Army Cadet Commandant Receives New Year’s Honour

With more than 40 years of service as an adult instructor, Colonel James Morris ACF has been awarded an OBE, the Officer of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire.

An OBE, the Officer of the Order of the British Empire, a prestigious British honour recognising significant contribution or service to the UK in the New Years Honours List 2026.

From Cadet to Commandant

Col James Morris has held every major leadership role within Sussex Army Cadet Force (ACF) — from Detachment Commander to his current appointment as Commandant. His journey represents a remarkable full‑circle story, beginning as a cadet in 1977 at 8 Platoon Crowborough and culminating in decades of exceptional volunteer leadership.

Throughout his career, Colonel Morris has consistently delivered performance of the highest standard, repeatedly going above and beyond what is expected of a volunteer. His commitment to the organisation that shaped his early life has been unwavering.

As a cadet, he excelled, achieving the appointment of Company Sergeant Major and completing the 4‑Star syllabus. Motivated by the values and opportunities the ACF had given him, he returned to Sussex ACF in 1982 after six months at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst. In a symbolic return to his roots, he assumed command of Crowborough Detachment — the very unit where he had once worn a cadet uniform — while simultaneously running Heathfield Detachment.

Over the years, Colonel Morris has held numerous key appointments, including an extraordinary 13‑year tenure as County Training Officer, during which he delivered 13 consecutive annual camps. This alone represents a significant contribution of time, leadership, and selfless service.

In 2014, he took command of B Company Sussex ACF, later becoming Deputy Commandant in 2016. In a short break from Sussex ACF, Col Morris took over as Deputy Colonel Cadets ACF within 11 Brigade (now HQSE) between November 2019 and taking up his appointment as Commandant Sussex ACF in September 2021.

This recognition is really a tribute to the incredible cadets and volunteers I have had the privilege to work alongside. Their enthusiasm, commitment, and spirit are what make Sussex ACF such an extraordinary place to serve.

Colonel James Morris

Many of Colonel Morris’ Key Achievements

His impact has extended far beyond the county: he has personally organised nine overseas cadet training exercises to Kenya, the Caribbean, Singapore, Italy, and five expeditions to Cyprus, providing life‑changing experiences to more than 500 cadets.

Under his leadership, Sussex ACF has seen steady growth in both cadet and adult volunteer numbers. Now serving as Commandant — a role he has held since 2021 — Colonel Morris commands over 1,000 cadets and 250 adult volunteers across 25 locations in East and West Sussex.

James has given so much of himself to the Army Cadet Force, always putting cadets and volunteers first. His passion for developing young people and supporting our adult staff is evident in everything he does. We are incredibly proud.

Colonel David Kenny OBE – Commander HQ South East