Cadet CSM McCartney wins CVQO Award

The CVQO Westminster Award is an annual competition designed to recognise and reward the most deserving of cadets and other members of uniformed organisations. Cadet Company Sergeant Major Ben McCartney was the only finalist from the North East and won the Lord Lingfield Medal.

Cadet CSM McCartney wins CVQO Award

20 December 2022

  • Durham ACF

Each year CVQO invite cadet and youth group leaders to come forward and nominate a brilliant young person for something they’ve achieved.

Ben beat off competition form a variety of young people who are achievers in their own right. Ben, a member of the Hebburn Detachment of Durham Army Cadet Force, competed against 86,000 cadets from all cadet organisations, 4500 Applications to second stage, 40 young people were invited to selection, and 15 cadets to Cornwall and Westminster!

Ben won Lord Lingfield Medal and overall second place. Many overcame a personal challenge, helped a family member or friend in need, undertaken some amazing community and charity work or are simply an all-round terrific character.

Ben is a good team worker and has gained a sound knowledge and understanding of team dynamics by working as an integral member of the team.

Ben received introductory training in planning and organising himself and others in a logical manner. This has been demonstrated by his use of the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award for his own personal development.

Ben is always smartly turned out. He assists new recruits in improving their conduct and appearance. This improved confidence and self-esteem by learning how to look after and maintain personal equipment and by taking a pride in his personal appearance and the cadets he commands, he has enriched the morale in the detachment.

Through Cadet and the Community he has developed an awareness of community engagement and social responsibility by participating in local community events, such as Armed Services Day, fundraising activities through bag packs, Poppy selling and marathon runs. Also participating in civic parades, such as Armistice and Remembrance Day ceremonies.

Cadet CSM Ben McCartney and ex-cadet Fusilier Aaron Robertson-McDowell put in a tremendous effort during the COVID outbreak of running 48 miles in 48 hours, raising £1140 for Help the Heroes and the mental health charity Papyrus (reducing Youth Suicide).

“CVQO offer cadets the opportunity to gain a BTEC Level 2 in Team Work and Personal Development which is relatively easy to get as you get credit for all the work I have done in the Army Cadets. At the selection weekend I did lots of command tasks and the opportunity to gain management and leadership Award. I have had some great opportunities in the Army Cadet Force for fun, friendship, achievement and adventure. It has helped me build up my experience skills and qualifications and will help me in my aim of getting a job with the Police or Royal Marines”.

Cadet CSM Ben McCartney
  • 221125 CVQO WA 101 Low Res
  • 221125 CVQO WA 400 Low Res
  • 221125 CVQO WA 463 Low Res
  • 221125 CVQO WA 478 Low Res
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“It was an absolute privilege to accompany Ben and Nigel to London for this awards ceremony, we are very proud of all the achievements and adventures Ben has had in his cadet career but this was the crowning moment for us and we will never forget it. We cannot recommend Durham ACF enough, both our children have thrived during their time with the army cadets and they have learned skills that have moulded them into all round amazing young adults."

Parents Mark and Judy

“Company Sgt Major Ben McCartney is an excellent Cadet who demonstrates the ACF core values: selfless commitment, courage, discipline, integrity, loyalty and respect for others. Through the ACF, developed the skills to help supervise junior cadets.”

Major Nigel Metcalf, Officer Commanding A Company