A "Steelbacks" Company - October Success |
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Our first weekend after Annual Camp and the Cadets and Adults all worked together to make it a very successful, diverse and eventful one. The aim was to assess the cadets on the skills and knowledge that they had gained over the last 12 months, and to progress forward with new ones. |
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The one star cadets concentrated their efforts on completing their Casualty Aid (First Aid)by revising and being assessed on their ability to potentially save a life! They also learnt to navigate by revising and passing their Map & Compass as well as working hard to achieve a pass in Physical Achievement, and learning more about the ACF and Military Knowledge. |
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The two stars cadets split into two main groups. On Friday Night, they arrived and Pitched Tents behind the Guard room at Yardley chase... testing their abilities to the maximum to be self sufficient for the night, sleeping under canvas, they awoke the following day to cook their own breakfasts, packed their kit onto their backs, broke camp and headed off on a 15 mile expedition. One of these groups was made up with participants of the Duke of Edinburgh Award. |
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These cadets worked hard and completed the expedition section of their award, one of 4 sections towards achieving the Bronze Award, whilst at the same time achieving a 2 Star APC Pass for Expedition Training; this is a very good example of how the Army Cadet Force and The Award work in Action Together.
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With the 1 & 2 star cadets busy revising and being assessed, our 3 & 4 Star cadets were given the opportunity to do something different and concentrate on their own more advanced skills through developing their instructional capabilities. Aimed at improving the cream of the Company, the cadets worked alongside senior and experienced instructors, learning how to plan, prepare and deliver professional Fieldcraft based lessons, whilst developing their own confidence and personalities |
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An extremely mentally challenging weekend for them, they produced some fine examples of the personal qualities the Army Cadet Force help to bring out in a young people of today.They delivered some very high calibre lessons, and left the weekend feeling very confident in their own abilities of leadership and instruction. |
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However, it was not all work, work, work. In a night which demonstrated ceremony, comradeship, commitment and a sense of duty, the Cadets from A' "Steelbacks" Company changed out of their Combats, showered and scrubbed up to turn out in their best bib and tucker to enjoy the annual A' Company Mess Dinner. |
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With the tables adorned in Candles and the Company's Silver, the cadets took their places at the table, and the dinner was formally opened by CSM Troop, and "Mr Vice" (the newest member of A' Company) said a prayer. |
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The Cadets were then seated and were served a three course meal by the Officers and Adult Instructors. After dinner the tables were cleared, before Cadet CSM Troop rose and called on Mr Vice to make the formal toasts. |
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It was with a sense of pride and belonging, that we toasted the Queen and our Colonel in Chief, Prince Phillip. After the meal the cadets and their Guests made their way back to a very dark troop shelter, where A' Company Corps of Drums demonstrated the "Light Display"... a full display of victory beats on the drums. in complete darkness, with only the Drum Sticks swishing in a blaze of UV Lights they looked very impressive!! |
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The weekend concluded on Sunday with OC's Parade. After making his closing address the following promotions were announced. L/Cpl O'Brien to Cdt Cpl Cdt Coggin to Cdt LCpl Cdt Shepherd to L/Cpl |
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Sergeant Major Instructor David Fensom was presented with the prestigious Walton Trophy by Captain (Retired) David Walton. |
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This is given annually to an officer or adult instructor who has made an outstanding contribution to LNR ACF and was awarded to SMI Fenson in recognition of his exemplary service and devotion to the Army Cadet Force over a career which has spanned almost 35 years. |
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| This award brought a tear to most instructors and senior cadets eyes and the chase rang to the enormous applause from cadets and adults alike | ||
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.And Finally, after 3 years in post as Company Sergeant Major, CSMI Deacon stood down as CSM. In a formal ceremony both the post and the Company Pace Stick were handed over the to the new Company Sergeant Major, CSMI M Robertson. We wish CSMI Robertson much success and support in her new role. | |
And so it was time to leave... During the weekend we have achieved over 200 APC Subject passes, 6 Complete APC Passes and 7 Duke of Edinburgh Award Expedition Section passes, and also demonstrated the resilience, determination and professionalism that is A' Company. Forward the "Steelbacks!" SSI S Crossley |
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