A Message from the Commandant

Hello.  Thanks for your interest in Cumbria Army Cadet Force.  Whether you are a cadet or potential cadet, parent or future adult volunteer, I hope that you will agree with me that our organisation is an excellent start in life for the young people of Cumbria. Children are the seedcorn of the county as well as the nation; it is an immense privilege, as well as a huge responsibility, to help in their development through their membership of Cumbria Army Cadet Force.

 Since I was appointed Commandant of Cumbria ACF in January 2009, I have been constantly amazed and proud of the achievements of the young people in our organisation.  Around 600 boys and girls in our county choose to challenge themselves in an exciting and stimulating military and adventurous training environment.  This flies in the face of much negative media comment on the abilities and ambitions of the youth of this country!

 We all wear the uniform of the British Army and, while we are not liable for military service, we strive to uphold the standards and values of this well-respected branch of the Armed Forces.  That’s why I’m keen to promote a sense of comradeship, co-operation, pride and a sense of duty and service amongst our cadets and adult volunteers; old fashioned terms perhaps but at the very heart of what we do.

 Cadets tell me that they like the military syllabus – subjects such as shooting, living and operating in the field, drill, finding their way around by map and compass as well as knowing what to do in a first aid emergency.  These skills build self-confidence and self-reliance as well as the feeling of being part of a team. We also provide opportunities for adventurous training such as canoeing, climbing, hillwalking, mountain biking etc. Things that stretch a cadet’s abilities and character – all are surprised at how much they can achieve if they just try. 

 Cadets serve their communities too by various projects from fundraising to participation in civic events – Cumbria has its own military Band and Corps of Drums. As cadets progress, they can try the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Scheme or improve their academic qualifications by enrolling in our BTEC course. All this produces a young person who has tried activities that are generally not available to their peers and given him or her a sense of their own worth.

 None of this is possible without the unstinting support of our adult volunteers.  These men and women, all with busy family and work lives, still manage to find time to mentor and train cadets in those various activities.  It is a very satisfying role and part of the service they give is paid.  If you consider this might be for you, contact us via the details on the Home Page.

 As for me, I was an Army Cadet in Workington, way back between 1960 to 1963. It was a great start in life, especially as my ambition was always to join the Regular Army. So in 1965 I joined as a private soldier in the Intelligence Corps, serving through the ranks to Lieutenant Colonel before retiring in 2001. In that time I served in Cyprus, West Berlin, many tours of Northern Ireland, South Vietnam, Bosnia and Germany.  It is good to be back in uniform now and commanding such a vibrant organisation as Cumbria ACF.

 I hope you have enjoyed your browse through our website – if you have any questions or comments, please contact my Headquarters in Carlisle Castle using the details on the Home Page.

 Colonel Tom McMullen MBE