Army Cadets Offers Many Benefits Says Local Commander

“There will be an Open Night xa0held at HQ at 35 Manse Road, Carryduff on Wednesday 14th September between 6.00pm and 10.00pm. xa0On the night there will be displays of some of the activities that the cadets can offer and we will have our shooting range and mobile climbing tower open for anyone who wishes to have a go on them.

“> “Altogether there are xa0120 cadets and 25 instructors in our group and we are part of 2nd Battalion. There are another four battalions covering Down and Armagh. For those over 18 who wish to join they can enter as Cadet Force Volunteers. For this no experience is required xa0and training courses are provided. “Overall, the Cadets provides a very useful grounding for any person wanting to get on in life. It teaches them leadership, responsibility, constantly building up their confidence and self-esteem. It can certainly help vocational development later on in life and it also provides a physical fitness regime to get them fit an healthy. There is strong emphasis on enjoyment and activities and the events are often quite social in nature. xa0There is also adventure training which is something they all look forward to. They are certainly challenged by activities in the outdoors.” Gareth explained that the commitment meant attending one evening a week with a full weekend every two months. There is also an annual two week session in England involving more adventure training, kayaking, mountain biking, and other challenging and character-building activities. He added, “They can also study for some exams such as the Duke of Edinburgh Awards from Bronze to Gold and a BTEC in Public Services equivalent to four GSCE’s. There will be an open day at Ballynahinch High School on the 17th September and here we are trying to rebuild the group that was attached to the school. There is an active group based at Down High School, and across our area there are detachments in places such as Banbridge, Ballykinlar and Carryduff. For further information contact 02890 815223 or visit www.armycadets.com ]]>