Cambridgeshire ACF has appointed two Cadet Regimental Sergeant Majors- the first time two CRSMs have served simultaneously. Jack Badcock, from 2 Coy, and Charlie Rice from 1 Coy, were both such fantastic candidates that the interview board recognised that they would both bring different qualities to the role.
Cadet RSM Rice (left) and Cadet RSM Badcock.
Cadet RSM is the highest rank a cadet can attain before becoming an Under Officer, and is achieved only by those who demonstrate the highest standards of commitment, integrity and knowledge. Cadet RSMs have a significant leadership role for all the cadets, and they are the conduit between the cadets and the County HQ. They will work closely with the adult RSM and County HQ to ensure that the vision and direction of the county is consistent with the needs of the cadets. They will act as important role models, visiting detachments across the county and helping to mentor and support others in the development of their cadet careers. Additionally, they will represent Cambs ACF at events and act as ambassadors for our organisation.
The candidates were selected at an interview board on the 19th of July, which comprised of Major Deacon, Major Grogan, Major Seaman and RSM Hockey.
Cadet RSM Charlie Rice joined the ACF in 2016, at Whittlesey Detachment. He quickly showed himself to be an exceptional cadet, helping others, completing many qualifications, and taking part in competitions including representing the county with Clay Pigeon Shooting. His extraordinary fundraising for 1 Coy resulted in him being awarded the Commandant’s Coin in 2019. In 2020 he became a Lord Lieutenant’s Cadet and he was recently awarded the status of Master Cadet and became Company Sergeant Major for 1 Coy.
Charlie Rice being appointed Cadet CSM for 1 Company, by OC Captain Stewart.
Cadet RSM Charlie Rice said: ‘I applied to become RSM because It’s the position all cadets aim for, and it’s the one thing I have wanted to do for 5 years, and achieving it is the highlight of my career. The interview was comprised of a wide range of questions to test the individual from ‘tell me a bit about yourself’ to your leadership styles, and then there was a bit about Values and Standards which to me are paramount. Now I have been appointed as an RSM, I want to help better the new cadet syllabus as well as help recruit as many cadets as possible to make the county come back bigger and better from before lockdown.’
Jack Badcock with HM Lord Lieutenant Julie Spence OBE QPM. Picture: Rachel Badcock.
Cadet RSM Jack Badcock also joined the ACF in 2016, parading at St Ives Detachment. He has completed many qualifications, including Duke of Edinburgh’s Awards, BTECs and CVQOs and taken a leading roll is sports competitions, including being part of our extraordinary winning football team in 2019. Like CRSM Rice, he has been awarded the status of Master Cadet and served as a Lord Lieutenant’s Cadet, and has additionally represented Cambs ACF as a standard bearer with the Royal British Legion.
Cadet RSM Badcock said his application: ‘seemed like the next natural step in my cadet career, and it’s a post where I can help others even more than before. I’m obviously excited for the position and can’t wait to get started over the annual camp week.’
Deputy Commandant Major Deacon said: ‘We appointed two candidates because both of them demonstrated outstanding qualities and showed they had the ability and competence to do the role, and for me it's important that cadets should achieve their potential.’
Text by PI Doug Stuart
