet Oritary Cup & Gold Medal
A joint approach to training by Berkshire ACF and Reading’s John Madejski Academy CCF (JMA) resulted in impressive places. Both achieved high scores, with Berkshire ACF taking home a number of medals and awards, and JMA holding their own with respectable results for their first competition shoot. Working together gave JMA access to Berkshire ACF’s shooting officer and coaches (in particular Capt Brett Cave) and enabled them to enter a team into the competition for the first time.
The Army Cadets team came second overall in the InterServices Final and the 12 cadets received ACF National Colours and ten cadets achieved a place within the top 50 cadets tri-service. The Army cadets shot very well and achieved great results. All those who participated and represented their ACF Counties and CCF Schools should be extremely proud.
The sky's the limit Eight cadets from SW London ACF took to the skies in September during a visit to Netheravon, Wiltshire, home of the Army Parachute Association.
'It was a completely amazing experience,' said SSI Pat Cullen (15 Company). 'One of the things I enjoy about being an instructor is witnessing all the emotions and experiences the cadets go through. Their nervous, brave faces before boarding the plane; the video footage of them just before they jump when they are clearly high on adrenaline, and the post-jump punching the air, cheering and smiling on the ground.’ The stellar Netheravon staff made the cadets feel at ease straight away with lots of banter. It was an experience that gave the cadets confidence and courage and they will take immense pride in displaying their parachuting badge. The unit hopes to repeat the experience in 2024.
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Life-changing SA trip made possible by ACCT grant In August, 32 cadets from Warwickshire and West Midlands ACF completed a two-week community engagement tour in South Africa, made possible by a donation of £8,750 from ACCT UK. The trip was led by Lt Col Angela Notice, Deputy Commandant of Warwickshire and West Midlands (South Sector) ACF along with 12 adult volunteers. Cadets stepped up to challenging activities unlike anything they'd experienced before. They lived in bush camps, encountered wildlife up close, visited orphanages and schools (a highlight included performing a Waka Waka dance to the whole school), went on a three-day safari, and enjoyed a four-day educational battlefield tour of Isandlwana and Rorke’s Drift, learning about the history of the Anglo-Zulu war of 1879.
Photo: Ash Fontanella
‘I came to South Africa knowing the community engagement would change the lives of the children momentarily … not knowing how much it would change mine permanently,' said Staff Cadet Zoe Campbell.
THE BRIEFING
News from
Grants It's been an incredible year for grants, and as we approach the new year there are still exciting opportunities to apply for. Matthew Bacon Bursary This fund offers a life-changing expedition with the Outward Bound Trust that can profoundly impact the journey of an individual cadet – particularly those who lack self confidence. Click here or scan the QR code for an application pack. Applications must be submitted by 31 January 2024. ACCT UK Excellence Awards These awards recognise outstanding individuals who show exceptional dedication and achievement in the areas of the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, first aid, community service, music and sports. Click here or scan the QR code to nominate a cadet or adult volunteer by 31 December 2023. The prestigious awards ceremony will take place in London in summer 2024.
Fundraising A huge thank you to the dedicated cadets and CFAVs whose creative fundraising efforts this year have supported the work of ACCT UK.
Great North Run Congratulations to John Walker, CSM for I Company, Bucks ACF, who completed the Great North Run in 2 hours 21 minutes and raised a brilliant £893 for ACCT UK. 'It is incredibly refreshing to see a charity deliver on the promises it makes – ACCT does what is says on the tin!' said John.
Noteworthy contributions include the Sword Company, Wiltshire ACF, which raised a remarkable £2,103 for the Cadet Challenge 2023 with its Detachment Silent Parade Nights and Company Summer Party. There were also eight young cadets of Bristol ACF and the Channel Islands ACF, who embarked on an exhilarating sponsored static line parachute jump at Netheravon, raising over £2,000 for ACCT UK. Next year's fundraising plans are well under way. Brigadier Neville Holmes has committed to taking on RideLondon in 2024, and the CC 2024 Cadet Challenge 2024 has been set up. Click here or scan the QR code to create your fundraising page on Enthuse.
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The briefing News from across the Army Cadets
STEM camp Chickerell Camp in Weymouth was the base for this year's Army Cadets STEM camp (22-27 October), which was hosted by HQ Royal Engineers. In attendance were 251 cadets from across the whole of the Army Cadets UK. The exciting challenges, activities and displays for this year's attendees included a robotic canine bomb task, a climbing wall, the Army Parachute Display Team, virtual reality, command tasks, cyber detective tasks, a visit to a tank museum, and digital close combat target ranges. SI Pearce from Dorset ACF said: 'The cadets have really given it their all this week. They have taken part in a huge variety of events: from winching a Land Rover to driving speed boats, their confidence has soared!'
Go further the Click here or scan r ve co QR code to dis t ha more about w the camp was like.
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ARMY NEWS
Photo: World's Toughest Row
News from
World's Toughest Row Intrepid ocean rowers from The Royal Yorkshire Regiment overcame 40ft waves to complete an epic 2,800-mile row across the Pacific Ocean. Army officers have battled fierce storms to complete a gruelling event called the World's Toughest Row. The journey began in Monterey Harbor in California and finished 35 days later in Kauai, known as the 'Garden Isle' of Hawaii. The four-man crew consisted of Major Simon Farley and Captains Chris Bailey, Chris Barnes and Samuel Morris. They rowed in pairs for two hours at a time, for an average of 70 miles per day. When not rowing, they slept, filled out logbooks, conducted equipment checks and documented their journey on social media. The crew were strapped to the boat with harnesses and were monitored 24/7 by the organisers for their safety but, apart from that, they were unassisted. Preparation for the journey was intense to ensure they were at peak fitness when setting off, which proved vital when facing turbulent conditions: 'The first two weeks were brutal,' said Captain Chris Bailey. 'Forty-foot waves were a regular occurrence. At night we were unable to see the waves – hearing them crash onto the boat unlocked a new fear in all of us. We felt powerless against the ocean.' For the duration of the race, home was a 7.5m-long (24ft) carbon fibre rowing boat, which was 1.219m (4ft) at its widest point. It was fitted with two cabins
and equipped with everything they needed to survive the journey unsupported, including food, safety equipment and a first aid kit. Captain Chris Barnes, who was the onboard navigator, said: 'I joined the Army in 2002 because I wanted to be an infantry soldier – that was my sole focus. However, once you join up you realise there is so much more you can do. When I was a young 17-yearold from Rotherham, if you’d told me I would end up being an Army Officer who rowed across the Pacific Ocean, I would never have believed you.' The Royal Yorkshire Regiment now holds the honour of being the only Regiment in the British Army to have crossed both the Atlantic and Pacific oceans. In 2006, four fellow members of the Regiment spent 76 days crossing the Atlantic Ocean. The challenge saw the team raise £26,000 for charity.
'If you'd told me I'd row across the Pacific Ocean, I'd never have believed you'
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From cadet to
d n e g e SAS l gham Mark ‘Billy’ Billin ality TV MBE QCB puts re , politicians stars, sportspeople rough their and entertainers th 4’s hit show paces on Channel Dares Wins, Celebrity SAS: Who n behind but who is the ma the orders?
Billy on Celebrity SAS: Who Dares Wins
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Photo : Pete Dadds Channel 4
'Many people can become soldiers but to become a good soldier you have to stay on top of your game'
INTERVIEW Photo: Pete Dadds Channel 4
O
ver the last decade, Mark Billingham (known as Billy) has become a household name thanks to Channel 4’s hit military survival show SAS: Who Dares Wins. As Chief Instructor on the TV series, he instils in contestants a strict military mindset and discipline enabling them to push themselves to the very edge of their physical and mental capacities. Challenges set by him and fellow instructors Foxy (Jason Fox), Rudy Reyes and Chris Oliver are not only physically gruelling but also mentally and emotionally demanding.
Celebrity challenge In the latest celebrity version of the show we saw contestants like TOWIE stars James Argent and Amber Turner tasked with crossing a 300-foot ravine and taking a midnight beasting, all against the backdrop of an unforgiving and humid Vietnamese jungle. ‘I never say I am there to “break the contestants down”. What I enjoy is peeling them back to their raw selves, particularly celebrities who live in this clouded world where they think they’re something they aren’t because they’ve heard the hype so many times.' Even the likes of rugby player Gareth Thomas and field athlete Perri Shakes-Drayton find themselves pushed to their physical and mental limits. ‘When they feel vulnerable, they soon find out what is important to them: their health, friends and the people who love them. It really doesn’t matter about social media likes, titles and material things. It’s about who they really are. Once they’ve been peeled back to their vulnerability and they’ve got nothing to hide and nothing to feel ashamed or worried about, it’s then that they can grow as a person.’
SAS training Billy knows only too well what it’s like to face extreme danger, pressure, and physical and mental exhaustion. He served on the frontline of the British Army for more than 30 years, 20 of which were spent in the Special Air Service (SAS) which is a part of the UK Special Forces. He was responsible for planning and executing strategic operations and training at the highest level. ‘In SAS selection you are not looked at on the grounds of your image or what you have done in the past. You are looked at in terms of who you are. Can you think outside the box? Have you got self-motivation? ‘The way the selection process unfolds is through deprivation, operating in tiredness, operating without food, always being challenged and constantly being put in demanding circumstances. The TV series reflects that. The raw ingredient that the selection team are looking for is the person themself.’
Above top: Billy in the mirror room on Celebrity SAS: Who Dares Wins. Above: Billy in training while serving in the British Army
Starstruck or straight talking? Despite the high media profile of the celebrities who sign up for the show, Billy and his fellow instructors are conscious not to be swayed by their reputations. ‘As a leader you have to treat the person in terms of what is in front of you. With celebrities it would be easy to be swayed by any prior knowledge you may have gleaned from their media coverage. You need to let that go and ask "who is this person in front of me?". I’m looking at their attitude, their mannerisms, whether they are giving 100 per cent, whether they are being lazy and so on. I forget all the noise that has gone on before. As a leader that is what you should do: give everyone a fair chance.’ In the real world, to become part of an elite military unit requires extreme commitment. A person’s attitude becomes critical. ‘You’ve got to work hard at it and really go for it. You’ve got to really want to do it. It’s not something you can do half-heartedly. Many people can become soldiers but to become a good soldier you have to stay on top of your game and you’ve got to learn how to accept and grow from your failures.’ 17
'It was a bunch of like-minded kids being taught discipline and respect and it was just amazing!'
TV star It’s hard to imagine a situation that would push Billy out of his comfort zone. He does however admit that at the beginning of his TV career, he was more comfortable in camo than in front of the cameras. ‘It was very weird and alien to me. When you come out of the military, especially the SAS, your life is very private and nobody knows a lot about what you do. Having your every move filmed by a camera can be intimidating at first and it took a long time to get used to it. You could almost say I was happier in a war zone than in front of the cameras. A camera can do a lot of damage if it casts you in the wrong light and you do worry about how you present yourself and what people are thinking.’
Becoming a cadet Billy wanted to join the military since he first joined the Royal Marine Cadets in Walsall in 1976. ‘I’d already found boxing, which had taught me a bit of discipline, but I was going a bit rogue and getting into gangs and a lot of trouble. ‘Then I found the Cadets and I just gravitated towards the discipline: I enjoyed being put straight and not being allowed to mess around. It was a bunch of like-minded kids all being taught discipline and respect and it was just amazing!’ Billy was attracted to the camaraderie, discipline and the practical skills he was learning. ‘Everything I learned in the Cadets I could relate to. I was being taught to map read, how to use a compass and administer first aid. I could see where I could use those skills in my life. ‘Some of the cadets who left to join the military would come back and visit us and they looked so smart and I had so much respect for them, I thought: “That’s where I want to be”.’
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During his Army career, Billy was responsible for operations in numerous locations including Iraq, Afghanistan, South America and Africa. He has also led countless hostage rescue operations. These courageous acts led to him receiving the Queen’s Commendation for Bravery and an MBE presented by the late Queen. His advice to those who want the responsibility of leadership is: ‘Don’t be afraid to fail and never feel you have to have all the answers. Be honest and upfront and show the team your weaknesses and that you know how to get around them. ‘Always listen to your team: remember you can’t be a leader without them. It's the team working together that makes the train stay on the track. A good leader should give everyone their time and respect and let them do what they need to do without micromanaging them.’
Celebrity bodyguard After his military career, Billy became a bodyguard and looked after A-list celebrities such as Sir Michael Caine, Hulk Hogan, Kate Moss, Russell Crowe and Tom Cruise. He was also a bodyguard and Head of Security to Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie. ‘Working in personal security is all about knowing how to read people and situations. It’s not about muscles and brawn. I know some celebrities might like someone huge stood in front of them but the job is much more about the mindset.’ If working for celebrities sounds glamorous, Billy has a much more down-to-earth assessment.
INTERVIEW
Leadership
Advice for cadets Billy has words of encouragement for cadets: ‘Enjoy every moment of it and get the most out of it. You learn so many great practical skills but you’re also learning about camaraderie, respect and discipline. Don’t be afraid to get things wrong; just make sure you go back and do that particular task again. ‘What you might not realise is that, whether or not you go into the military, what you learn in the Army Cadets will carry forward into whatever you choose to do with the rest of your life.’
Helping others Billy has written a book about his life called The Hard Way: Adapt, Survive and Win, which he hopes will inspire other people to conquer their fears and embrace new challenges. ‘Writing the book was an opportunity to capture all my old memories and the lessons I learned from them. It doesn’t contain official secrets or anything that would cause any military jeopardy. It’s much more about my life. I hope people can look at my upbringing and see that, despite being in a lot of trouble as a young person, I was able to turn things around. The message is “If I can do it, you can do it”.’
'Don't be afraid to get things wrong; just make sure you go back and do that particular task again'
‘It’s hard work and long hours. You can’t relax and you have to be at the top of your game. You need to be good at planning. When your client has gone to bed you have at least two hours of work to do. You’ve got to carry out recces and make sure everything including the cars, team and nannies will be ready to go the next morning.’ If Billy has gleaned any exclusive gossip about the people he has protected over the years, he’s certainly not the type to divulge it. ‘Celebrities are just normal down-to-earth people like us. They have the same worries. There is a lot of pressure so they can’t live a normal life. Everything they do, right or wrong, is scrutinised. They can do ten things right, but it will be the one thing they do wrong that the press will pick up on.’
Go furthe
Click here or s the QR Cod can e to catch an intervie w with Billy for th e Army Cadets Ins piring Leadership Sessions.
r LEADERSH
IP
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Spotlight On ...
Combined Cadet Force Association Army Cadets is supported by a number of incredible charities. This issue we shine a light on the superb work of the Combined Cadet Force Association (CCFA), which supports the ideals and activities of the CCF.
What is the CCFA? For cadets and adult volunteers taking part in Army Cadets activities through a local secondary school, chances are the contingent will be part of the Combined Cadet Force (CCF), which also offers Royal Navy/Royal Marines, and Royal Air Force sections. Many of these contingents also benefit from being a member of the Combined Cadet Force Association (CCFA). The CCFA exists to support, represent, promote and celebrate the work of its members. Membership offers access to practical help including specialist insurance policies (e.g. public liability) designed to cover activities beyond those on a normal school policy, legal advice, and counselling for adult volunteers courtesy of Care First.
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Aldenham and Queens' CCF units at annual camp in Crowborough, Sussex
75 years of the CCF
One brilliant benefit of being a CCFA member is that the modest annual membership fee of £50 unlocks charitable grant funding worth up to £10,000. This could cover anything from new parade boots for an individual cadet to infrastructural work such as a classroom refurbishment or providing a CCF meeting space on school premises. In the last financial year, CCFA awarded a whopping £900,000 in funds. This supported 50 individual cadets and 158 CCF contingents, benefiting 14,507 cadets in total. Applications ranged from personal kit and seasonal camps to international expeditions and qualifications including snowboarding and lifeguarding.
According to figures released in April 2023, there are 513 CCFs comprising 51,490 cadets, up 4 per cent on the previous year. By far the majority of cadets (34,220) are in the Army section, with the RAF being the second most popular (10,770) followed by the Royal Navy and Royal Marines (6,510).
But make no mistake, the CCFA represents its members at the highest level. ‘We are a voice for CCFs – we have a seat at the table with the chain of command, including with counterparts from the MoD,’ adds Faye.
To understand the importance of the CCFA’s work, look no further than the testimonial of one of its grant recipients. King Edward’s School (Birmingham) CCF and its junior partner, Selly Oak School, received grant funding to subsidise the cost of a week-long offshore sailing expedition with the Tall Ships Youth Trust. Cadet Joshua said: ‘I was able to go on a trip I wouldn’t normally be able to afford. My favourite part was sailing to new places and being on the open sea for the first time in my life.’
History of the CCF and CCFA
The CCF started life as Th e Cadet Corps in 1859, when the War Office ins tructed Lord-Lieutenants to raise Rifle Volunteer Battalions for Home Defence. A number of sch ools formed units attached to these battalions. In 1908, universities an d schools were invited to form training units for the newly formed Territorial Force, and create a reserv e of officer material in the event of war. This resulted in 87 schools forming the Junior Officer s’ Training Corps which was administered direct ly from the War Office with HM King Edward VII as Colonel-in-Chief. Air Force training was ad ded in 1938, and Sea Cadets in 1942. In 1948 , all school cadet units were combined for efficie ncy and economy into the CCF. The CCFA wa s created four years later as a charitable organ isation to support and represent all CCFs. In 1953 HM Queen Elizabeth II became the CCF’s Captain-General; her successor has yet to be confirmed.
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Photos: Kate Knight
‘There’s a lot to take on when you’re setting up a CCF from scratch, so it’s not surprising that some schools have yet to make contact with us,’ says Faye.
75 for 75
The CCFA also has a new-look logo to differentiate it from the CCF, featuring three crowns to represent the three services: Royal Navy, Army and Royal Air Force.
Becoming a CCFA member
Why the shortfall? Historically, CCFA members were predominantly independent or 'legacy' schools that had been aware of its presence for many years. However, a push by David Cameron's government to increase the number of cadets has led to a huge increase in the number of CCFs, the majority of which now being in state schools.
In September, the CCFA marked 75 years of the CCF with the launch of a celebratory campaign: £75 for 75 years. All contingents are encouraged to commit to raising £75 for CCFA by April 2024, through an activity of their own devising. This may be a non-uniform day at school, a sponsored drill marathon, a bag pack at a local supermarket, a charity car wash or other fundraiser. The money raised will be directed towards cadets who need it most, helping them take full advantage of the outstanding life-development opportunities offered by the CCF. To set up a fundraising page click here or scan the QR code.
'We really want more people to know about us and be more active'
However, CCFA membership is currently running at about 70 per cent. ‘We really want more people to know about us and be more active,’ says CCFA director of development Faye Meakin.
SPOTLIGHT
CCFA grants
CCFA
Click here or scan the QR code to learn more about the CCFA. 21
t s e t e h t e k Ta
Drill
Photo : Mitchell Allen
Are you skilled at drill? Let Regimental Sergeant Major Martin Lloyd from CTC Frimley Park put your knowledge to the test.
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'I can't describe the pride you feel when marching down The Mall towards Buckingham Palace behind the King'
'Drill is a pill that should be taken twice a day!' That’s what they would have said 20-odd years ago. It’s important to be able to march from point A to B in a smart, soldier-like manner, especially on annual camps. Drill is about putting on a display for other section platoons within your company and for other unit detachments. Drill also clearly demonstrates how disciplined and smart Army Cadets are on the world stage. At recent events like Trooping the Colour and the King's coronation, cadets stood proudly on parade next to regular soldiers.
How relevant is drill to the modern-day cadet? You only have to look back over the last 14 months to see why cadets need to practise drill to a very high standard. It ensures the Army Cadets is involved in nationally important events like the late Queen's funeral, the King’s coronation and Remembrance Sunday at the Cenotaph in London as well as local remembrance parades. If a cadet is excellent at drill and has good turnout, they might be put forward to participate in events like these. Most Counties hold drill competitions at their annual camps where cadets can showcase their skills, compete against other detachments and possibly win a medal.
What is the most challenging aspect of drill? It's getting everyone moving at the same time in perfect sync, so that when they drive their heel into the ground it sounds like a crack and not a machine gun going off.
Why is turnout important? It shows you care about your appearance and that you have put the time and effort into getting ready. I spent around four hours ironing and polishing my uniform for the late Queen's funeral and the King's coronation. When an officer inspects you and gives you credit for your presentation, it gives you a sense of pride – especially if members of the public and/or your family are watching you.
Is drill a difficult skill to master? Marching with a weapon can be challenging – in particular the change arms on the march in quick time, which has five movements in total. The word of command is given on the opposite foot to the shoulder the rifle is in, and the movement is carried out on every other foot depending on which foot the word of command is given on. Cadets have to master all this while marching so you can see why, at first, they often get confused.
TAKE THE TEST
What is drill?
What is the route to progression? When a cadet turns up at their detachment, one of the first lessons they will be taught is basic drill, which includes standing to attention and standing at ease. When a cadet is ready, they will be put on a Basic Drill and Turnout assessment which will get slightly harder and more complex at each star. The test is mainly focused on turnout, questions on your cap badge, and your drill movement. The 4-star test focuses on the teaching and the delivery of drill. It's similar to the Army: recruits start the drill progression on day one of training which means former cadets often have an advantage. Once they reach the rank of Cpl, they attend the All-Arms Basic Drill Course at ITC Catterick in North Yorkshire run by the Household Division. Then at the rank of CSgt/SSgt they attend an Advanced Drill Course.
Why do cadets do drill? Drill helps with a wide range of skills that cadets need, like teamwork (the ability to work as one), discipline (to hold the times down on 1-23-1 and only move when you have the order to do so) and confidence (to succeed, not only on the drill square but in the field when conducting a section attack). Once you master all these skills, you have the making of a master cadet.
What do you like about it? I enjoy the teamwork and the sense that you’re all in it together, working towards the same goal. Ultimately it's about putting on a display. I was privileged to take part in Trooping the Colour, which is not only fantastic to watch but a thrill to take part in. I can’t describe the pride you feel when marching down The Mall towards Buckingham Palace behind the King.
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the test 1
When standing in Attention, which of these foot positions is correct?
A. Both feet are flat and firm on the ground, heels in line and touching, with the toes at an angle of 30 degrees from the line, front centre of the body. B. Both feet are flat and firm on the ground, heels and toes at an angle of 30 degrees from the line, front centre of the body. C. Both feet are flat and firm on the ground, toes in line and touching, with the heels at an angle of 30 degrees from the line, front centre of the body.
2
What movement is being described in the following instructions? • Immediately on the command, the head and eyes are forced through an angle of 90 degrees over the right shoulder. • At the same time the right arm is forced up level and in line with the right shoulder, over to the right side of the body. • The body is frozen in this position. A. Right Incline B. Right Dress C. About Turn
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3
What is the purpose of the salute?
A. To allow an individual or body of cadets to pay the correct Compliment to an officer, or uncased colours/banners, in a smart, uniform manner. B. To allow cadets to Compliment each other in smart, uniform manner. C. To vary the practice and give cadets a moment to rest.
4
When Marching and Halting in quick time, what is the regulation rate?
A. 116 paces per minute B. 118 paces per minute C. 120 paces per minute
5
What are the three aids an instructor may use to help them obtain accurate, smart drill?
A. Bugle, drum and metronome B. Drum, cymbals and metronome C. Metronome, drum and pace-stick/cane
1. A As well as the foot position, other things to note when standing in Attention are: • The arms are straight and held into the sides of the body, the forearms forced in behind the hip bones and the wrists straight. • Both knees are braced. • The hands are closed with the thumbs vertical and facing to the front, the backs of the fingers touching the thigh just behind the seam of the trousers. • The shoulders are held down and back to bring the chest to a normal position without straining or stiffening. • The head is held up with the neck touching the back of the collar.
Other points to note are: • The head and eyes are looking square over the right shoulder, and the right arm is locked at the elbow with the knuckles in line with the shoulder of the cadet on the immediate right. • The remainder of the body is held erect and square to the front. 3. A That the Salute is properly and smartly given is a matter of training. Failure by an officer to return a Salute shows a lack of courtesy on their part. All Compliments derive their origin from the Sovereign, to whom the highest compliment, the Royal Salute, is paid.
5. C The metronome gives an accurate check on the rate of marching and on the timing of rifle exercises. It can be set to any number of beats per minute and should be used frequently to maintain uniformity of instruction over timings. A drummer beats in time with the metronome to maintain perfect timings. The pace-stick is used to gauge the correct length of a pace, to measure the distances between ranks, to check drill movements and when stepping out and stepping short.
4. A Marching and Halting in quick time are taught to enable an individual or body of cadets to march at the regulation rate of 116 paces per minute and to halt in a smart, uniform manner.
Photos : Kate Knight
• The eyes are open.
2. B Right Dress
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ANSWERS
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e t a m i t l U kit list
kit list
our We asked some of to Army Cadets family ts and share which gadge ould love to equipment they w as. What receive at Christm p of would be at the to your kit wishlist?
Kombat A4 Folder/ Notebook Holder SI Adam Simmonds, Berkshire ACF says: ‘While this might not seem like the most interesting bit of kit, this is something I’ve always been very glad to have. It keeps all of your essentials in place: phone, notebook and pens, important documents, and so on. It also has a map case compartment, which makes it a very handy piece of kit.’ £19.95 kombatuk.com
Sports bra Sally Orange MBE, Army Cadets National Ambassador, says: ‘I always wear my Brooks Dare Crossback Sports Bra 2.0 [pictured] under my uniform when I visit Cadets as I never know if I'm going to be asked to do something strenuous that requires that bit more support. ‘It also means it doesn't take me long to get changed into PT kit when I go for a run. I never do any kind of physical activity without wearing a sports bra as I know the discomfort it can cause and the potential damage it can do. ‘As everyone is a different size and shape it's always worth trying on different brands to get the best fit. Sports Direct do well known brands for discounted prices.' A choice of sports bras at discounted prices sportsdirect.com Brooks Dare Crossback Sports Bra 2.0 £55 brooksrunning.com 26
KIT LIST
Ortlieb Document Bag A4 Col William 'Ginge' Morris, National Appointed Officer for Navigation for the CCF and ACF, says: ‘This document bag is fully waterproof and easy to seal once a map is placed inside. I find A4 is just the right size. It’s made from flexible material and you can even use it to carry water. Just remember to remove the map first!’ £18 ortlieb.com/uk
OS Maps Premium Annual Subscription Gilly Moncur, SO3 Training, says: ‘Someone bought me a subscription to OS Maps for Christmas last year and I love it. I never need to worry about knowing exactly where I am, whether I’ve packed the right map, or choosing whether to take the 1:50,000 or 1:25,000 [where 1cm on the map represents a distance of 50,000cm or 25,000cm]. Lt Col Ginny planning a route with her team
‘I can plan routes and journeys, look at where I’ve been, use auto-orientate, get aerial photos and overlays and so much more!’ £28.99 shop.ordnancesurvey.co.uk
Thermos Stainless King Flask 470ml Capt Simon Chaplin (ACF), Gwent and Powys County Duke of Edinburgh's Award Officer, says: ‘The reason I love this is it slips into my rucksack easily without taking up too much space, it holds enough fluid to keep me going with hot drinks all day long and it keeps them warm all day. ‘This flask is perfect for either my tea or coffee, but in the winter months I like to change to hot blackcurrant Ribena as it hits the warmth spot perfectly. I think it’s the one piece of kit that everybody doing expeditions should have.’ £23 thermos.co.uk
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Cold-weather gear Jordan Wylie MBE, Army Cadets National Ambassador, says: 'On my Christmas wish list is the Montane Men's Anti-Freeze Packable Down Jacket, which is an investment piece worth saving up for. It's lightweight so great for layering – and you can easily stash it away when things warm up. ‘For my own high-altitude adventures or polar expeditions, my Apex 8000 Down Salopettes [pictured] are
essential. Not everyone however needs expensive cold-weather kit like this but, because most of the places I travel to are extreme and unpredictable, I always want to make sure that the kit I choose is totally reliable and up to the job.' Men's Anti-Freeze Packable Down Jacket £210 montane.com Apex 8000 Down Salopettes £500 montane.com
Lightweight mat Liz Green, SO2 Duke of Edinburgh's Award, says: ‘Having a good night's sleep on expedition is crucial to feeling fresh and full of energy the next day, so I would always treat myself to something that's going to keep me comfy at night! ‘Pictured is the sleeping mat I've currently got which is an Ultralight Air Sleeping Mat. It’s superlight and doesn't take up much space in your bag, and it's great at insulating you from the cold ground, as well as being surprisingly comfortable. 'There are loads of other options so shop around for something that suits your needs, budget and size. The Camper SeIf Inflating Mat from Mountain Warehouse, for example, is a less costly alternative.' Camper Self Inflating Mat £39.99 mountainwarehouse.com Ultralight Air Sleeping Mat £110.50 tauntonleisure.com
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KIT LIST
Viper Special Ops Head Torch Col Catherine Jardine of the ACOS Army Cadets recommends the Viper Special Ops Head Torch with red filter for any avid adventurers looking for a reliable and convenient light source. It's a great solution for anyone who enjoys spending time in the great outdoors, whether it be for fieldcraft exercises or simply exploring nature. Col Jardine says: 'The head torch is designed to be lightweight and comfortable to wear, making it an ideal choice for extended periods of use. The red filter ensures your eyes can adjust to the darkness more easily, and the touch control allows for easy operation – even when wearing gloves. It's also really versatile. Whether you're camping, hiking or walking at night, this handy torch has a long battery life' £14.25 www.cadetkitshop.com
Don’t forget to include on your wish list … Army Cadet Yearbook – Issue 4 The fourth edition of the Army Cadet Yearbook makes for the perfect stocking filler. The A4 compendium of everything the Army Cadets has been up to over the past 12 months is a valuable piece of history for you to collect and keep. The new yearbook is crammed full of exhilarating stories of leadership, challenges and exhibitions, interviews with inspirational adventurers, as well as a roundup of Army Cadets news and summer camp activities. You can also test your knowledge with our Army Cadets quizzes. £15 (special price for cadets and CFAVs and their families) Order the limited edition yearbook now at armycadetswebstore.com
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Relatable role model Harnaam Singh, who turns 18 in January, tells us why he loves his role as Cadet RSM (Regimental Sergeant Major) for B Company, Staffordshire and West Midlands (North Sector) ACF.
Photo : Charley Doyle
Above: taking part in 2023 Remembrance Day ceremony
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I joined in September 2018 as a Year 8 student and have never looked back, making the most of every detachment night and annual camp.
How did you become Cadet RSM? It's a small detachment, so within a year or so I was moving into leadership roles while working through the ranks, via lance corporal to sergeant major. I now teach up to four instruction periods every week, and assist with training weekends and high-profile events for the detachment, the company and the County.
Do you need a lot of commitment for a role like Cadet RSM? It takes up a lot of time – it's like a second life for me. I’m always there because it’s really important for me to see the cadets’ development and progression.
What do you and RSMI Shannon Phillips aim to achieve? We both try to get involved and stuck in, doing everything from fieldcraft and expeditions to first aid weekends and even room inspections. No job is too small. During weekends we try to get to know the cadets and build them up as a team. It’s important to understand that each cadet is an individual. When I met the Acting Commandant he set a great example to follow by spending ten minutes saying hello to everyone and building their trust.
Do cadets relate to you because you're a younger leader? Some of the senior members might seem intimidating to younger cadets who can sometimes be more timid – I was pretty shy myself when I started out. The Army Cadets brought out my character so I try and do the same for them. I aim to be personable and relatable. Hopefully I'm also a role model for British Asian cadets. I'd like to think I help them see that it's possible to aim for senior positions. The demographic is very diverse in my County, with cadets and senior leadership from different ethnic backgrounds, which is great to see.
INSPIRATION
What was your first experience of the Army Cadets like?
What’s your favourite activity? I enjoy fieldcraft. Recently with Waterloo Platoon, I assisted with 1- and 2-star training where we had to play the enemy. It involved a lot of creativity: we immersed ourselves in a scenario and tried to make it as realistic as possible while building on individual skills. We had characters, clothing, obscure accents – all sorts of random things to throw people off. We even mocked up a mini rave as an example of disruptive behaviour. I also love shooting and was selected to represent B Coy at the regional Skill at Arms Meeting this year.
You’re also a Cadet Sergeant Major for Staffordshire. What's that like? It’s important to lead from the front and try to be a good role model in every situation. It’s about holding your nerve and keeping yourself composed, something I had to demonstrate at annual camp this summer when leading a parade of 300 cadets.
How do you combine the Army Cadets with your studies? Time management is important. I need to get things done, but I also need downtime. At school, I’m in Year 13 and doing my A levels with a view to studying mechanical engineering at university. My ultimate goal is to go to Sandhurst and join the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers. Sometimes, I'm at Army Cadets six days a week so I need to be organised. Even for those cadets who don’t do as much as I do, time management is one of those transferable soft skills that you pick up within Army Cadets. Others include discipline, loyalty, selfrespect – things you sometimes find lacking in society. It’s helpful to acquire them within the Army Cadets as they are also great values to live your life by.
'It's important to lead from the front and try to be a good role model in every situation'
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