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Celebrating 150 years of the Cadets 1 8 6 0 - 2 0 1 0 Greater London Reserve Forces and Cadets Association Contents 1 Foreword 2 A proud history 6 Sea Cadet Corps 10 Army Cadet Force 14 Air Training Corps 18 Combined Cadet Force 20 Cadet150 Events 21 Contacts Above: The ‘Unity Band’, comprising Sea, Army and Air Cadets plus other youth organisations, on parade in London for Remembrance Sunday, November 2008. Foreword Celebrating 150 years of the Cadets The Cadet Forces have, not unnaturally, come a long way from their 1860s origins. They have evolved into unique voluntary youth organisations, offering young people opportunities to develop themselves, to try new adventures and activities, and to learn key lessons in citizenship and the importance of society. But their links to the Armed Forces are as strong as ever. In many areas of the country they are the only face of the Services in the community. They take pride in the values and ethos of the Armed Forces and the lessons of good citizenship and responsibilities these bring. Their essential links with the Reserve Forces’ and Cadets’ Associations, which help administer and support them, are equally strong. None of this would be possible without the Adult Volunteers, whose commitment, leadership and example underpin the development and success of the Cadet Movement. Their reward Air Chief Marshal Sir Jock Stirrup, is to see the cadets change for the better as they are given a Chief of the Defence Staff head-start in life, and as they develop links with the community in which they live. As a former Cadet myself, I take great satisfaction from their outstanding achievements, from the quality and quantity of their activities, and from the truly inspirational example they and their Adult Instructors set. The future of the Cadet Movement is in very safe hands, and I am delighted that in celebrating their 150th anniversary we are able to look forward with confidence as well as back with pride. cadet150.org 1 Cadets A proud history Times have changed 150 years ago England was facing the After 1945, the Cadet Movement was no threat of French invasion at a time when longer a force preparing young people our Regular Forces had suffered losses for war. The focus shifted from providing during the Crimean War. Against this pre-Service training to equipping young backdrop of perceived danger both the people with the essential life skills of Army and the Sea Cadet organisations self-reliance, teamwork, leadership and were born. In the early years their main responsibility through a wider range of purpose was to train youngsters to become exciting and stimulating activities. The future soldiers and sailors. In so doing, Cadet Forces are proud to stand by getting them off the streets and developing the values and traditions of the Armed them through challenging and rewarding Forces and while drills and military skills activities. The same period also saw the remain at the heart of its operations, you birth of what was to become the Combined are more likely to find today’s cadets up Cadet Force, established to provide a a mountain, helping in the community, reserve of young officers. As the Cadet studying for qualifications or putting their Movement grew it became better able to all into a chosen sport. Above: An Army support the domestic war effort particularly Cadet just prior to The four Cadet Forces now make up the outbreak of the during the First World War and – with the one of the largest and most successful Second World War. Air Training Corps formally founded in youth organisations in the country with 1941 – during the Second World War. Far left: Military training was the principal activity in the early days of the Cadet Movement, as war was on the horizon. Left: Annual camp has always been the highlight of a cadet’s summer. Air Cadets use their outdoor cooking and shelter- making skills under the supervision of an Adult Volunteer, 1960s. 2 A member of the ACF enjoying climbing. 155,000 cadets and Adult Volunteers. In 2010 they celebrate 150 years of history and great achievement about which they can justifiably be proud. HM The Queen has graciously agreed to be the Patron of Cadet150 – a programme of activities designed to celebrate and promote the continuing success and value of the Cadet Movement. Community, adventure and sport Life in the Cadet Forces is all about personal and physical development so it should come as no surprise that sport and adventure play a big part. From the personal challenges of canoeing, flying, orienteering or mountaineering, to the skills of playing rugby, football or hockey, there is something for everyone. Right: Army Cadets get their diving qualifications with a little help from the Cadet Vocational Qualification Organisation. Below: Army and Air Cadets with spades at the ready for tree- planting in Bassingbourn in Hertfordshire – a Joint Weekend Training Centre opened in 2005. Far right: Going overboard in 1942 gives cadets confidence using life saving equipment - safety in the water and sea rescue remain central to the Sea Cadets’ activities. 3 Cadets These physical activities generate a huge colleges and universities alike. And it’s sense of achievement and help to build the not only the cadets who benefit; Adult teamwork and leadership skills that are an Volunteers can also take advantage of essential part of a cadet’s development. various learning opportunities, gaining The Cadet Forces also take their social qualifications including leadership and responsibility very seriously. Cadets all management diplomas. over the country are making valuable Each year thousands of cadets start their contributions by organising fund raising DofE Award which allows them to enjoy activities for both local and national life changing experiences and discover charities and by helping individuals and hidden talents. Through the varied groups in their local community, particularly and exciting programmes, including the elderly and the socially disadvantaged. expeditions, sport and volunteering, the cadets can make a difference in the Qualifications community and be inspired to take on From first aid certificates and BTEC even greater challenges whilst gaining a diplomas to The Duke of Edinburgh’s recognised award. Award (DofE), one of the many advantages offered by today’s Cadet Forces is the Managed and funded by the Cadet wide range of qualifications designed to Vocational Qualification Organisation, deliver skills that are valued by employers, the more academic qualifications are Above: First aid is taught to all cadets. Left: The opportunities for thrills and adventure are many, from scuba diving to mountaineering, from jungle treks to parachute jumps. Right: Harrow ACF’s Bugle Band in full regalia, complete with leopard skin waistcoat, circa 1890s. 4 free to all cadets over the age of 16 and friendships and the chance to see young communities make it an ideal vehicle for provide a formal acknowledgment of the people develop as they are given a head- promoting the Cadet Movement. skills learned through cadet activities. A start in life. Greater London RFCA also supports: registered charity, the CVQO is dedicated Reserve Forces and Cadets • 5,500 Reservists to helping cadets and Volunteers to get Associations ahead, personally and professionally. • 14,000 Cadets (Tri-Service) The Cadet Forces rely on the dedicated Adult Volunteers support of the RFCAs who are the focal • 1,000 University Cadets At the heart of all Cadet Forces are the point of activity and administration for • 190 Properties Adult Volunteers who devote much of cadets of all three Services. The 13 • 32 Boroughs and the City of London their free time to providing leadership and autonomous Associations, encompassing • 250 Members (including the City training in a safe environment. some 8,000 volunteer members and Association) The 25,000 Adult Volunteers come from all supported by a professional staff, make • 60 Associate Members walks of life, but what they have in common sure the 2,300 cadet centres around the is their enthusiasm and energy to help UK are properly maintained and that new • 1,500 Supportive Employers develop the potential of young people. The facilities are built when the need arises. challenge for them is great but the rewards Importantly, they also represent the can be even greater: new skills, useful interests of the Cadet Forces; the qualifications, exciting experiences, lifelong RFCAs’ footprint and standing with local Right: Lord-Lieutenant’s Cadets are selected for outstanding service both within the Cadet Movement and in their community – one of the highest honours a cadet can receive – London 2008. Below: Adult Volunteers are what give the cadets so many opportunities, providing fun, adventure, support and leadership. Far right: Annual camp saw these cadets pass their Canoe Proficiency Test, gaining another skill whilst out on the water. 5 Sea Cadet Corps From humble beginnings The origins of the Sea Cadet Corps (SCC) The Naval Lads Brigade was formed and lie in a charity founded by a clergyman by the end of the 19th century it had who, on returning from the Crimean War, spread to many other towns throughout was so concerned at the number of the country. In 1899, Queen Victoria orphans created by the conflict – many presented the Windsor unit with £10 for of whom ended up on the back streets uniforms – an event now known as the of our sea ports – that he established an birthday of the Sea Cadets – celebrated orphanage at Whitstable to train these on June 25th. young boys in nautical skills. He enlisted By 1910, the success of the brigades the help of sailors also returned from the was such that they were sponsored by Crimea and soon similar institutions were the Navy League, a pressure group set up in Whitby, Brixham and Deptford.