Success Story - SSI Sara McCague

A’ brosnachadh an ath ghinealaich

Meet Staff Sergeant Instructor (SSI) Sara McCague, a dedicated and passionate Adult Volunteer with the Army Cadets. From her early days as a cadet in one of the first units to accept female members to her role today as an experienced instructor and role model, Sara has spent years shaping young people’s lives and fostering confidence, respect, and belonging within her unit. Her journey reflects the true spirit of the Army Cadets – one of inclusion, perseverance, and transformation.

Dè a bhrosnaich thu gus a dhol a-steach do Chaideatan an Airm mar shaor-thoileach?

A friend asked me to go along with her as a child, and I never looked back.

Dè as motha a chòrdas riut mu bhith nad phàirt de Chaideatan an Airm?

I enjoy watching young adults coming through the door and seeing them join an inclusive group that values respect, discipline and integrity. They leave as smarter, more confident adults ready to take on the world.

An urrainn dhut mionaid a cho-roinn a tha thu moiteil às no a tha thu a’ cuimhneachadh bhon ùine agad mar shaor-thoileach?

When I was a Detachment Commander, a parent came to see me to thank me for changing her son’s outlook on life. He had been at the unit for just four months and had attended his first annual camp. His mum told me that before joining, he’d started to lose focus and was heading down the wrong path—but the cadets helped turn things around.

After joining the cadets, he became polite, helped around the house, and even kept his bedroom spotless. That moment really reminded me of the difference we can make.

Ciamar a tha obair shaor-thoileach air atharrachadh no buaidh a thoirt air do bheatha?

It’s made me realise that not everyone has the love and stability they need, but the Army Cadets give them that sense of belonging and purpose. It offers young people a constructive space to connect with others, helping them stay engaged and away from negative influences.

Dè na sgilean no an misneachd a fhuair thu tron dreuchd agad?

I’ve developed skills in dealing with young people, especially those who haven’t had an easy upbringing. I’ve also grown in confidence, which has been incredibly useful in my current career.

Dè tha e a’ ciallachadh dhutsa a bhith nad neach-obrach saor-thoileach boireann?

Equality. It shows that women can be all-round instructors – taking on Sgil aig Armachd, running ranges, and holding their own in every area. When I first earned my range qualification, a range warden told me I couldn’t sign on because I was female. Thankfully, a supportive officer stepped in and made it clear that I had earned my qualification and had every right to use it. That moment showed how important it is for women to stand their ground and pave the way for others.

Dè a chanadh tu ri boireannaich eile a tha a’ smaoineachadh air a dhol a-steach?

If you have time to give and enjoy watching young people grow and learn new skills, then join the cadets! You’ll also meet like-minded adults and build lasting friendships along the way.

Dè a chumas tu air do bhrosnachadh gu bhith saor-thoileach?

Watching the transformation of a shy 12-year-old walking through the doors for the first time into a confident, qualified young adult at 18. Seeing what they achieve in those few years makes it all worthwhile.

Ciamar a chuireadh tu geàrr-chunntas air an eòlas agad mar Chaidleat Airm ann an trì faclan?

Inspiring, Educational, Adventurous