Champion Cadet is the Army Cadets’ most prestigious competition. Only the best Cadet RSMs are invited to National Cadet Training Centre at Frimley Park to compete, having excelled on the Master Cadet Course. The year’s Captain General’s Cup, which is awarded to the best Combined Cadet Force (CCF) cadet of the week, was presented to Cadet RSM Rivanenok from Sutton Valance CCF in Kent. Here he reports on his experience.
“Champion Cadet is a uniquely challenging course, testing you both mentally and physically. It demands total commitment and concentration, requiring you to constantly think on your feet and plan your next move to succeed.
“Upon arrival, I was given a bib with a number and colour, marking the start of the competition. From that moment, everything I did was under scrutiny by the instructors. The first activities were drill and first aid. Unfortunately, these didn’t go as well as I’d hoped, but the competition was far from over. That evening, we each gave a presentation on ‘How the Cadet Forces benefited you as an individual,’ followed by admin time in preparation for a very arduous day two.
“The second day began on the ranges. Between shoots, we had just forty-five seconds to sprint to the next firing point. Shooting well required a solid understanding of marksmanship principles and a high level of physical fitness, as firing while out of breath is truly challenging.
“The afternoon and evening were dedicated to navigation. It started with orienteering across a large, wooded area, running between checkpoints. After a quick dinner, we set out on night navigation, which was the real test of our navigational skills and determination. Looking back, this was the most challenging day of the entire competition due to the long hours and physical demands.
“The third day focused on fieldcraft. We participated in a stalk, observation post, orders presentation, and taught a fieldcraft lesson. These were the areas I felt most confident in, and I believe this is where I earned the most points in the competition.
“I would encourage every cadet to aim for this competition. Champion Cadet not only tests fundamental cadet skills and drills but also challenges you to lead, think, and perform under pressure, embodying the attitudes and values that the CCF instils.
“It was an honour to be selected as the CCF’s Champion Cadet at the competition’s conclusion.”
CCF units in schools give young people the life skills and self-confidence to take charge of their lives so they can reach their full potential at school and beyond, including in employment. Each CCF is formed of sections from one or more of the Royal Navy/Royal Marines, Army or the Royal Air Force.
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