Army Cadet Force needs YOU in Badenoch and Strathspey
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Aviemore Army Cadet Force is in a tight spot.
It is all a question of numbers, the Strathy has been told.
“We are desperately seeking adult volunteers to keep our detachment open,” said Captain Debra Ennis, the commanding officer.
Speaking from her base at Inverness, she regretted: “We unfortunately will be losing Sergeant Instructor (Keeley) Emery this week as she moves lock, stock and barrel to Skye. We wish her all the very best to her and her future endeavours.
“This, however, means that 2Lt (Tim) Fraser is left single-handed at the detachment. For safety reasons, we are unable to open detachments with only one cadet force adult volunteer (CFAV). I am asking if anyone would consider joining the Army Cadets to keep Aviemore open?”
There are currently 42 army cadets which is why the recruiting of more leaders is so pressing.
There are three types of volunteers in the ACF. They all go through a vetting process which involves some online learning that is mandatory.
Becoming an adult instructor such as 2Lt Fraser would involve teaching the syllabus but a uniformed volunteer would turn up in uniform for parade nights but do no teaching.
“They are a second safe person,” explained Captain Ennis. “CFAV attend, when free, weekends and annual camp and are considered a ‘safe adult’ that would be there for welfare for cadets.
“They help run the NAAFI and attend events such as Remembrance Parades to ensure that the event can go ahead.
“CFAV are paid an allowance for being away at weekends and at annual camp – but are not obliged to attend.
Meanwhile a non-uniformed volunteer attends in civilian clothing and is there to ensure detachments are able to open as a ‘safe person’. They can also run the NAAFI and help with paperwork.
The commanding officer stressed: “Without support we are going to struggle to keep Aviemore open. If we manage to recruit a 2nd CFAV, we would still need another volunteer to attend to cover for sickness and holidays and so on.
“They would still be pivotal in keeping the detachment open. I am happy to have a phone conversation with anyone interested in supporting Aviemore.”
The Army Cadets have been active locally for 13 years, and their own Cadet Training Centre opened on Dalfaber Drive in 2015.
Designed to provide a training base for local army, navy and air force cadets aged 13 to 18 years, the bespoke facility replaced rented premises.
It was commissioned by the Highland Reserve Forces and Cadets Association, which provides training accommodation for reserves for the Army, Royal Navy, Royal Air Force, Army Cadet Forces and the Air Training Corps.
Any willing volunteers are asked to make contact by attending the Aviemore cadets base on a Monday night.
