Cdt Sgt Mulcaire Named Top Student on Master Cadet Course 26/03
Cdt Sgt Mulcaire from Caterham School CCF (Army section) has been named Top Student on Master Cadet Course 26/03, following a challenging week of leadership training at the کیڈٹ ٹریننگ سینٹر (سی ٹی سی) فریملی پارک.
دی ماسٹر کیڈٹ Course allows experienced cadets to put their skills to the test, tackling demanding activities and unfamiliar situations while developing their confidence and leadership.
For Cdt Sgt Mulcaire, being recognised as Top Student came as a welcome surprise.
“It feels incredible. I’m very grateful that I’ve been considered for this award. My section was great and I had a really good time commanding them, so I’m happy that was recognised.”
Taking on the Master Cadet Course
Cdt Sgt Mulcaire joined the کمبائنڈ کیڈٹ فورس (CCF) in Year 9 after being drawn to the range of activities and opportunities available.
“I thought it looked like great fun. They seemed to do so much out in the field, shooting, flying with the RAF, and it seemed to offer so many opportunities. I’m really happy that I took that opportunity and did it.”
That decision eventually led her to CTC Frimley Park and one of the most demanding courses available to Army Cadets.
Ahead of the course, Cdt Sgt Mulcaire prepared through sport, walks and weighted runs. She also spent time practising navigation, which she identified as one of her weaker areas, and brushing up on her military knowledge.
Stepping outside her comfort zone
Some of the biggest tests during the week came when Cdt Sgt Mulcaire was faced with activities that were new to her.
Wood clearance was one such challenge, while a platoon attack tested her on a much larger scale than she had previously experienced.
Rather than being put off by unfamiliar situations, she found that they became some of the most valuable parts of the course.
“The platoon attack was on a scale much larger than anything I’d actually done before. It was a transferable skill, but I really enjoyed doing it, even if it was a challenge.”
One activity that particularly stood out was a vehicle checkpoint, something Cdt Sgt Mulcaire said she had never done before and had not realised cadets could experience.
She felt that putting cadets into unfamiliar situations was an effective way of testing their leadership, as it required them to respond without relying entirely on previous experience.
Finding confidence as a leader
For Cdt Sgt Mulcaire, one of the biggest developments during the course was her confidence when leading a section in the field.
She explained that before the course she could sometimes find herself questioning what action to take. Having repeated opportunities to lead throughout the week helped her trust her own judgement and become more confident when giving orders.
“I think now, because I’ve done it so many times, I sort of know, and I’m more confident in myself, so I can give those orders confidently.”
“Absolutely go for it”
Despite her success, Cdt Sgt Mulcaire admitted that she had not expected to perform as strongly as she did.
She had originally planned to complete Master Cadet at Easter, but decided to take the opportunity earlier. It was a decision that paid off.
“I didn’t think I’d be that good at it at all, but I sort of came into my own in the field and I knew more than I thought I did. It all just paid off. I had a great time.”
Her advice to other cadets thinking about taking the course is equally straightforward: “Absolutely go for it.”
Her experience showed her not only how much she had already learned through the Combined Cadet Force (CCF), but what she was capable of when allowed to put those skills into practice.
Looking towards the next challenge
Becoming a Master Cadet and earning Top Student is not the end of Cdt Sgt Mulcaire’s ambitions.
With another two years remaining in the CCF, she is already thinking about what comes next. She hopes to take part in چیمپئن کیڈٹ next summer and would also like another opportunity to participate in the Cambrian Patrol.
During the final parade, Lt Col Robert Elms, Commanding Officer of CTC Frimley Park, congratulated all those who had completed the week:
“The skills you’ve developed here this week will stand you well wherever you go in life, whether you choose to join the Armed Forces or you do something else. Leadership is leadership, and it will always work when the situation demands it. Today you have earned the title of Master Cadet. Be proud and good luck in your appointments.”
For Cdt Sgt Mulcaire, the week demonstrated just how far taking on a new challenge can lead, from arriving at Frimley Park unsure of what to expect to leaving as a Master Cadet and the Top Student of Course 26/03.
