News
April 23rd 2018
Fourth Annual Nottinghamshire Cadet Competition A Success
The winning team with Sir Andrew Pullford
Cadets from across Nottinghamshire competed against each other in a series of military themed tasks at the weekend to decide who would take home The Nottinghamshire Cadet Winners Shield and the bragging rights that go along with it.
Cadet 18 took place at Chetwynd Barracks in Chilwell and saw young people from the RAF Air Cadets (RAFAC), Army Cadets (ACF) and Sea Cadet Corps (SCC) take part in events designed to test the skills they have learnt on their cadet journeys so far.
Teenagers from 7th Infantry Brigade’s youth engagement activity, The Dessert Rat Challenge also joined in the contest.
The competition was fierce with cadets taking part in a climbing tower challenge, a leadership test, an obstacle course and a vehicle pull.
Cadets on the obstacle course
Cadets also competed in a gun run, a traditional military exercise where teams race against each other to move a replica field gun past a series of obstacles.
Senior Adult Volunteer, Warrant Officer Dan Haywood, from the RAFAC, who organised the event, explained: “I love seeing the cadets return year after year and then hearing how they tell all their friends and family that this is the best cadet event of the year.”
Cadet Sergeant Sophie Smith, aged 15 from 1360 (Stapleford and Sandiacre) Squadron, explained: “It’s brilliant that all the adult volunteers make this day possible so that we can come together, meet new people and be more sociable.”
Cadet Alfie Dixon, aged 14 from 209 (West Bridgford) Squadron, added: “The best thing about today was the all-togetherness of having different squadrons but bringing everyone together and working as a team.”
As well as the cadets and adult volunteers from all cadet branches, the competition was also attended by members of the local Royal British Legion and Retired RAF Chief of Staff, Air Chief Marshal Sir Andrew Pullford.
Cadets negotiating obstacles during the Gun Run
Dan added: “The event was about enhancing and celebrating the cadet experience for members all branches, it’s all about getting the cadets working together as a team, developing leadership skills and forming effective partnerships with others.
“The cadets were fantastic on the day and each achieved so much. They should all feel very proud of the effort they have put in.
“I know a number of the cadets who took part have said how much they are looking forward to Cadet 19 next year, which is great.”
After totalling the scores for each event, this year’s competition winners were the Air Cadets for a fourth year in a row.
Each of the cadet organisations that took part in the event are recruiting. To find out about joining the RAFAC and SCC as an adult volunteer or cadet visit the websites below.
“The event was about enhancing and celebrating the cadet experience for members all branches, it’s all about getting the cadets working together as a team, developing leadership skills and forming effective partnerships with others."
