AWARDS FOR NORTHERN IRELAND ARMY CADETS

Cadets from 2nd (Northern Ireland) Battalion Army Cadet Force have been earning impressive achievements recently, and were honoured at a special awards ceremony.

The cadets were presented with a range of awards, including the Institute of Leadership Management Level 2 Award in Leadership & Team Skills; the Silver Duke of Edinburgh Award; and the BTEC Level 2 in Teamwork and Personal Development.

Congratulating the Cadets at the ceremony, Colonel Sam McCammond, Commandant of 2nd (NI) Battalion Army Cadet Force said, “These are fantastic achievements from very highly capable Cadets and they have my hearty personal congratulations. 

“For these teenagers the secret of success lies in commitment and a determination to step up to the challenge. The DoE Silver Award represents many months of commitment to a programme which encompasses four demanding sections; Volunteering, Physical, Skills and Expedition, while the nationally recognised ILM qualification reflects structured Cadet training and practice in a wide range of core leadership, management and development skills. The BTEC is another nationally recognised qualification, charting a range of vital life skills.

“People tend to think of Army Cadet Force training as being exclusively focused on sociability, sports and outdoor activities.  Those are central aspects of Cadet life but, as the performances of these talented teenagers demonstrate, we also support our young people in developing many of the wider skills which will help them to mature and grow in self-esteem and confidence.  Importantly, many of the activities which are now open to Cadets lead to nationally recognised qualifications which can add impact to the Personal Statements they will submit to college or university or, indeed, add to application forms as they take their first steps in the world of work.”