Meet Jim Chappell: Why Veterans Should Consider Volunteering

Jim Chappell served as an officer in the Royal Logistics Corps for just over 20 years, taking on a variety of roles including squadron command and staff work. Since leaving regular service, Jim has found a fulfilling new purpose as an adult volunteer with the Army Cadets. We sat down with Jim to hear about his experience and why he believes military veterans are ideally placed to make a real difference to young people’s lives. 

How Jim Got Involved 

Jim’s decision to volunteer with the Army Cadets wasn’t an overnight choice. Throughout his military career he had always been aware of the organisation and had done some work with cadets along the way. When the time came, the process was straightforward. 

“I basically followed the procedure, went online, clicked that I’m interested as a volunteer, and it all flowed from there,” he explains. 

Addressing the Concerns Veterans Might Have 

One of Jim’s biggest questions before getting involved was a practical one: how would someone in their 50s cope with fieldcraft and outdoor activities? It turned out his concerns were unfounded. The Army Cadets is a physically active organisation, but there is no requirement to do anything beyond your own fitness and health. 

What the Time Commitment Really Looks Like 

Volunteering is flexible, and the time you give is entirely up to you. As a company commander, Jim estimates roughly an hour a day on admin, one or two evenings a week visiting detachments and working with adult volunteers, four or five weekends a year, and one week for ਸਾਲਾਨਾ ਕੈਂਪ. It is a meaningful commitment, but one that fits around everyday life. 

The People Make It Special 

One of the things that pleasantly surprised Jim when he started was the richness of the volunteer community he joined. 

“When I started as an adult volunteer, what pleasantly surprised me was just the rich mixture of other volunteers that you become friends with,” he says. “We all muck in together, and there’s no requirement for you to have been a veteran.” 

This diversity is, in Jim’s view, one of the biggest differences between the regular forces and the cadet forces, and one of its greatest strengths. 

How Military Experience Translates 

Jim found that skills he had not used for 15 to 20 years came back quickly, particularly around living in the field and looking after himself and the young people in his care. More broadly, his military background gave him the ability to assess situations calmly, consider options, and not jump to the first conclusion, all qualities that have served him well in his leadership role within the cadet force. 

The Importance of Being a Role Model 

Veterans bring something distinctive to the organisation. Many cadets have aspirations to join the regular forces, the reserves, or other service organisations such as the emergency services, and they look to experienced volunteers as role models. 

“You will be amazed at how many of the cadets will aspire to be a little bit like you as an adult volunteer from the military,” Jim says. The qualities veterans model, such as self-discipline, looking after yourself, and looking the part, resonate deeply with young people. 

The Benefits Go Both Ways 

Volunteering has not just benefited the young people Jim works with. He reflects that being an adult volunteer for around half of his time in the civilian workplace has enriched his personal skills, helped him connect with people from different backgrounds, and given him a better understanding of what drives and motivates others. Those lessons have carried through into his professional life too. 

Jim’s Message to Veterans 

Jim’s advice to any veteran thinking about joining the Army Cadets as a volunteer is simple and heartfelt. “It’s an opportunity to give back what you have received from society as a whole. It’s an opportunity to act as a role model for youngsters.” He also wants veterans to know they do not need to throw themselves into every activity from day one. “Say what you can do and do that, and enjoy it.” 

Ready to Give Something Back? 

If Jim’s story has inspired you, why not take that first step today? Volunteering with the Army Cadets is a rewarding way to use the skills and experience you have built during your service, while making a genuine difference to young people’s lives. 

Watch Jim’s testimonial below