THE Holsworthy detachment of the Army Cadet Force (ACF) held a successful open evening last Thursday, with lots of fun activities for prospective new ‘recruits’ to try.

The evening kicked off with the cadets demonstrating ‘drill’ and receiving an inspection, to ensure every member’s uniform was spick and span and up to the usual standards — demonstrating to the recruits what would be expected of them.

They then split off into two groups, with a mix of cadets and prospective recruits in each. Half were thrown in at the deep end and were taken through drill by Cpl Kieran Fraser.

Overseeing proceedings, detachment commander 2Lt Jim Harvey explained that drill teaches cadets to be ‘alert and obedient’, which are skills necessary for later life.

He said the purpose of drill wasn’t for them to just become ‘mindless drones’ but that it helped create a basis for teamwork as they moved as a group not an individual.

Although some of the prospective recruits struggled at first the cadets soon rallied round to support them and helped guide them through executing the perfect ‘left turn’.

Giving the inexperienced potential members some extra encouragement, Cpl Fraser was heard to say: “Don’t worry, we are all still learning, we are never perfect.”

At another station, the group got hands on experience with ‘cam cream’, used in the field for the purposes of camoflauge.

The senior cadets had set up the station, with three members having already done their cam cream in various different ‘styles’ to work as examples. Two showed what ‘not to do’, while the other could barely be seen as he had excelled in creating the perfect camoflauge.

The recruits were then able to try it out for themselves, ably instructed by cadets.

Each group was given twenty minutes per station, allowing them enough time to get to grips with just one of the many aspects of cadet life.

During a short break, for snacks and refreshments, the prospective recruits were able to find out more about the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, and how a number of activities carried out during their time with the ACF could be put towards it, as well as more information about the numerous sports event and camps the ACF holds.

After the break the recruits got stuck in once again with the final hands on activities the senior cadets and adult team had organised for them.

A first aid station saw cadet Tim Cottier excellently playing the role of ‘the casualty’ as the recruits were walked through how to treat his injury. His prosthetic hand and forearm were ‘badly wounded’ and Sgt Ella Hughes ably took the group step by step through the basics of first aid.

There were also a number of resuscitation exercises using training manikins for the recruits to test their compression skills on.

Radio training kept the groups occupied and interested as they got to learn correct ‘coms’. Many of the prospective recruits were also delighted when they were given the chance to see some of the weapons used by cadets and even hold some of the lower grade guns — unloaded.

But possibly the most anticipated activity was saved for last. The recruits regrouped and with wide eyes were led outside to a fully laden table of ‘treats’ — otherwise know as ration packs. The army field rations were available for all to taste and see exactly what would be provided during events such as army cadet camp. The prospective members were impressed to find out there is a vast range of meals available, including spicy curry, chocolate brownie and even a hot chocolate drink — with vegetarian options also available. Each grabbed a fork and eagerly dived in, impressed by the surprisingly tasty packet food.

With the evening drawing to a close the prospective new cadets seemed impressed by what they had seen and even though many of the training exercises required concentration and professionalism, everyone agreed it was still important to have fun — which was clearly had by all.

The Holsworthy detachment of the ACF was not only delighted to welcome the prospective recruits but two former members also joined the evening to help out and share their own experiences.

Former Cpl Emma Whittle, said she was in the process of filling out the forms to enable her to return as an adult. Explaining why, she said: “It was actually my friends that persuaded me into coming along in the first place. I was an inherently shy person but my friends basically came to my house, knocked on the door and dragged me along, and you know what, I’m glad they did, I never looked back!

“I was so nervous at first, like many are, but you get four weeks to try it out. After that I was given the paperwork and I filled it out on the spot, I just knew, and have been hooked ever since. You come back to events like this just to help out because you want to. It has helped me so much confidence-wise and I hope to continue now to help many others gain that confidence!”

Also considering rejoining was former Sjt Summer. She told the Post that people want to join ‘because it is run so much like a family’, she said: “You want to come back just to see your friends and support the new ones joining.

“I initially joined because I wanted to gain confidence, new friends and get the opportunity to travel. It’s a great way to do all those things. You see people change throughout their time at the army cadets, growing and becoming more confident. It is also a great way to build strong bonds with new people and there are a number of great trips abroad, like Belgium, Poland, Canada etc.”

A number of the prospective new cadets were in awe of the range of activities and opportunities that would be available to them if they joined the ACF — a positive for detachment commander 2Lt Harvey as it looks like a few new and returning members might be on the cards.

Speaking about the event, 2Lt Harvey said: “Our recent open evening was very well supported with a dozen local young people and parents coming along to find out more about what the Army Cadet Force in Holsworthy has to offer.

“Open nights like this are a really important recruiting tool and along with our four week free trial give young people an opportunity to sample cadet life before joining — which I am pleased to say the majority do.

“The senior cadets and adult team worked hard to make this event run smoothly and all guests were given a warm welcome by the cadets. I would like to thank everyone who provided opportunities to promote our recruitment effort especially the staff at Holsworthy Community College and the Post.”

Holsworthy ACF is still recruiting, for more information call 2Lt Harvey on 07812495229 or search ‘Holsworthy ACF’ on Facebook.