Somerset Annual Camp 2026

Somerset Army Cadet Force (ACF) recently concluded a successful Annual Camp at Castlemartin Ranges, running from 22 to 29 August. The intensive week-long camp brought together cadets and adult volunteers from across the county for a dynamic training programme designed to build practical skills, foster teamwork and develop leadership.

Throughout the week, Companies followed a structured training programme covering elements of the Army Cadet Syllabus. Fieldcraft exercises challenged cadets to demonstrate tactical awareness and self-reliance in some challenging conditions. Cadets also tackled rock climbing to build physical resilience, refined their teamwork on the parade square through drill and turnout and expanded their military knowledge. These training provided opportunities for cadets to be tested on their respective star levels, culminating in a significant number of successful passes awarded across all cadres.

Towards the end of the camp, the Battalion gathered for the Commandant’s Final Parade, celebrating outstanding unit and individual accomplishments. Gibraltar Company earned top honors by taking home the prestigious Lucas Tooth Shield for Best Company, while Bishops Hull Detachment of Jellalabad Company was named Best Detachment. In addition, numerous cadets were recognized for their dedication through promotions, Ten Tors Awards, Core Values Awards and Commandant’s Commendations.

The week concluded on a poignant note as Somerset ACF formally bid farewell to retiring Assistant Commandant, Major Andy Trunks. To commemorate his decades of dedicated leadership and exceptional service to the cadet force, Major Trunks was presented with the unit’s first-ever Commandant’s Coin, marking a historic moment of recognition within Somerset ACF.