The Lincolnshire Army Cadet Force is appealing for more adults to volunteer as instructors.
Army Cadet Force Instructors and Officers from the county’s 33 cadet detachments will be at the open day on Saturday, January 26, at Sobraon Barracks, Lincoln, between 10am and 1pm to talk about what it’s like to work with young cadets of 12 to 18 years and give a real insight into life in the Cadet Force.
Lieutenant Colonel Michael Coleman, 42, from Grantham, is a regional headteacher at South Midlands & East Anglia Advanced Education. Michael started volunteering with the Cadets in 1989 when he worked in catering. He said: “Being a Cadet Force Instructor was the main reason I decided to change career and go into education and it has really helped me develop the skills needed for working with young people.
“Thanks to the Cadet Force, I have developed the confidence to deal with most situations I encounter as a teacher and I’ve also gained an NVQ in leadership and management, which has helped me get where I am today.
“Most importantly, it’s really rewarding to see the difference you can make in the development of the children – being a Cadet is a great thing for kids to get involved in. I encourage as many youngsters as I can to join.”
Colonel Ian Sackree, the Commandant of the Army Cadet Force’s Lincolnshire Battalion, will be at the open day to welcome visitors and talk to them about what being an instructor involves. He said: “Being an adult volunteer with the Army Cadet Force is an important role and an incredibly rewarding thing to do. Volunteers lead the young cadets in a range of military and non-military themed activities – such as sports, music and competitive drills.
“The aim of the Cadet Force is to offer adventurous pursuits and educational activities that will help develop young people physically, mentally and socially. We’re looking for adults who want to make a difference to young people’s lives. It’s a great chance for the volunteers to develop their own leadership skills, meet new people and give something back to their community. No particular experience is required and we provide all necessary training. If you’re interested and want to find out more, come along to the open day.”
At the open day, there will be talks and workshops led by Cadet Force personnel and current volunteers, as well as a chance to look around the Sobraon Barracks. Tea, coffee and refreshments will also be provided.
The Army Cadet Force is one of the country’s largest volunteer youth organisations and one of the oldest, celebrating its 150th anniversary in 2012.
There are around 46,000 cadets and 8,500 adult volunteers in the UK. In Lincolnshire, there are over 1,000 cadets and 160 adult volunteers in 33 detachments.