The briefing

News from across Army Cadets

Ex TELEMARK CHALLENGER

An epic 14-day skiing expedition in Norway in May was an awesome adventure for 16 cadets from across the UK.

The immense Ex TELEMARK CHALLENGER, supported by The Ulysses Trust, retraced the route taken by the Telemark saboteurs in the Second World War. (This group of heroic resistance fighters risked their lives to sabotage a Nazi nuclear programme, altering the course of the war). Phase one involved a six-day Nordic ski touring training package, while phase two saw the group embark on a five-day self-sufficient ski tour across Hardangervidda (Northern Europe's highest mountain plateau), utilising pulks (sleds) and dog-sleigh teams.

The AT expedition was a physical and mental challenge in sub-zero temperatures, but it was also an incredible opportunity for personal development and building of self-confidence. 'I've learnt more than I could ever imagine! Thanks to everyone for the opportunity of a lifetime,' said participant Cdt Cpl Ellis

CFAVs at Sandhurst

CFAVs from counties across the UK returned for the first face-to-face Initial Officer Training Course at Royal Military Academy Sandhurst (RMAS) since before the pandemic (when it was delivered virtually, then subsequently at Altcar Training Camp).

In May, 60 CFAVs who had been selected for commission by the Army Cadet Commissions Board attended two modules at the Royal Military Academy: Development (which focused on introduction to leadership) and Confirmatory (which put the theory into practice). On completion of both modules (and after two years of time served and 20 days of cadet activity), CFAVs became eligible for promotion to Lieutenant.

'This course was one of the best I have been on in my Cadets service,' said 2Lt Andy Mead ACF. 'I enjoyed every minute and would recommend it to everybody.'

International Cadet Cup

The third International Cadet Cup took place recently in Hungary. Cdt Cpl Claudiu Leonard Doroftei, Cdt Sgt Harvey Elliott, Cdt Myles Mason (all Bristol ACF) and Cdt LCpl Eleanor Curnow (Cornwall ACF) were accompanied by Maj Dennis Hull and Lt Poppy Gates to the under-18 athletic event, which is run by the Hungarian Ministry of Defence.

Cadets took part in a number of events which were run and supervised by the Hungarian Army, including laser run shooting, a labyrinth matrix run, first aid, hand grenade throwing, distance estimation, an obstacle course and a relay run with rifle. The competition culminated in a prize-giving presentation.

Maj Hull said: 'The event pushed the cadets to their limits physically and mentally, but they thoroughly enjoyed it!'

Cadets from Antigua visit Cumbria ACF

Cumbria ACF played host to cadets from Antigua and Barbuda for a week in April, following a successful trip to Antigua in October 2022 as part of an exchange programme between the Cadet Forces.

Cadets enjoyed a jam-packed programme of activities that displayed British life in all its beauty. They took part in the Lake District Sheep Dog Experience, took a lake cruise to Ambleside, participated in STEM activities at Barrow detachment, gained historical knowledge with museum and castle trips, visited an indoor shooting range, and completed fieldcraft and drill exercises.

A final parade concluded the time together, including a presentation and a number of cadets being awarded star-level passes.

Click here or scan the QR code to watch video footage of the exchange.