Major Andy Pilling, Company Commander, No 3 (Somme) Company
After so long away from face-to-face training it was a tremendous experience to see cadets from No 3 (Somme) Company, not just back to face-to-face training, but experiencing new things some have never done. Shown in the Values and Standards they have in many ways. The courage they showed abseiling down a rock face to learning to ride a bike for the first time. The selfless commitment in working together as a team to make the camp one for all to remember with joy and pride.
The best part of a Company Commanders role is seeing the cadets enjoy themselves, enjoying the challenge and beating their hesitancy and fears. Seeing them achieve and experience things they would never do outside the ACF. This achievement in going from Cadet to their first rank as a Cadet Lance Corporal, as 2 cadets who were promoted on the camp. Seeing their joy at being awarded their new rank slide, a reward for their hard work and them taking another step in their personal cadet experience. What will stay with me is the pride of a young man who has achieved the ultimate cadet achievement in his cadet experience. Receiving his Master Cadet Certificate, the highest award in Cadet Training and seeing the shock and surprise as the Commandant, Colonel Catherine Harrison promoted him to Cadet Regimental Sergeant Major of Greater Manchester ACF. A moment he will never forget.
As a new Officer Commanding a Company, the first-time meeting many of the cadets I am left, now camp is over, with nothing but a great respect for all the cadets and all the staff who made Annual Camp such a memorable camp after the experiences of lockdown.
