News
July 2nd 2019
Kettering Adult Volunteer reveals Army Cadets is ‘part of my heart and soul’
An Army Cadet Force Volunteer has revealed what life is like for women today and how it has changed from when she joined at just 14 years old.
Sergeant Major Instructor, Juliet Rogers, age 47, from Kettering is a Detachment Commander at Market Harborough where she is responsible for the day to day running of the unit and the implementation of planning and training.
Her life in the Army Cadet Force began in 1986, just seven years after women had first been allowed to join.
Juliet said: “Life as a female Cadet was hard to begin with, there wasn’t many of us. However, there were some female role models to look up to, including Officer Inez Bradbury and Sergeant Instructor Mandy Davanna. I was always encouraged to participate in the same activities as the boys, girls were never excused.
“During my time as a Cadet I was able to learn new skills and I grew in confidence and experience. This led to becoming an Adult Volunteer where I’ve been able to guide and nurture Cadets in the same way I was.
“I have enjoyed watching the Cadets grow into mature young adults and see their confidence, discipline and respect increase.”
Juliet Rogers from her days as a Cadet.
Juliet has gained a lot of transferable skills from her time as a Cadet and as an Adult Volunteer.
She said “Throughout my career I have grown in maturity and I am so proud of the person I have become by including Cadets in my life. I have also been given the opportunity to gain many qualifications, including the Gold Duke of Edinburgh and a Management Leadership Qualification in coaching and mentoring.
“These are just some of the qualifications I have gained which have enriched my life, taught me about leadership and given me a great sense of achievement.”
The Army Cadet Force supported Juliet when she became a mother and started her own family.
Juliet explains: “Cadets accommodated the fact that family commitment comes first and as a mum-of-three I can split my weekend between training Cadets and being with my children. My daughter has even joined the Cadets and we now attend the annual summer camp together.”
Juliet Rogers and a Cadet on a fieldcraft exercise.
The Army Cadet Force has been an integral part of Juliet’s life for the past 33 years.
She concludes: “Cadets will always be part of my life, part of my heart and soul.”
For further information about joining the Cadets or becoming an Adult Volunteer go to www.armycadets.com
“I have enjoyed watching the Cadets grow into mature young adults and see their confidence, discipline and respect increase.”
