Surrey ACF Cadet Named Top Student on Master Cadet Course 26/05
Cadet Staff Sergeant (Cdt SSgt) Harry Pattison from Surrey Army Cadet Force (ACF) has been named Top Student on Master Cadet Course 26/05 at કેડેટ તાલીમ કેન્દ્ર (CTC) ફ્રીમલી પાર્ક, recognising his outstanding performance, leadership and determination throughout the challenging course.
આ માસ્ટર કેડેટ કોર્સ is one of the most demanding leadership courses available to senior Army Cadets, testing their ability to lead, make decisions and work effectively as part of a team.
For Cdt SSgt Pattison, receiving the Top Student award was an unforgettable moment.
“When I found out, I couldn’t really stop smiling. I marched up there trying to keep a bit of composure, but I couldn’t keep the smile off my face. I’m just happy that my effort paid off during the week.”
From Reluctant Recruit to Top Student
Cdt SSgt Pattison’s Army Cadets journey began when his older brother encouraged him to attend his local detachment. However, his enthusiasm for cadet life wasn’t immediate.
“My brother joined Cadets two years before me and managed to somehow drag me out of the house and get me down to detachment. For the first couple of months, I couldn’t have been less interested!”
Despite his initial reluctance, something eventually changed.
“After about a year or so, something clicked, and this year I’ve become absolutely attached to it, which has made me want to pursue a career in the Army.”
Since then, his dedication has led him to embrace new challenges, develop his leadership abilities, and succeed in competitive cadet activities.
Rising to the Challenge at CTC Frimley Park
The Master Cadet Course pushed Cdt SSgt Pattison both physically and mentally, with one of the biggest challenges being the demanding overnight activities.
He found the 24-hour stag duty particularly challenging, as it required him to stay focused and alert despite fatigue.
However, his previous experience competing as part of the successful Surrey ACF team in the Cadet Cambrian Patrol meant he arrived at Frimley Park with a strong foundation of physical fitness. Having helped his team secure Best Patrol, he was already accustomed to the physical demands of competitive cadet activities.
He also combined his Master Cadet preparation with training for the International Cadet Cup in Hungary, which he hopes to attend in 2027.
Developing Leadership Skills
One of the course’s most valuable aspects for Cdt SSgt Pattison was learning to lead and work alongside other experienced senior cadets.
Unlike at their home detachments, where senior cadets are accustomed to holding positions of responsibility, the Master Cadet Course brings together individuals of similar experience and rank.
“All of us here are senior cadets back in our own detachments and battalions, but at Master Cadet we’re all on an equal level until we get put in those command positions.”
He explained that the experience taught him to adapt his leadership style, confidently taking command when required while respecting others’ responsibilities.
This ability to communicate, lead and work effectively with peers was one of the key skills he developed throughout the week.
Advice for Future Master Cadets
For cadets hoping to follow in his footsteps and achieve Top Student, Cdt SSgt Pattison has a simple message: give everything your best effort.
“Just put in as much effort as you physically can. Max out on every stand. You’re not held back by anything that’s assigned to you, so it’s all up to what you do in the moment.”
He believes determination, preparation, and a positive mindset are essential to success.
“If you want to go for Top Cadet, then you can absolutely achieve it. You just need to have that vision in mind and put in as much effort as physically possible.”
A Master Cadet Moment to Remember
While being named Top Student was undoubtedly the highlight of the week, Cdt SSgt Pattison also had another unforgettable moment, although perhaps not one he’d like to repeat!
Following a particularly demanding stretcher race that turned into an obstacle course, the physical effort finally caught up with him.
“About five minutes after we ended, apparently I looked quite pale and had to walk away from the cool down to go throw up in a bush!”
It’s a moment he can laugh about now and a reminder of just how physically demanding the course can be.
Setting His Sights on a Military Career
With his Master Cadet achievement behind him, Cdt SSgt Pattison is already looking ahead to his next challenges.
He hopes to represent Surrey ACF at the International Cadet Cup in Hungary in 2027 and is currently one of six Surrey cadets competing for four available places.
He also hopes to return to the Cadet Cambrian Patrol and help Surrey secure a fourth victory, making it the first county to reach the milestone.
Beyond his time in the Army Cadets, he has already secured a scholarship for the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst and hopes to pursue a career as an Army officer.
“After I finish Cadets, I’ve secured a scholarship for Royal Military Academy Sandhurst, and I hope to go there after a gap year, hopefully spent in the reserves.”
From a reluctant young recruit to a Master Cadet Top Student with ambitions to become an Army officer, Cdt SSgt Pattison’s journey shows the opportunities available through the Army Cadets.
His achievement is a fantastic example of how determination, leadership and a willingness to embrace new challenges can help young people develop the confidence and skills to achieve their ambitions.
