Master Cadet Course 26/04 Celebrates Its Top Student
Cadet CSM Hannah Deville from Lincolnshire Army Cadet Force (ACF) has been named top student on Master Cadet Course 26/04 at the مركز تدريب الطلاب العسكريين (CTC) فريملي بارك, after a challenging week that tested her leadership, confidence and determination.
Cadet CSM Deville said the award came as a surprise, but was particularly rewarding after giving everything she could throughout the course.
“I was really surprised, but obviously I was so happy about it because throughout the course I have tried to put in my best. It just feels really great.”
From joining with friends to Master Cadet
Cadet CSM Deville joined the Army Cadets almost four years ago after friends encouraged her to give it a try. What began as something that looked fun quickly became an important part of her life.
She said: “A couple of my friends did cadets and I was like, yeah, it looks fun. They kind of convinced me a bit, joined the same detachment as them and I’ve just stayed in ever since. I’ve loved every second of it.”
Taking on the دورة المتدرب الرئيسي was the next challenge. Before arriving at CTC Frimley Park, Cadet CSM Deville spoke to cadets who had previously completed the course to get an idea of what to expect.
Her approach was simple: arrive determined to succeed and give 100%.
“I came in with the mindset of, I want to pass, put in 100% and I’ll pass. Going home was never an option for me.”
Building confidence as a leader
One of the biggest challenges of the course came during the first فيلد كرافت day. Although section attacks were familiar to Cadet CSM Deville, leading a section that was still getting to know one another added a new level of pressure.
She described taking charge as “a little bit nerve wracking” at first, but said the experience became easier as the section bonded and worked together.
By the end of the course, one of her biggest areas of development was her confidence in leadership, particularly when making decisions and giving clear instructions.
Cadet CSM Deville explained that she had learnt not to hesitate when taking charge and to trust her decisions.
“Sometimes you can get a bit hesitant about it, when in reality you just need to go for it. And if it goes wrong, it goes wrong. You can always correct that later.”
Giving 100% throughout the course
For cadets hoping to follow in her footsteps, Cadet CSM Deville’s advice is to make the most of every opportunity, volunteer for responsibilities and continue putting in the effort.
She said: “Put in 100% throughout. The adult staff will notice it, even if you feel like they’re not noticing, they definitely notice it.”
She also encouraged cadets to volunteer for roles within their sections, give everything their best effort and, importantly, enjoy the experience and make new friends.
Memorable moments at CTC Frimley Park
Despite the demanding nature of the week, there were plenty of highlights.
Among Cadet CSM Deville’s favourite moments was the obstacle course, where her section came out on top. She also picked out the vehicle checkpoint activity as another memorable part of the course.
Asked what she would add to future Master Cadet courses, Cadet CSM Deville suggested more leadership challenges outside of fieldcraft, such as command tasks that require cadets to think through problems and develop solutions as a team.
She felt this could give cadets who are less confident leading during fieldcraft another opportunity to demonstrate and develop their leadership skills.
Looking towards the future
Becoming top student is not the end of Cadet CSM Deville’s ambitions.
Her next goal is to work towards becoming Regimental Sergeant Major (RSM) within her county. Beyond the Army Cadets, she is also considering an Army Officer bursary, potentially studying physiotherapy before pursuing a career as an Army officer and attending the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst.
With Master Cadet Course 26/04 now complete, Cadet CSM Deville leaves CTC Frimley Park with greater confidence in her leadership abilities, new friendships and the achievement of being named the course’s top student.