Army Cadet training is helping beat boredom for local recruit

Local cadets have launched a recruitment drive designed to attract new membership to Cadet units in and around Ballymena.

Units will be extending a welcome to young people aged between 12 and 18, encouraging them to come along to their local Cadet unit for a ‘show and tell’ session that could be the start of a whole new interest.

Ballymena student Ebony Kilpatrick (17) is enthusiastic about the benefits of Cadet membership.

She says: “My cousin was in the Cadets and I heard a lot of good things about it so I decided to join. I just love the whole Cadet experience.

“I have gained so much confidence and learned how to work as part of a team which is a really valuable skill and I have met loads of new people. I now understand what is required to be a good leader. I am certainly more mature – and I reckon some of my friends from outside the Cadets could do with joining!

“The Cadets has given me great opportunities and the friends I have made in the Cadets are ones which I could really trust because of the Cadet bond.”

Colonel Paul Shepherd, Commandant 1(Northern Ireland) Battalion Army Cadet Force says: “We have some great units here in Ballymena and surrounding area with some hugely enthusiastic and high achieving Cadets, but we’re always keen to attract still more members and experience tells us that winter is a great time to be encouraging people to think about tackling something new.

“Just as things begin to seem dull and there are fewer opportunities for young people to get out and about with their friends we’re offering a great opportunity to learn new skills and enjoy a mix of socialising and adventure training.”

The Army Cadet Force is one of the longest established, largest and most successful youth organisations in the country.

While it has certainly changed with the times, that mix of challenge and friendship continues to attract. However these days Cadet membership offers wider scope than ever before and, according to Colonel Shepherd, parents and teachers are often the most enthusiastic recruiters!

He says: “Adults are quick to see the advantages of an organisation which exists to bring out the best in their teenagers and which offers an exciting, constructive and active alternative to sitting in front of the television every night or spending isolated hours at a computer screen. We all want our children to make lasting, supportive friendships and to explore new interests and take on new skills. The Cadet movement allows teenagers to do all that – and more – within a safe and welcoming environment.

“These days both parents and children are also interested in the sort of skills which will add to a CV, helping to secure a place in college or that all-important new job opportunity. The Cadets boosts self confidence and gives a young interviewee something to talk about, showcasing team and leadership skills, self discipline and motivation. Cadets also take on board practical skills in a range of subjects and many widely recognised accolades such as Duke of Edinburgh Awards and BTEC qualifications.”

If you’d like to find out when and where your local Cadet unit meets and make arrangements for an introductory visit telephone 028 9081 5221 or visit www.armycadets.com.