Report: Joe Clapson
Pictures: Graeme Main

UNDER the cover of darkness a platoon section patrolled the snow-covered flat ground as they prepared to mount an assault on an unseen enemy.

Moving stealthily forwards, the unit crept to within 50 metres of the insurgents’ hideout before coming under fire.

The unwavering discipline of the camouflaged subjects was all you would expect from well-drilled troops deployed in southern Afghanistan, but this scenario was being played out far from the deserts of Helmand province.

Instead, the offensive was taking place in the much less-far-flung surroundings of Slough and the British contingent were all members of the Army Cadet Force’s (ACF) 2 Platoon, Cippenham Coldstream Guards detachment.

Soldier shadowed Sgt Jamie Cutting on the well-drilled manoeuvre to gain an insight into one of the UK’s oldest and most successful youth organisations, which is celebrating its 150th anniversary this year.

“We obviously don’t do everything that is done in the Army but the project is based on the same ideals,” said the former Coldstream Guard.

“The cadets learn discipline and skills without being put in any danger.”

The ACF gives young people unrivalled opportunities to develop themselves, learn how to work as part of a team, play sport and embark on adventurous activities.

To join, potential cadets need to be aged between 12 and 18, have a desire for excitement, a willingness to learn and be prepared to abide by the voluntary organisiation’s motto: “To inspire, to achieve.”

Prior to the field offensive, personnel of 2 Plt Cippenham were given their quick battle orders by 17-year-old LSgt Elliot Williams.

Delivered with authority, the teenager’s words – spoken in a wooden building at the edge of a school field – would not have been out of place in a briefing at a forward operating base on Op Herrick’s front lines.
“The ground out there is mainly grassy field and may be hazardous,” said the East Berkshire College A-level student.

“Enemy forces have set up an OP [observation point] on a small mound 200 metres north-west of our PB [patrol base].

“Our intelligence tells us they have small arms, their morale is high and they are likely to stand and fight.”

The precise organisation of troops, the attention to detail and even the use of military abbreviations highlighted the fact that this section had been trained to a high standard.

Sgt Cutting, a veteran of conflicts in Northern Ireland and Bosnia, explained that although the ACF is not a recruiting tool for the Army, many of its members would make good soldiers.

“I have served in the British Army and in terms of knowledge these cadets are as good as those in the Regular Army,” he said. “Obviously physically they are not conditioned like soldiers but they have a lot of military knowledge. I would say about 70 per cent of our members have intentions of joining the Army but everyone wants to learn and enjoy themselves.”

After a final check on call signs and a run-through of what procedures to follow when under fire or if a casualty is taken, the mixed male and female group set off into the dark.

On the field the platoon was given advice on how to space itself on patrol and how to communicate effectively as a unit.

When the fire – albeit simulated – came down, the lightning-fast reactions of the youngsters resulted in a safe exit from danger.

The platoon is part of Berkshire’s A Company, where meetings take place twice a week and cadets get involved in activities ranging from map reading and compass work to shooting, football and fieldcraft.

“The structure is exactly the same as the Army and we have 18-year-olds mixing in with 12-year-olds – it’s a team,” said Sgt Cutting.

“All sorts of people from all walks of life join up and we try to teach them important skills which also keep them busy and off the streets.”

LSgt Williams (17), who is currently studying maths, physics and politics, believes his time in the ACF will help him become a good soldier.

“I’m looking to join the Army in May next year and I think the ACF gives you an idea of what is required,” he said.

“I’ve just been on the hardest course for cadets to pass followed by the section commanders course – it required a lot of revision and I had to remember the basics.

“Not everyone wants to sign up to the Army, but it’s a good way of understanding what is on offer.”

He added: “For me becoming a cadet made me realise it’s definitely what I want to do.”
With 150 years of history behind it, it is safe to assume that the ACF has helped to give several generations of young people a thorough grounding in discipline, leadership and adventure as well as giving them a taste of what the military is all about.

And from Soldier’s time with the cadets and instructors at Cippenham, it is clear that the group’s current crop are following the ACF’s motto to the letter.