By Lt Pete Jackson, No 3 (Somme) Company
Between the 20th and 24th February 2023 Greater Manchester Army Cadets cemented their alliance with the Gibraltar Cadet Force. 28 cadets and supporting staff under the leadership of Major D Collado from Gibraltar Army Cadets, conducted training at Holcombe Moor Cadet Training Centre. This was their first visit since 2016 with other visits scuppered by the global pandemic. As a result of that visit a formal alliance was created, signed off by the Lord Lieutenant of Greater Manchester and the Governor of Gibraltar.
18 cadets from Greater Manchester ACF supported by their own staff were embedded into the Gibraltar contingent and joint training covering navigation skills, drill and fieldcraft, culminating in a blank firing exercise took place. The cadets from both sides bonded well with friendships being formed during training and during their down time playing Jenga, twister and sharing the sweets from the NAAFI.
The friendly impression made by the Gibraltar Cadets was obvious and as their coach left Holcombe Moor the roadway was lined by Greater Manchester Army Cadets waving and wishing them Bon Voyage.
Greater Manchester cadets are now eagerly awaiting the opportunity to attend the return visit to Gibraltar in February 2024.
It is planned that visits from Gibraltar Cadets and Greater Manchester Army Cadets will take place each year with Gibraltar Cadet Force visiting again in 2025.
The alliance appears strong and healthy. Let us hope it continues for many years, enriching the lives of cadets from both Cadet Forces.
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