Award of Commander Cadets Coin to members of Cambs ACF
Annual Camp is always an opportunity to bring everyone together, make a lot of progress in training and have a lot of fun. It is also an opportunity to celebrate success and recognise achievement. The visit from Deputy Commander Cadets, Brigadier Gary McDade, provided a particular special opportunity to recognise two outstanding individuals, Cadet Sergeant Major Thomas Pope and WO2 Phil Swadling.
(Above) Cdt Sgt Major Pope is awarded the Coin by Brigadier McDade.
Cdt Sgt Major Pope joined the ACF four years ago, and has taken part in Exercise Cambrian Patrol – a demanding British Army training exercise, and multiple Annual Camps. He completed the First Aid at Work Training Course and was commended for coming to the aid of a member of the public with a head injury. His leadership skills have seen him promoted quickly, becoming a role model and mentor to others and playing a key role in planning training activities.
He was nominated to receive the Commander’s Coin by our Cadet Regimental Sergeant Major, Amelia Long. She said: “I nominated Sgt Major Pope because of his consistent commitment and the amount of work he contributes behind the scenes. He regularly goes above and beyond to support both staff and fellow cadets, particularly during annual camp, where he played a significant role in helping to run and plan the fieldcraft exercise for 2 Company. His initiative, reliability and willingness to take on responsibilities have made a genuine contribution to the success of activities, and I believe his efforts deserved to be formally recognised.”
(Above) on exercise, Thetford, 2025.
Cdt Sgt Major Pope said: “I was surprised and honoured to receive the coin, especially as I don’t believe I have done anything special. The Brigadier asked me about school, and what could be improved in the ACF. We discussed the new roles 2 Coy have created for senior cadets. My future plan is to join the Army. I’m hoping to attend Army Foundation College in Harrogate next year.”
“Combat Cadet and Cambrian taught me the importance of working as a team for a common goal. These competitions enable us to put our learnt skills into practice in a competitive and fun way. Being selected to represent the county is a unique privilege. It is an opportunity to build relationships with cadets from other companies and work alongside individuals that you don’t know so well, and learn from each other’s skill set.”
(Above) WO2 Swadling receives his award.
WO2 Phil Swadling started his uniformed service as a 16 year old soldier, Joining the Corps of Royal Engineers in 1987. He served for ten years, enjoying the camaraderie, discipline and teamwork of Army life, becoming a Combat Medic and completing various tours across the world.
Having left the Army, he joined Cambridgeshire ACF in 2014, quickly becoming Detachment Commander at Newmarket and then County Adventure Training Officer. This was followed by a highly successful period as Adult Training Sergeant Major, where his extensive knowledge and sense of humour helped inspire multiple new intakes of adult instructors. From here he became Assistant County Training Officer, and when our County Training Officer Major Chris Annis had to take a temporary leave of absence, it was necessary for WO2 Swadling to step up to the top job until Major Annis could return. County Training Officer is an incredibly important role, with considerable responsibility and the duties involve planning our central activity for the whole year- Annual Camp.
(Above) left, with colleagues on camp, Wathgill, 2026.
He was nominated for the award by our Commandant, Colonel Deacon. She said: “WO2 Swadling stepped up when needed to take on an extremely demanding role with immediate effect. Throughout the year he has supported Company Training Officers and County Staff, and his dedication and hard work not only made Annual Camp possible, but also ensured it was extremely successful.” She added: “ It simply wouldn’t have happened without him.”
WO2 Swadling said: “Receiving the Coin was a real honour, and an absolute shock! The Brigadier said I had done a fantastic job, that the camp was very well run and that all the adults and cadets on camp knew what they were doing.”
“You can achieve anything in the ACF because of the support around you, so other adult volunteers shouldn’t be afraid to take on responsibilities. I received an enormous amount of support from the top team, including Training Safety Advisor WO2 Ben Browning and Staff Officer Major Colin Wells. The whole task was made much easier by having a great team around me. We are the best youth organisation in the world, because we not only help cadets, but the adults as well. Our cadets become better citizens and better future employees, but our adults also learn new skills, grow in confidence and become inspired to inspire others.”
Text by Lt Doug Stuart.