Congratulations to our new Cadet RSM

Danum Road, the home of our corps of drums, recently played host to a group of distinguished guests.

The Deputy Commandant; Lieutenant Colonel Mike Smith, C Company Commander; Major Erica McCabe, the Regimental Sergeant Major; Rob Kirk, and C Company Company Sergeant Major; Mark Yeardley all arrived in a surprise visit.

The purpose of such a group of visitors was revealed on final parade when a promotion was made, and it was a very important one; County Cadet Drum Major Rhys Phillips was promoted to the rank of Cadet Regimental Sergeant Major.

Cadet Regimental Sergeant Major (RSM) is the highest rank achievable by a cadet and there is only one in each county. As county Cadet RSM he is now the most senior cadet. He will lead the county on parades and act as a key individual in the county, providing insight into the cadet experience to the Commandant and accompanying him at formal events.

This particular promotion is even more unique as it is the first time a cadet who also holds the appointment of Cadet County Drum Major has been promoted to Cadet RSM. A high achievement indeed as he has now reached the pinnacle in both music and the military side of cadets.

As County Cadet Drum Major he leads the Band and Corps of Drums on musical engagements. The Band, based in hull and the Corps of Drums in Doncaster provide musical instruments and tuition (at no cost to the cadets and Adult Volunteers) alongside a core of Army Cadet Syllabus training. Cadets can choose to pursue a mainly musical route or also complete the military training and like cadet RSM Phillips participate in the "green" side as well.

Major Erica McCabe; OC C Company said "RSM Phillips embodies everything it means to be a leader as well as a role model for all of our cadets. Nothing phases him and has a can-do will-do attitude that we tend to only see in our CFAVs so to see that level of maturity and problem-solving ability in a cadet is just incredible. Rhys' talent in music is a credit to the county coupled with his "green" ability it is only something you can only wish for. As a company, we are all so very proud of everything he has achieved and his now having this opportunity at a county level is wonderful."

Col Owen; Commandant said: "It was an absolute delight to be able to recognise Rhys' effort and commitment with this appointment. The role of Cadet Regimental Sergeant Major is a great responsibility and honour. This is the first time as a county we have had a Drum Major also achieve this accolade, I am sure RSM Phillips will be up to the challenge"