Devon Army Cadet Force

Congratulations to all the new Cadet Force Adult Volunteers (CFAV's) on successfully completing their Familiarisation and Assessment Weekend at Pellew House and subsequently being promoted to PI. This significant achievement marks the first step in their journey to becoming fully trained CFAVs. Over the weekend the group were given a number of team-building tasks to test their teamwork skills and their ability to overcome issues. Along with a formal interview with our Commandant Col Steve Frost himself.

Your dedication and commitment to supporting the cadets is truly commendable, and we look forward to seeing the positive impact you will make in your roles wherever they may be. Well done all!

If you're interested in joining as an adult instructor, register your interest at your local detachment today! https://armycadets.com/find-a-detachment/

Find all the photos from the weekend here https://armycadets.com/county-galleries/fam-and-adult-first-aid-weekend-22-23rd-june/

B Company have kicked off Armed Forces Week with the raising of the Armed Forces Flag outside Plymouth Guildhall this morning.

The ceremony was supported by Cadets from all branches, alongside current service personnel, veterans, and dignitaries and guests from across the City.

B Company will be part of the Army Village on Saturday 29th June as part of Armed Forces Day on Plymouth Hoe. We hope you see you there!

Armed Forces Day

This past weekend, a huge amount of cadets and CFAVs from D company hosting our stands at Dawlish and Torbay Armed Forces Day.

They all did a cracking job interacting and showcasing to the public what a great, diverse and fun organisation we are.

Well done to all. Please if you see our stands at events, come over and get stuck into all our games and have a peek at our kit!

You to can join in all the fun. The easiest way is by clicking the link below to find your closest detachment. Want to join? Find out more here https://armycadets.com/county/devon-acf/

Please see all photos from the day via the link below to our website.

https://armycadets.com/county-galleries/armed-forces-day-saturday-22nd-june-2024/

On Saturday, 22nd June, cadets from all over A Company (Exeter and East Devon) marched through Exeter in honour of Armed Forces Day. Dressed in their immaculate uniforms, they demonstrated pride and discipline, impressing the many onlookers who lined the busy highstreet. The parade celebrated the dedication and service of military personnel, with the cadets representing the impact that the Army Cadets can have on young lives. The event drew enthusiastic support from the community, and our cadets did an incredible job of displaying our core values within the Army Cadets while also celebrating and remember the members of our amazing armed forces.

If these sort of events interest you and you’d like to get involved please visit Armycadets.com and find your nearest detachment to get started!

Army Cadets - Inspire to Achieve

Army Cadets UK ACCT UK The Rifles

Wishing HM King Charles III, a very happy birthday from all of us at Devon ACF.

All Coys ACS weekend at Pellew and Okehampton. It was a busy one! 😀Promotions, Star passes, badge and certificate presentations along with lots of training. Great to see so many of our cadets achieving so much! 👏👏👏

Find all of the pictures from the weekend here https://armycadets.com/county-galleries/all-acs-weekend-okehampton/

Cambrai (C) Company News

Over the period 1 – 2 Jun the Cadet Centre for Adventurous Training hosted the selection for Exercise Oak Leaf. 60 Cadets and 5 CFAVs were invited from across the UK.

Csm Andrew of Great Torrington Detachment and S/Sgt Draper of Braunton Detachment are 2 of 20 Army Cadets from the whole of the UK to have been selected to attend Exercise Oak Leaf in July 2024. Exercise Oak Leaf is an exchange programme with the Canadian Army Cadets.

During this exchange they’ll spend 4 weeks in Canada engaging in various adventure training activities such as mountain biking, rock climbing , trekking , canoeing , kayaking and many more! There will also be plenty of parades and cultural visits to take part in.

The good news doesn’t stop there!

Rsm Griffiths of Okehampton Detachment has been selected to attend the Champion Cadet Competition being held at the National Cadet Training Centre Frimley in July. The top cadets from across the country come together to challenge themselves across the whole of the ACF/CCF syllabus and compete to be crowned champion cadet. Rsm Griffiths is the only cadet from Devon ACF attending this prestigious competition and we have no doubt she’ll represent us to the highest of standard.

Good luck from us all!

Thinking about joining as a cadet or adult volunteer? Register your interest today by following the below ⬇️ link.

https://armycadets.com/find-a-detachment/

CSM Promotion 🥳🥳

D & C Company’s ACS weekend has got off to a flying start this morning as we saw D company’s Sgt Stephen’s being promoted to Cadet CSM

What a great achievement, well done to her! Let the hard work continue!

Congratulations to 2Lt Pete O'Shea, Detachment Commander of Marine Acadmey Plymouth, for completing his 2nd weekend of Officer Training last weekend.

His Graduation Ceremony was held at Grantham, with our ex Commandant, and now Commandant Cadets, Colonel Ashley Fulford OBE awarding the certificates to the CM course!

👏👏👏👏

Our Corps of Drums met last weekend for another practice before their first public performance at Okehampton D Day Celebrations on the 6th of June. A massive amount of hard work and dedication has been put in, to make this happen, well done all. 👏👏

Col Steve Frost (Commandant of Devon) was in attendance and was able to promote Cpl Tribble from D Coy to Drum Major. He is the first Drum Major since 2018! Congratulations from all of us on your promotion.

Star passes were also presented, following the national band concentration camp attendance earlier in the year.

And finally but by no means least Cpl Stevenson was presented with the Commandant's coin for his fantastic development from the beginning with the Corps of Drums. Massive well done to you!👏👏

All of the pictures from the weekend can be found here https://armycadets.com/county-galleries/corps-of-drums-band-practice-25th-26th-may/

Who is going to take the test?

Fancy a fun-filled session at a Ninja Warrior UK Adventure Park, based on the hit TV show? Take our test, and you could stand a chance of winning a high-adrenalin hour-long session. The closing date for entries is 2 June 2024.

Take the test on page 48 in the issue: https://bit.ly/43GA1Di

Our recruiting trailer and team, spent 3 successful days last week at the Devon County Show 2024 at Westpoint Exeter. Showcasing all of the amazing things we do in the Army Cadet Force.

To top it off the stand was awarded silver for the most attractive showground feature supporting the large Military Village. Well done to our events team!

Congratulations to , who has just completed his incredible eco-triathlon, arriving triumphantly at Blackpool Tower! 🎉👏

In 30 days, he covered over 2600 km! 💪🌟Jordan embarked on an epic journey from the Leaning Tower of Pisa (Italy) to the Eiffel Tower (France). Kayaking across the English Channel, he then headed to the Spinnaker Tower (UK), where he abseiled down the structure and finally finished at Blackpool Tower (UK) to raise funds for , the charity supporting the Army Cadets. 🚲🛶🏃‍♂️

This expedition is dedicated to the memory of Jordan Banks, a young boy from Blackpool who died tragically in 2021. A memorial art wall is being revealed in Blackpool this evening 💛💚

Continue to support Jordan and the charity that supports the Army Cadets! https://www.justgiving.com/page/towerpower2024

Talking more is something we encourage here at Army Cadets. Not just talking in general - but talking about the things that really matter! Kooth is a service that allows you to get help by both talking to someone and accessing advice. Need some help?

Check out Kooth!💬

Fantastic photo of the aurora borealis taken on Dartmoor, during the Ten Tors challenge on Friday night.

Our 35 mile team have finshed!l

Massive congratulations and well done to each of you. 👏👏

Also many thanks to all of our Officers and Instructors who have helped train and support the team and for everyone involved in this event.

Watch out for a full round up later this week…..

This past weekend 30 cadets from across Devon attended the County Full Bore selection weekend. The cadets fired the Cadet service rifle (L98 A2) at distances varying from 100-300 Yards. This was in order for the County shooting officer to select Cadets for the regional competition in September!

SMI Brock - The County Shooting Officer said

“This was Devon ACF’s first GP weekend of 2024. The weather was great on Saturday with bright sunshine! We did have a few showers on Sunday but it didn’t dampen the mood! The cadets first completed a Grouping Practice on the Saturday to zero the rifles and to try to achive a group size of 200mm at 100 yards with most of them achiving a group of 150mm or lower.

On sunday the cadets shot from 300, 200 and 100 yards firing from different postions, Prone, kneeling and sitting and there were some great scores all around!

I would like to say thank you to all the effort and determination the cadets showed over the weekend! And without the support from the CFAVs the weekend would not go ahead so thank you all!”

All photos can be viewed here:

https://armycadets.com/county-galleries/county-full-bore-weekend-4th-5th-may/

If shooting interests you and you want to get involved speak to your DC to know when the next Shooting event is taking place!

And if this type of activity makes you want to join the ACF, don’t hesitate and visit armycadets.com today and register your interest with your local detachment!

Tiverton Detachment in A Company is known within the Cadet Force for its unwavering support for local charities! And Wednesday night was no exception.

Mark Saunders BEM - Tiverton Detachment Commander said “Just over 10 years ago the detachment started its fundraising journey, who would have given a thought then of what the detachment would achieve over this time.
Last night Mr Philip Hutchens from The ABF attended the detachment to present the ABF Cadet Revision Trophy Certificate 2023, the detachment achieving second place in this Nationally run competition, over the 10 years that now makes 6 wins and two second place’s, with a fundraising total that now stands at almost £41,000.00, what an achievement for a detachment of 25/30 cadets.
I for one could not be prouder of each and every cadet that as given their all in achieving this total, it’s been a privilege to have run, climbed and TABed beside them, it’s been one hell of a journey.”

They have also raised money for Children’s Hospice SW, CHAT the local food bank, Devon Air Ambulance Trust, Army Cadet Charitable Trust, Royal British Legion, MacMillan Cancer over the years.

Multiple Ex Tiverton cadets also completed a 10k pole run for charity on Wednesday night!! Keep yours eyes peeled for the final amount raised and some pictures to follow soon!

If you wanna get involved with charity fundraising like this, visit Armycadets.com and find your local detachment today!

Success for Devon ACF's A Team at the Tri-Service Cadet Challenge when they became joint winners of the event with Bundells School! Thank you Plymouth Drake Sea & Royal Marines Cadets - TS Golden Hind for the photos.

Read the full story here https://armycadets.com/county-news/tri-service-cadet-challenge-a-weekend-of-camaraderie-and-challenges

Adventurous Training is a big part of what we do in Devon ACF and this weekend 8 of our Cadet Force Adult Volunteers (CFAV's) completed their mountain training camping and remote supervision modules. Included in the weekend was a talk from LT Col Tim Ives as well as some downtime, with entertainment by the HOODOO man singer!

All of the pictures from the weekend are available here: https://armycadets.com/county-galleries/at-cpd-weekend-mountain-training/

Want to meet new people and learn new skills either as a cadet or one of our adult team? We are recruiting across the county and in particular, would love to hear from people in the following areas:
Find out where your nearest Detachment is here: https://armycadets.com/find-a-detachment/

St Georges Day Church Service

Cadets and staff of Bovey Tracey Detachment attended a church service to celebrate St Georges day on Sunday 21st April, together with other local community groups such as the cubs, scouts, beavers, guides and rainbows.

Following the service the cadets were offered refreshment such as home made cakes and drinks which proved very popular. What a great event and well done to all those who attended.

If you’d like to attend local events like these in your area, please get involved by clicking the link below. https://armycadets.com/find-a-detachment/

Red Star Cadre Weekend

21 cadets with a 3 Star or above on their arm, attended our latest Red Star Cadre over the weekend (19th-21st April).

The aim of the cadre is to develop the leadership skills of our Senior Cadets. The weekend had 3 guest speakers (Neil Heritage, a double amputee as a result of an IED in Iraq, Major Eddy Williams Coy RAPTC Commander ATU (West) and our very own Maj Aimee Mitchell), Each of them gave the cadets a presentation, to help them develop their leadership styles. Other activities over the weekend included a series of command tasks and ASOB style Plannex!

With guest speakers, a Regimental Dinner and Command Tasks, it was a full-on weekend, with lots of fun. All of the pictures from the weekend can be found here:

https://armycadets.com/county-galleries/devon-redstar-cadre-formal-dinner-night-20th-april-2024/

The cadre is only open to cadets who hold a red star (3 stars and above) on their arm and is something that we hope all our cadets will aspire to join, during their time in the ACF with us. If you are about to complete your 3-star soon then speak with your DC to find out how you can join and be a part of the "Red Star Cadre"

Wish all our cadets, followers, CFAV’s and PSS who are celebrating a very Happy St George’s day.

Happy St. George's Day to all our followers who are celebrating! Let's honour the legendary bravery and spirit of England's patron saint. May this day inspire us to stand up for what's right, inspire those around us to be the best versions of themselves, and celebrate the rich heritage of this incredible nation.

During the Easter break, two cadets from Cambrai (C) Company North Devon attended the Master Cadet course at the National Cadet Training Centre, Frimley Park.

The Master Cadet course is the absolute pinnacle of a cadet’s career, it isn’t a course every cadet is guaranteed to do and picks the crème de la crème to represent their county at this well sought after course.

The cadets are challenged both physically and mentally in a variety of activities over the week and come away with new skills and invaluable experiences to bring back to their detachments and day to day life.

Congratulations to both Cdt CSM Andrew of Great Torrington Detachment & Cdt SSgt Griffiths of Okehampton Detachment on completing the Master Cadet course.

3 & 4 Star Cadre

Last week 12 cadets attended the 3 & 4 Star cadre held at our county HQ Pellew House. Well done to all of the 3 Star cadets who achieved their Drill, Shooting First Aid and Fieldcraft.

The 4 Star cadets completed their 4 Star Fieldcraft, leading the sections for the 3 Stars throughout the course, delivering orders and developing their decision-making throughout.

The following cadets achieved the 4 Star Awards as a result of this:
CDT Sgt Giles
CDT Sgt Wildgoose
CDT Sgt Jones
Achieving your 4 Star is no mean feat, as it takes commitment, hard work and skill. Congratulations to all of you! 🎉👏👏

For the first time an award was given to the best cadet overall on the 3 Star cadre and this went to CDT Cpl Andrews who received the Trophy and the ACF stable belt. This will now be a feature of all future 3 Star cadres.

Well done Cpl Andrews!

Major Aimee Mitchell said, "It was a fantastic week, supported by a dedicated and skilled team of adult volunteers who were a great team"👏🎉

Want to meet new people and learn new skills either as a cadet or one of our adult team? Find out where your nearest Detachment is here: https://armycadets.com/find-a-detachment/