Thirty ambitious Leading Cadets stepped up to the challenge of the Southern Area Petty Officer Cadet (POC) Board on 22 November 2025 at Farnham Sea Cadet Unit. POC is the highest rate that they can achieve in Sea Cadets. They get tested on their personal drill and drill instruction, leadership, and teaching skills as peer educators and must impress at an interview with the Board President.
Having thirty cadets was exceptional and demonstrates both the ambition of young people within the Corps and the quality of experience that inspires them to achieve their potential.
Commander (SCC) Ray Mitchell GCGI RNR, Senior Staff Officer for Southern Area Sea Cadets, acting as a Board President, said: “Despite it not being a requirement for cadets to attain the rate of Petty Officer Cadet, most aspire to become one. This is apparent due to the high uptake of places on the Board and the demand for qualification courses to enable them to progress. A high proportion of these are National Governing Body Awards which not only benefit them in the Cadets but are useful skills in their chosen careers and later life—they can make the difference when being interviewed for a job.”
Behind these achievements stand the dedicated volunteers who ran the Board and who have helped prepare cadets in their units throughout the year. The success of so many cadets in one day reflects not just their personal commitment, but the quality of mentoring and training that volunteers across the Corps provide week after week.
Cdr Mitchell added: “PO Cadets are role models for the younger cadets and give them something to aspire to. When a young cadet sees a PO Cadet with Gold Badges on their arms, it makes a real difference. PO Cadets also act as a bridge between the Junior Rates and the adult volunteers.”
Volunteers who can help develop the next generation of cadet leaders are always welcome. Anyone interested in making this kind of difference should contact their local sea cadet unit (https://www.sea-cadets.org/volunteer).
Sea Cadets is different from school. There’s a lot of learning. But it’s done through activities – on the water and off the water – and our volunteers leading by example.
It’s also different from home, a break from screens and being cooped up inside. The platform we offer is built on the customs and traditions of the Royal Navy. It inspires our work and commitment to supporting young people today.
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