The Master Cadet Course is the pinnacle of a cadet’s career and there are only a few very limited amount of spaces on the course each year. To attend, the cadets must have completed Fieldcraft as a progressive subject for their 4 Star, be 16 years of age and have the minimum rank of a Sgt. The course aims to broaden and develop further the leadership, instructional and administrative responsibilities of our 4 Star Cadets. This is done over a week and the cadets are challenged both physically and mentally.
Ssgt Isabella Griffiths (17) from Okehampton Detachment explains “During the Master Cadet course we were pushed to our limits both mentally and physically. This was an assessment cadre and we were expected to give 110% throughout. The three-night exercise tested our leadership, camaraderie, mental resilience, physicality and tactical awareness. The casualty evacuations were high-stress situations requiring strength and teamwork. When you combine casualty evacuations, with a staged vehicle collision, injured people, and dummies, all whilst taking on enemy fire it feels very realistic. We were not only assessed on how we performed in leadership positions or as part of the section but we were also assessed on our subject knowledge and how we adapted the basic 6-section battle drills to fit the different objectives and circumstances we faced. The final attack as a platoon allowed everyone to suppress and assault the enemy whilst overcoming challenging developments.”
She continues “Overall, the sense of achievement on completing the course is fantastic, the directing staff push you to go beyond what you think you can achieve, and I am grateful for the opportunity and experience. The sense of pride felt by all during our final parade was palpable and something I will never forget.”
Fellow course attendee CSM Mia Andrews (16) from Torrington Detachment said “I made loads of friends from all over the UK and the instructors were really helpful. I feel so much more prepared for taking on leadership roles in the field, as well as working within a team. One of the highlights for me was being around cadets who were at a similar level to me, and who had similar amounts of knowledge and cadet experience. Their strengths enabled us all to learn from each other. Above all else, it was lots of fun”
The Army Cadets gives young people, from all walks of life, access to fun, friendship, action and adventure. We challenge young people, to learn more, do more and try more. We inspire them to aim high and go further in life, no matter what they aim to do.
Could you help train our cadets? Either as a Cadet Force Adult Volunteer or a non-uniformed volunteer. Find out more here
