Signals, Cyber and Skills: The CIS Competition 2026

Army Cadets from across the country came together for a flagship Communications and Information Systems (CIS) competition, putting cadets through their paces across a range of technical, practical and cyber challenges. The event showcased the very best of CIS training while providing a unique opportunity for cadets to engage with cutting-edge technology and industry partners. 

A Day of Challenges Across Six Stands 

Cadets rotated through six demanding stands throughout the day, each designed to test a different aspect of CIS knowledge and skill. 

The day opened with a Codebreaking stand, where teams tackled a BATCO-based escape room style challenge against the clock, demanding sharp thinking and clear communication under pressure. This was followed by a Voice Procedure stand, which put cadets through a practical, mission-style exercise testing the accuracy and skill required to pass messages effectively across a combat net. 

At the Communications Centre, cadets took part in a field-based information gathering and tactical exercise, combining voice and data communications with map marking skills. The Radio stand gave competitors hands-on experience with PRC 715 VHF platoon level radios, including the erection of 5.4m masts and antenna configurations. 

The Cyber stand offered a Capture the Flag exercise that introduced cadets to the fundamentals of cybersecurity in a competitive, engaging format. Fieldcraft and Communications brought together industry virtual reality technology to present a tactical and fieldcraft scenario, directly linking to the aims of the Strategic Defence Review around Future Technology and engagement with industry. 

Rounding out the stands was Radio Future Technology, where cadets explored the future of internet-linkable HF radio and took part in improvised antenna design, with direct engagement from industry representatives. This stand also served as a breakout area throughout the day, giving cadets and CFAVs the chance to reflect on their experiences and discuss the relevance of CIS, Cyber and STEM within the Army Cadets. 

Sharing Of Experiences 

Lt Col Russ Moody, Chief of Staff, Defence School of CIS said in a presentation, “It’s easy to look at some of the communications skills cadets learn and think they might be a little dated, but the reality is those core foundations are incredibly valuable. When young recruits arrive here who have previously been Army Cadets, their basic skills – things like voice procedure, radio confidence and discipline – are often far stronger than those coming straight from civilian life. The Army simply doesn’t always have the time to build those foundations from scratch. 

What cadets are learning now creates a strong core that makes a real difference if they later join the Armed Forces. And even if they don’t, those same experiences build discipline, tenacity and confidence that carry directly into civilian life.” 

Lt Col Dan Lehmann, Commanding Officer, National CIS, said, “I actually came to this camp as a cadet myself back in 1998, so it’s fantastic to see how the competition has grown since we first started it in 2008 with just ten teams. Every year it gets bigger and better, with new challenges and more opportunities for cadets to test their skills. The whole point of the weekend is to have fun, work as a team, and develop leadership in a completely different environment. It’s about giving cadets ideas and experiences they can take back to their own units, and the enthusiasm and feedback we receive each year shows just how valuable the competition has become.” 

Award Presentations 

Awards were presented by the Director of Training and Chief of Staff of the tri-service Headquarters Defence School of CIS, who was understood to have served as a cadet in the CCF(A), lending a personal resonance to the occasion. 

Winners of the Richards Trophy 

1st Team – Leicestershire Northamptonshire and Rutland ACF 

2nd Team – ACF Siorrachd Lincoln 

3rd Team – ACF Dorset 

Winners of the Howell Trophy 

1st Individual – Cdt Sgt J Smith, Lincolnshire ACF 

2nd Individual – Cdt Sgt K Walters, ACF Derbyshire (Mercian Regiment) 

3rd Individual – Cdt Sgt K Howe, 2nd (Northern Ireland) Bn ACF 

Endevour (Pugh Memorial Trophy) 

ACF Merseyside 

The competition demonstrated that the Army Cadets continue to offer young people meaningful access to technical skills, emerging technology and real-world communications training that prepares them well for future opportunities in defence and beyond.