This is our July 2022 magazine and mainly covers what we got up to at annual camp 2022 as well as a few interesting extras. Watch the videos, read the articles and most importantly share with your friends and contacts.
“ Eyes Right ”
The Monthly newsletter for Warwickshire and West Midland (SS) Army Cadet Force
Edition 2, July 2022
This is our second edition of “ Eyes Right ” and we are excited to share what we have been up to! This month we have of course been on camp and there has been lots going on! More news, more pictures and more videos! Want to know more? Look inside for details…
Main Story: Annual Camp 22 at Swynnerton. Our cadets have been engaged in an exciting range of activities and training organised by our County Training Officer Major Angela Notice. From field craft and shooting to Ninja Warrior, Alton Towers and everything in between. We have had a brilliant camp with promotions, awards, medals, joint Champion Companies and so much more. Read more inside for the full story.
Whether you are an adult volunteer, a cadet, a family member or a supporter of Warwickshire and West Midlands (SS) ACF there will be something in this magazine for you. Please read it, watch the videos, share it with friends and give us your feedback. We look forward to your engagement over many future editions. As you will expect, this edition is mainly about Annual Camp 2022 (which we have referred to as #AC22 on social media) which was held at Swynnerton camp in Staffordshire. The training programme was excellent and held challenge and adventure for every cadet. It ’s architect, County Training Officer Maj Angela Notice, rightly received praise for it from the National Colonel of Cadets, Col Ashley Fulford on Twitter. The camp included a wide variety of events which you will be able to read about in the pages of this magazine. I would like to thank Angela, My Company Commanders and all the team for their excellent efforts and enthusiasm over the course of the camp. I am a proud and grateful Commandant seeing all that you do.
Contents:
Front Cover: Annual Camp 22
P2: Contents and Commandant’s Column
P3:More about the Baton Bearers
P4: Meet a CFAV and Cadet; Major Smith ’s Top Tips, Detachment Story
P5: Other articles
P6:Caption Competition and upcoming events
Col Delroy Tucker (Commandant)
Welcome to this second edition of ‘Eyes Right’. It is my privilege and honour to write this column as the official Commandant of the County after my formal appointment on the first day of annual camp. Being given command of a County is a huge responsibility and one I intend to live up to. My appointment is also a clarion call to all the members of this organization, right down to the youngest cadet. If I, a boy who grew up in care in Birmingham, can achieve this then so can everyone in my command. When we all work to our potential, together and united in mission, we can achieve anything! I have great plans for the development of our adult volunteers as well as the Cadets in our care. We have the capacity to take on more cadets and adults which will, in turn, allow more young people to benefit from the brilliant ACS programme. We will soon be advertising for and then appointing a Deputy Commandant who will assist me in the leadership of the County. It is also my intention to appoint a second Assistant Commandant in due course. I have already made some significant leadership changes at Company level to allow us to make the most of our talent pool and to future proof the team.
A word from our CEO, Maj Ronnie Walker
involved! #AC23 is going to have to be pretty special to top #AC22.
Whilst star passes (the way we measure Cadet progress against the national syllabus) are not the focus of annual camp, I am pleased to share that there were a significant number of passes at all levels as Cadets were able to demonstrate proficiency in skills and activities that they had perhaps not been able to engage in at detachment level. This is a great testament to the adults who really worked hard to make this happen as part of the activities they ran.
Annual Camp 2022 – Swynnerton
What a camp! If you measure success by Cadet smiles then this has been my best camp ever! When I plan the programme of events My main focus is Cadet safety and enjoyment. I am ably assisted in this by Captain Sarah Newton and our Training Safety Adviser CSM Darren Fassett. Owing to the circumstances of Covid over the last years we had a significant number of Cadets at 1* level. We resolved this by placing all cadets in Cadres which allowed them to gain technical passes allowing them to progress, balanced against an opportunity to have fun, get hands on with equipment, engage in field craft and most importantly build friendships and learn about teamwork and leadership.
Well done everyone!
Maj Angela Notice
County Training Officer
Our Cadets cycled through a wide range of activities designed to present them with challenge whilst also giving them support and enjoyment. Activities included Bushcraft, Archery, Paintball Close Quarter Battle range, field craft, patrolling, Section attacks, harbor Drills, sleeping out, Ninja Warrior and Alton Towers fun days and so much more. There were also hotly contested competitions including the inter-company Drill competition, which this year was a particularly special event given how many of the cadets participating were 1* Cadets. Well done to all
Detachment Story:
This month we focus on Stratford Troop .
“ I took over as Detachment Commander of Stratford Troop in November 2018. At the time the detachment was parading 3 cadets on a regular basis. My team and I worked hard on recruitment as well as ensuring the training nights were fun and productive. Numbers grew even through the pandemic when we had to switch to online learning and today we have 30 cadets parading regularly. We regularly hold competitions and ‘ bring a friend ’ nights to help boost the numbers and this has really helped raise engagement. We now have 3 cadet Corporals who help lead the younger cadets and Stratford Cadets have represented the Company and County in various events and competitions. We also have a great group of Lance Corporals and younger cadets coming through the ranks and showing great enthusiasm and potential. We have also been able to participate in community engagement, supporting at local events through the Jubilee weekend and building connections with local leaders. I fully enjoy being the Detachment Commander of Stratford and the Cadets and my colleagues alike make me proud to belong here!
SSI Arrundel Certa Cito
Baton Bearer
Bronze Duke of Edinburgh Award
We shared in our last edition that our then Deputy Commandant Delroy Tucker had been selected as a baton bearer for the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham.Delroy was chosen to run the last leg in the town which culminated at the statue of the bard.
Navigation, team work and mission determination. The Duke of Edinburg Award contains all the essential elements for building character and confidence in young people. It is a key element in our offer to cadets and many use this to achieve an extra qualification to supplement the GCSEs they attain at school. This month cadets have practiced skills and enjoyed their Expedition ably led by Captain Dutton and Lt Roberts. It was a hot weekend but with plenty of sheltered water stops, they all did well indeed.
You can read more about the day through the links below:
https://stratfordobserver.co.uk/news/picture-special-the- commonwealth-games-baton-relay-comes-to-stratford- district/
https://www.facebook.com/watch/live/?ref=watch_perm alink&v=345677577763001
The Corps of Drums
On the 10 th July the Corps of Drums had a long and rewarding day. In the morning they played at MOD Kineton for the ATO 100 Family Fun Day. Later in the evening they had the privilege of playing for the Royal Regiment of Fusiliers gathering at the Meridian Conference Center. The Corps also got to speak to Maj Gen John Swift and Maj Gen Paul Nanson which was a fantastic experience.
B Coy Training Weekend
Early in the month B Company held their Recruits training weekend at CTC Bramcote. Training included preparation for online assessments on the DLE with SI Davies, which is a great tool to assist cadets with their development. Skill at Arms lessons with the Scorpion rifle were led by SSI Roberts (later promoted to SSI on annual camp). These weekend camps are a great opportunity for the Company to come together and develop. It is also a great chance for the Cadets to build relationships with peers from other detachments which will stand them in good stead at annual camp.
SI Hayward
from other County’s and share our experiences. We have enjoyed an impressive list of guest speakers who have updated us on things like the new syllabus, cadet IS update, ACCT UK and ACF media. The speakers have been subject experts/decision makers in their field and it has been a privilege to listen to them explain what is new, any issues and what is on the horizon. Furthermore, they were keen to hear the groups views and take on board our feedback. The course is lead by CFAVs who are knowledgeable and relatable which offered us a real opportunity to question and challenge in a supportive environment. The course has further focused on us as leaders in the ACF and has given us the tools to go back to our County’s and make a real difference in our roles.
Cadet 100 Awards
At Westfield House on the 16 th July Maj Boraston, OC B Coy, held a presentation evening for those who took part in the National Cadet 100 Shooting Competition earlier this year. For the evening they were joined by their parents who were able to watch the presentations. The cadets were issued with their Cadet 100 Badge which signifies that they were in the top 100 shooters. This is an incredible achievement, especially when some of the cadets have only been with the ACF for 12 months. The Holyhead Road Team were ranked 3rd in the country and received their Bronze Medals. The team was made up of Cdt. L/Cpl. UKO, Cdt. L/Cpl. BROWNLEE, Cdt. JONES, & Cdt. LOLLEY. In addition Holyhead, being the best Fusilier shooting team in the country have won the Fusilier Trophy for this year. Westfield House coming in as Runners Up. On behalf of the cadets we thank SSI Greenwood and Maj Robertson for the time and effort they put in to get the success from this team.
If you get the opportunity to do the KGVI, I would highly recommend it to you!" Lt Roberts
Lt Hayward
RMAS Graduation
All our cadets are amazing and full of talent. They go on to be great leaders, employers, employees and citizens. This month a previous cadet RSM Jonny Jesson commissioned as a Reserve Army Officer at The Royal Military Academy Sandhurst! After University he intends to return as a Regular. I was invited to go as a family guest and could not have been more proud of the young man he has become. Who knows where the Army Cadets will take you!
KGVI
This month Lt Helen Roberts and SSI Jim Nelson attended CTC Frimley Park to complete the prestigious KGVI leadership course. After a challenging and inspiring time here is what they had to say: “This week has been amazing. It’s been invaluable to learn not just from the from KGVI instructors, but also the colleagues on the course. I’m looking forward to taking back what I’ve learned and putting it into action!” SSI Nelson
Lt Tolley
"I have thoroughly enjoyed the KGVI course this week. It has been a great opportunity to network with CFAVs
Promotions
Adults:
Lt Helen Roberts to Captain
Lt Alan Crutchley to Captain
SSI Oakey to CSM
SSI Roberts to SMI
SI Yelland to SSI
Senior Cadets:
Cdt Staff Sgt to CSM
Fun, friendship and Belonging
Neither annual camp nor regular detachment training are solely about qualifications. They are also about character development and inclusive team building. At camp that has been particularly evident with firm friendships springing up amongst the 1* Cadres as well as the senior Cadets and even the staff. The activities run by our welfare team in the evenings also provided light relief after the pressure of the day ’ s training. The perfect environment for our cadets to just let their hair down and have light hearted fun. Annual Camp allows those members of our County, separated by geography and duties to come together and celebrate our shared values and identity.
Back to what we do best
Shooting
Throughout the pandemic and lockdowns we kept the flame alive and training moved online. Now we are back to what we do best and numbers are rising again across the County, both for cadets and adult volunteers. One of the key elements of training which set us apart from other youth organisations are the military skills and field craft. It was great to be back at this during #AC22.
We have had a range of shooting on this camp (see what we did there?), both on the scorpion range and in the DCCT. Shooting is a great skill and helps build resilience, patience and provides instant reward for those who are able to stay focused. It is, as always, one of the most popular activities on camp and our shooting instructors are in high demand.
Drill competition
One impact of Covid19 has been that this year we have a disproportionate number of very new cadets. One side effect of this is that the drill teams had fewer senior cadets than in usual years. Despite that the standard remained very high and it was seriously impressive to see the effort put in by everyone. The winners of the competition this year were B Company whose performance was exemplary. They were worthy victors in what was a strong field. The award for best drill instructor went to L/Cpl Thorpe of B Coy also. He was a clear, calm, authoritative voice on the square and drove his squad with aplomb.
RSMI (acting) Dave Howick
The welfare Team
Our Visitors:
The welfare team are a new initiative brought in to support the wellbeing of everyone in the County. They have listened, supported and cared for the members of the County throughout camp as well as organising and leading excellent activities during downtime, including archery, zorb football, wide games and more. Co-ordinated by our Assistant Commandant, Major Tom Nugent, the team have made the difference for more than one individual and benefited the wider team in general. Capt Debbie Chivers, Lt Pat Hope, SI Natasha Taylor and our Padre Rev Major Nick Leggett deserve a hearty round of applause! The team will continue its work during the ongoing training season and will be out and about at detachments as part of their general duties.
We were privileged this year, as in previous years, to have several distinguished visitors during our week on camp. This included Colonel Ashley Fulford OBE (National Col of Cadets) @ColCadetsACF who joined us to discuss the state of play and act as a supportive and critical friend to hear our voice and encourage us to fulfil our role to the best of our ability.
Further visitors from the West Midlands RFCA, the Citizens Trust, the Fusiliers and the West Midlands Lord Lieutenancy came to hear a presentation on our progress since last year and to get out on the ground talking to our young people about their experiences. It's always great to see the Cadets share their experiences and talk about the difference Cadets makes to their lives as a result of the support we receive from these great organisations. Our final visitor was our Honourary Colonel, Col Denny, went out with our Commandant, Col Tucker, visiting the young people in the field. As usual our cadets were bright, interested in our visitor and keen to share their successes and highlights with him. Col Denny, as well as being our Honourary Colonel, is the Regimental Secretary for the Fusiliers and his ‘ day job ’ sees him work out of the Tower of London. We will certainly have to take a group of Cadets there to visit and ask their own questions in turn. Having the Cadets meet our visitors is about more than just Public relations. It is about connecting our History to our future. The organisations who support us, the people who raise money for the cadets, get to meet them, to see their faces and hear about their lives, hopes and aspirations. It is moving and quite possibly the best bit of camp for those involved. We are grateful to all those who came!
Ninja Warrior and Alton Towers
Can anyone see the ice Cream truck?
Our selected fun day out for the junior cadets this year was at Ninja Warriors. A fantastic series of physical challenges with lots of opportunity for the young people (and adult volunteers) to have fun and enjoy themselves, bouncing, competing and attempting challenge.
Our Senior Cadets and staff Cadets went to Alton Towers for the day to enjoy the rides and thrills on offer.
The BFBS ice cream truck came to camp and was a huge hit with all the team! It visited the cadets in the field as well as those in camp and provided a welcome break on a warm day. Capt Sarah Newton (ACTO) was able to sit in the front and play the jingle, what fun!
Lord Mayor ’ s Cadet
Congratulations to Cadet Lance Corporal Louis Aldridge from Z Coy on his appointment as Lord Mayor of Coventry's Cadet. Louis is an excellent young leader and we have no doubt he will do an excellent job in support of the Mayor as our representative. Well done LCpl Aldridge!
Major Paul Curran OC Minden Coy
Competitions and Awards: The final Parade
The final parade is always a key highlight of Annual Camp with promotions, awards and the winners of the County Competition announced. The promotions and drill competition result have been shared elsewhere in this magazine and we are pleased to share that the Champion Company this year is shared jointly between Minden (Z) Coy and Al Basrah (B) Coy, both very deserving winners. Presentations were made to our outgoing staff Cadets as well as Commandant ’ s commendations and coins being issued to a variety of adult volunteers. You can watch the full parade on our Facebook page here:
https://fb.watch/eG527WD11z/
Above: Adult of the year presented jointly to SI Scriven and SSI Cook.
Below: Officer of the year presented to 2Lt Hale.
Champion Company Trophy:
Some Further Camp highlights:
This annual camp we have the Cadet Training Team on site running an Advanced Induction Cadre (AIC) for our most advanced potential Instructors (PIs). This is the final series of training and testing prior to promotion to Sergeant Instructor. The adult Volunteers from our County have been joined by others from Staffordshire and West Midlands ACF as well as Hereford and Worcester ACF. The standard has been high and the PIs are performing well under the testing. It is so important to have well trained, competent, confident, enthusiastic volunteers to lead our young people; This group fit the bill!
RSM on parade:
A Company Photo:
Our raffled Mountain Bike. The winner, a cadet, was not on camp and the prize will be delivered by the Company on a training evening.
B Coy Photo:
helping our young people on their path to qualified adult life.
Annual camp was full of great moments. Here are just a few of them:
C Coy Photo:
Z Coy Photo:
CVQO:
Did you know Army Cadets over 16 are eligible for a free BTEC qualification? An extra L2 or Diploma qualification for what they already do as a Cadet. Totally worth having! Michelle Welsh MBE from CVQO is on camp speaking to all the eligible Cadets. Thank you to her and our BTEC officer Captain Brant for
Thank you for sharing the journey with us this month whether that has been in person, on social media or through this publication. Your support matters and will help us recruit new Cadets, Adult Volunteers and supporters. Do share this magazine far and wide, CF has done for you, your family or friends. If you are able to commit, get in touch to get involved. Your adventure could start here! Capt Walker, County Media Officer
https://armycadets.com/find-a-detachment/
Are you a young person struggling with your mental wellbeing? Find help here: https://www.youngminds.org.uk/young-person/find-help/ Are you an adult who needs someone to talk to? https://www.nhs.uk/nhs- services/mental-health-services/where-to-get-urgent-help-for-mental-health/
Want to know more about our sponsor organisation? https://www.wmrfca.org/
Find out more about YOU West Midlands here: https://youwm.org.uk/
Caption Competition: Email in your caption and the selected winner for this month will win a Warwickshire and West Midlands ACF T-shirt and a morale Patch. We will be looking for sponsors for future competitions. Answers to: 0624walke@armymail.mod.uk
This Month ’ s picture:
Last Month ’ s picture:
Last Month ’ s Winner (will receive their prize shortly):
Your caption here
'This is where we bury unsuccessful P.I.s ”
PI Julie Hendry
Upcoming Events:
August: 14 th, 21 st , 27 th ,28 th – County Music Trg Days at Atherstone;
September: 3 rd – Band at Moseley Rugby Club; County SAAM
4 th – 3* FA at Westfield House and Tennal Grange; 7 th – Shooting Committee meeting; 8 th – 11 th – Birmingham Tattoo; 17 th – 18 th Bde X Country; 23 rd – 24 th – County Mil Skills Competition.
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