WHAT, ME JOIN THE ARMY CADET FORCE, YOU HAVE TO BE JOKING?
Introduction: This is the story of an Adult Instructor in the Cheshire Army Cadet Force, their name is not important, but their story is. How many of you reading this are considering joining but think that your particular skills are not worth very much? Read on.........
I joined the ACF in 2010 as a civilian assistant, I am a qualified NNEB (Nursery Nurse) and, I nannied for various families over 14 years, I now work with vulnerable young women and their babies in a mother and baby unit. A friend mentioned to me that there was an opening for a female to join Weaverham Detachment, I said that there was no way on this earth that I would join as an instructor because I didn't know that much about the Army or the Army Cadet Force (ACF) and I had no interest in learning more; I certainly didn't want to spend two nights a week out and getting dirty didn't appeal but most of all it was out of my comfort zone.
Over the coming weeks I seriously thought about it and said I would go along but don't expect me to stay any longer than a couple of months. I decided to go because it was completely out of my comfort zone and normally I love a challenge.
Anyway that was 2010 and that same year I went on to progress and improve my knowledge by going on the Probationary Instructor (PI) course, which surprisingly I successfully completed (yippee). I was due to progress further in October 2011 and go on the Initial Training Course (ITC) but due to having an operation in August I wasn't physically fit enough to take the challenge. My Detachment Commander jumped through a few hoops to get me on the first aid course that was running at the same time because Weaverham Detachment did not have a first aider, I successfully completed that course and passed in October 2011.
Throughout my journey of the ACF, I have had some downs, but mainly up's and at the moment I am looking forward to my first weekend on the ITC. Not sure I will get through it but I am going to give it my all.
I have a fantastic DC who doesn't hold you back, he is full of encouragement and tries his very best to get you on courses even if that means jumping through fiery hoops. His view is that the more courses the staff go on the better it is for the Detachment.
So what's holding you back? Interested in becoming an Adult Instructor, make that call, who knows where the journey will take you? You might even become an Officer. The only question that you have to ask yourself is this: Could I Inspire a young person to Achieve?
