Gallipoli Company, the Island’s contingent of Hampshire and the Isle of Wight Army Cadet Force, recently formally welcomed 26 new cadets from across the Island following the successful completion of basic recruit training.
The Cadets had been training for a period of 3-6 months in a variety of subjects including drill and turnout, first aid, military knowledge, physical recreation, shooting as well as volunteering in their local community.
They had also attended their first field camp on the Island at Newtown Ranges where they received instruction on fieldcraft, military tactics, navigation and adventure training.
During their passing out parade, each cadet of Harvey Platoon, the training platoon named after one of the fallen members of the Isle of Wight Rifles at the battle of Gallipolli, was presented with their cap badge and rank slide by the Company Commander.
Additional presentations were made for Most Improved Cadet, Best Shot, Best Drill and Best Overall Recruit.
Colonel Theresa Farmer, Commandant of the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Army Cadet Force was full of praise for the new recruits, she said:
“Joining the ACF is a commitment that is very welcome from young islanders and we welcome them to our organisation and hope they enjoy the experience and learn key skills and valuable life lessons like so many cadets that have come before them, well done on passing out and good luck for the future”.
The Island’s Army Cadet Force is a youth organisation sponsored by the Ministry of Defence and welcomes young people between the age of 12 and 18.
It offers young people the opportunity to develop life skills as well as working towards a variety of qualifications in special subjects such as the Duke of Edinburgh Award, adventurous training and first aid.
Cadets also have the opportunity to attend camps both on the island and the mainland as well as educational and/or competitive trips nationally and internationality.
Officer at front don’t no how to polish his boots I would have been in the guard house when I was in military even the cadets no how to bull there boots up
Must have been a very long time since you served, you don’t wear bulled boots in working dress in the modern army.
Those boots have probably seen more action than you ever have, and the boot will still probably give you a good kick up the ar*e
Well Cadets, I hope for some of you this leads on to a good career in the military.
Very proud of you all
Congratulations Cadets, even if you don’t go on to join the British Forces you will have an advantage over many of your contemporaries. You know what they say…”Born on the Isle of Wight, made in the Army, Navy or RAF”.
Absolutely cracking effort! So pleased to see the next generation of kids like this coming through society. Not all is lost!