Potential Officers Take First Step on Regional Leadership Course

Adult volunteers from across Headquarters Centre (East) Region gathered at Prince William of Gloucester Barracks in Grantham on Saturday 14 March for a dedicated Pre-Army Cadet Commissioning Board (Pre-ACCB) briefing and leadership development course.

The course brought together prospective officers from across the region’s Army Cadet Force (ACF) and Combined Cadet Force (Army) contingents, offering a comprehensive introduction to the commissioning pathway and the expectations of leadership within the Cadet Forces.

Designed to support those considering commissioning, the day provided a structured programme of briefings, discussions and practical training. The aim was to equip candidates with a clear understanding of the Army Cadet Commissioning Board (ACCB), Army Cadets Commissioning Course (ACCC), and the wider responsibilities of becoming a commissioned officer.

The programme opened with an address from Colonel Cadets for the Eastern Region, Colonel Chris Doyle ACF, who outlined the importance of leadership within the Cadet Forces and encouraged attendees to reflect on their own motivations for commissioning.

Throughout the day, candidates received expert input from the senior regional instructors and ACCB subject matter experts, including leadership sessions, detailed ACCB and ACCC briefings, and opportunities to ask questions directly to experienced personnel.

A key highlight of the course was a series of syndicate-based training exercises, where participants worked in small groups to develop leadership, communication and decision-making skills in practical scenarios. These sessions were designed to mirror the type of challenges candidates may face during formal assessment and future training. The course concluded with guidance on next steps, available support, and how candidates can best prepare for progression through the commissioning process.

Speaking about the importance of the course, Colonel Doyle said: “This course is about giving our adult volunteers the knowledge, confidence and support they need to take the next step in their journey.

“Commissioned officers play a vital role in shaping the experience of our cadets, and it is encouraging to see so many committed individuals stepping forward to develop their leadership and consider this pathway.”

Beyond the formal training delivered on the day, the course also highlighted the broader role played by Cadet Force Adult Volunteers (CFAVs) across the organisation. Volunteers are at the heart of the Army Cadets, supporting young people aged 12 to 18 through weekly training, fieldcraft, first aid, sport and adventurous activities, while acting as mentors and positive role models.

For many, volunteering offers the opportunity to develop transferable skills such as leadership, communication and teamwork, while making a meaningful difference in their local community and helping young people build confidence and resilience.

For those who choose to progress, becoming an Army Cadet Officer represents a further step in that journey. Officers take on wider leadership responsibilities, overseeing training, supporting and managing other adult volunteers, and ensuring the effective running of detachments and wider county structures.

Commissioned officers play a key role in shaping the direction of the organisation, providing leadership not only to cadets but also to the adult volunteer workforce, while continuing to develop their own skills through structured training and experience.

The Pre-ACCB briefing forms a key part of the region’s ongoing commitment to developing high-quality adult volunteers and ensuring that future officers are well-prepared to lead, inspire and support young people across the Army Cadet Force.