剑桥郡学员在弗林利公园举办的学员大师课程中拔得头筹

The Army Cadets recently celebrated the achievements of Cadet Sergeant Major Owusu from 剑桥郡 ACF, who was awarded the title of Top Student on the 士官生 Course 25/04. The course took place at the 弗林利公园学员培训中心, and brought together some of the most dedicated and skilled cadets from across the country. We sat down with him to hear his thoughts on winning, his preparation, and his advice for future cadets.

The Master Cadet Course is the pinnacle of a cadet’s training within the Army Cadet syllabus. It tests participants on advanced fieldcraft, leadership, navigation, and military skills under challenging conditions. Only the most committed cadets are selected to attend, and completing the course marks a significant milestone in a young person’s cadet career.

Q: First of all, congratulations on being the top student. How does it feel to have won this prestigious title?

A: Thank you. It feels really good, and it gives me a lot of joy because of all the hard work I’ve put in. It 的确 shows that no matter where you’re from, if you put in the work, you get results.

Q: How did you prepare physically and mentally for the course?

A: Physically, I’d been on Cadet Cambrian Patrol beforehand, which made me realise just how much work you need to put in. That gave me the shock — and motivation — to get fit for Master Cadet.

Mentally, I focused on revising all my subjects, because I knew I’d be tested on them. That preparation 的确 paid off!

Q: What skills did you develop or improve the most during the competition?

A: Definitely fieldcraft. My understanding of it grew massively — there’s so much to consider, and you have to be ready to adapt because things can change instantly. Being proactive on the ground became second nature.

Q: What advice would you give to future cadets who aim to become top student?

A: Commitment is the biggest thing. If you skip detachment nights or CCF nights, you won’t get where you want to be. I always turned up, even to events where I wasn’t required, just to be present and show my commitment. That consistency really leads to success.

Q: When do you age out, and what are your plans afterwards?

A: I age out in July. My plan is to join the infantry in the Army, either the Royal Anglians or Coldstream Guards. I want to put in the same effort there as I did during Master Cadet.

Q: Has this experience influenced your future goals?

A: Yes — especially my interest in fieldcraft and military tactics. It’s confirmed that I want to join the infantry and pursue a career in the Army.

Q: Would you recommend cadets to young people thinking about joining?

A: Absolutely. I’ve had a great experience, and I’d encourage anyone eligible to join. When I have children, I’ll give them the opportunity to try it too. The skills, experiences, and friendships you gain are things you can carry with you for life.

From dedicated preparation to excelling in fieldcraft, Cdt Sgt Maj Owusu has proven that commitment, resilience, and focus can lead to exceptional results — both in cadets and in life. His journey through the Master Cadet Course at Frimley Park is an inspiring example for all young people considering the Army Cadets.