Seventeen Cadets. Seventeen Passes. One Very Hot Day
There are easier places to spend a warm July Saturday than standing on a rifle range. Shade is limited. The sun has little sympathy. Concentration matters. Precision matters even more.
For seventeen cadets from the Royal County of Berkshire Army Cadet Force, none of that became an excuse.
On 4 July, every one of them successfully completed the 3-Star Shooting Assessment, achieving an outstanding 100% pass rate.
Accuracy Under Pressure
The assessment followed the AC71101 syllabus, requiring cadets to demonstrate the higher levels of marksmanship, weapon handling and range discipline expected at 3-Star standard.
The soaring temperatures made the day physically demanding. Despite the heat, cadets remained focused throughout every serial. Instructors and Cadet Force Adult Volunteers (CFAVs) kept spirits high, creating an atmosphere that balanced professionalism with plenty of encouragement.
The result spoke for itself.
Seventeen cadets stepped onto the range.
Seventeen cadets earned their qualification.
A Memorable Presentation
The day also included a special moment away from the firing point.
The Deputy Commandant, Lieutenant Colonel Warren, took the opportunity to formally present Lieutenant Knott with his commissioning certificate, marking his official commissioning as an officer.
Receiving the certificate in front of fellow volunteers and cadets made the occasion especially meaningful and recognised the commitment required to reach this milestone.
Recognition for Everyone Involved
Speaking after the assessment, Lieutenant Colonel Warren said:
To see all seventeen cadets pass their 3-Star assessment in such challenging heat is a real credit to their hard work and to the instructors who prepared them
It was also a special moment to be able to present Lieutenant Knott with his commissioning certificate on the same day — a fitting way to mark his role within the organisation. Well done to everyone involved.
Building Skills for the Future
The 3-Star qualification represents an important stage in a cadet’s shooting journey. It develops the skills learned at 1- and 2-Star level and prepares cadets for more advanced marksmanship training and future competition shooting.
Behind every successful assessment stands a team of dedicated volunteers. The County Shooting Officer, Major Harris, thanked the CFAV team for delivering the training, with particular recognition for Captain Fitzgibbon, whose work helped prepare the cadets for success.
Congratulations go to all seventeen cadets on an exceptional achievement, and to Lieutenant Knott on his commissioning.
With determination, teamwork and a little resilience in the summer heat, it proved to be a day worth aiming for.
If this has sparked your interest in what the Army Cadet Force has to offer, we’d love to welcome you along to your local detachment to see it for yourself. Visit Royal County of Berkshire | Army Cadets UK
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