This diary highlights some of the events and achievements experienced over a year as an Army Cadet Force Instructor that had just been made a detachment commander. In charge of the cadet hut in his area he was responsible for running it which requires hard work and dedication, but the sense of satisfaction far out weighed the stresses and strains.
It's designed to give an insight into what goes on at an average detachment. Simply click the months below to discover what a year he had.
I've been asked to take over as Detachment Commander. I'm a bit nervous, but excited about the challenge. Had my first night in charge. It's quite strange, but the cadets and staff seemed happy with me.
My first outdoor exercise is a ‘Lamp Stalk' where 3 senior cadets protect a lamp. The rest are split into teams and try to get as close to the lamp as possible without being caught. It gives younger cadets a chance to practice teamwork, camouflage and concealment, night movement and observation skills. It really gets the adrenalin pumping. All cadets came back with big smiles and lots of ‘war stories'. They definitely enjoy getting out and dirty.
I've finished producing a training programme for the next 3 months. I had to match the different skills levels for training to those of my staff and ensure senior cadets get to teach to continue their personal development.