In the first of a series of interviews with our Cadet Force Adult Volunteers (CFAV) we talk with Major Clare Kirk our most recently appointed Company Commander. here is what she had to say:
When and Why did you join the ACF as a CFAV?
I joined the ACF officially per WM as of 01 January 2008. The Commandant (Colonel Fred Owen) was Officer Commanding B Coy at the time, we both worked within St John Ambulance (for me, as an adult volunteer) and was asked to support a Colts Canter event. Col Owen commandeered an ambulance via SJA and I attended as his first aid support for the event. I was then invited to his next B Company weekend at Warcop and the rest (as they say) is history!
What is your current ACF role?
Officer Commanding B Company – during my first induction weekends back in 2008 I was asked where I wanted to be within my future ACF career and I stipulated that this is the role I wanted – I have at least achieved my aims/objectives – anything else here after is a bonus.
What it the most exciting / interesting thing you have done as a CFAV?
Now this is a tricky question…..I have found that everything I have done thus far has been interesting, exciting and occasionally terrifying.
I have enjoyed all DoE related activities and training. I thoroughly enjoyed Annual Camp in Germany and commissioning down at Westbury was absolutely terrifying but provided a huge sense of achievement.
As they say, the best is yet to come – looking forward to all the opportunities the ACF has yet to offer.
What opportunities have you had as a CFAV that you would not have had outside the ACF?
I have had the opportunity to develop young people and adults. I have met lots of like minded, interesting people. I have built friendships and working relationships with people I would not have otherwise have met and I have visited places within the UK and Europe that I may not have otherwise have seen. I have developed my own self and as a consequence, my self-confidence and leadership skills have improved as a consequence.
What do you do in your civilian career?
I am a Team Leader within Hub 07 (Cardiology and Cardiothoracic Surgery) at Hull University Teaching Hospitals.
How has you experience as a CFAV helped in this role?
My experience as a CFAV has definitely improved my own leadership abilities and has help increase my self-confidence in managing people.
What do you do in your time outside of work and cadets?
Other hobbies include crafts, reading, motorcycles and socialising with friends/colleagues.
What would you say to anyone considering becoming a CFAV?
Joining the Army Cadet Force has definitely been one of the better decisions I have made within my lifetime thus far. There are opportunities for adults and cadets to develop their own self-confidence, self-discipline and social networks. You can obtain qualifications which can support your career outside of the ACF (City and Guilds, BTEC, DoE Awards etc). At times it is challenging, but is so very rewarding – there has been no better feeling than seeing a cadet complete their cadet journey having obtained life skills, enjoyed a wider cadet experience and enter the next chapters of their lives having the foundations in place for their future successes! – be a part of that journey, be a CFAV.
