News
June 16th 2025
Major John Pickering awarded MBE for outstanding service to Army Cadets
The Army Cadets are celebrating the achievements of one of their most dedicated volunteers following the announcement that Major John Pickering has been awarded an MBE in the King’s Birthday Honours.
With 45 years of service, Major Pickering has been a driving force behind youth development and adult volunteer training across the East Midlands and beyond. He first joined the Army Cadet Force as an Adult Volunteer in the late 1970s and has since become a respected figure nationally for his leadership, commitment and passion for helping others succeed.
Currently serving as the East Midlands Regional Training and Projects Officer, Major Pickering has played a key role in shaping Cadet training at every level. He has delivered and supported a wide range of activities and large-scale events, including the high-profile Cadet 150 celebration, Exercise Olympus Eagle in Cyprus, and most recently Exercise Coronation Jerboa in 2023. He has personally organised more than 30 annual camps and has helped to guide and mentor countless young people and adult volunteers across the region.
Colonel Chris Doyle, Colonel Cadets East Midlands, said: “Major Pickering embodies everything the Cadet Force stands for – service, leadership, and an unwavering belief in young people. His MBE is richly deserved and a reflection of decades of selfless commitment.”
The Army Cadets is one of the UK’s largest youth organisations, giving thousands of young people aged 12 to 18 the opportunity to learn new skills, take on adventure and leadership challenges, and grow in confidence and resilience. Volunteers like Major Pickering play a vital role in delivering training, supporting young people, and helping cadets to reach their full potential.
Alongside his decades of volunteering, Major Pickering built a successful civilian career in engineering and national project management. Now retired, he balanced both careers with a passion for helping young people and supporting fellow volunteers.
His long-standing commitment to the Army Cadets has earned him wide respect among peers and colleagues – not just for the scale of his contribution, but for the humility and encouragement with which he delivers it. Whether leading overseas camps, coordinating regional training projects, or supporting others behind the scenes, he continues to set an example for volunteers at every stage of their journey.
Major Pickering said: “This is a huge personal honour and something I never dreamed of. I’ve been incredibly fortunate to work alongside so many inspiring people over the years, and I’m proud to have played a part in helping young people grow through the Cadet experience.”
The Military division of The King’s Birthday Honours List 2025 can be found here.
