It’s the first day of Volunteers Week 2026, and here at East Anglia RFCA we are taking opportunity to shine a light on some of the extraordinary people who give their time, skills, and energy to Army, RAF Air and Sea Cadets across our region.
Cadet Force Adult Volunteers (CFAVs) are the backbone of the Cadet movement across all four services and school-based Combined Cadet Forces. Week in, week out, they show up for young people — helping them build confidence, discover new skills, and achieve things they never thought possible.
Whether they’re leading a detachment parade night, running a shooting range or managing a company’s social media presence, CFAVs do it all out of a genuine desire to give back and help our young people reach their full potential.
This week, we spoke to three CFAVs from across Bedfordshire & Hertfordshire ACF about what inspired them to volunteer, what they’ve gained from it, and why they keep coming back.
Colour Sergeant Pete Clark has over two decades of service with the ACF, having first joined as a cadet himself. Now a Detachment Commander and Company Shooting Officer, Pete brings a wealth of experience and a quiet dedication to passing on what the organisation once gave to him.
Sgt Zaac Penkul, a former cadet and reservist, returned to the ACF as a Detachment 2IC and Company Signals Officer. In just three years, he’s built a reputation for mentoring young people and helping them grow in confidence and resilience.
Sgt Taylor MacLeod joined as a volunteer almost straight out of the cadets, driven by the desire to share the ACF’s safe and supportive environment with others, and has since worked towards being a Detachment 2IC and Company Media Officer.
Together, their stories paint a picture of what makes the cadet movement so special — and why volunteering with it can be just as transformative for the adults involved as it is for the young people they serve.The Interviews
Colour Sergeant Pete Clark
Current Role: Detachment Commander & Company Shooting Officer
What inspired you to volunteer with the ACF?
Being an ex-cadet myself and unfortunately unable to join the Army, I wanted to give something back to the organisation that gave so much to me. The ACF provided me with opportunities, experiences, and values that have stayed with me throughout my life, and volunteering felt like the perfect way to pass those experiences on to the next generation.
How long have you been involved and what roles have you had?
I’ve been involved with the ACF since April 2002, giving me over 20 years of experience within the organisation. Throughout that time I’ve held a variety of roles, including Detachment Commander for four different detachments and serving as Company Sergeant Major for seven years.
I currently hold the role of Company Area Shooting Officer, where I oversee and support shooting and range activities across the company.
What’s the most rewarding part of being a CFAV?
Seeing young people grow into confident, capable, and respectful members of the community. Watching cadets develop as individuals, achieve their goals, and become better versions of themselves is incredibly fulfilling and makes the time and effort worthwhile.
What new skills have you gained through volunteering?
Through volunteering with the ACF, I’ve developed a wide range of valuable skills and qualifications. I’ve gained extensive experience in running shooting ranges and instructing cadets on weapon systems safely and professionally.
Alongside this, I’ve had the opportunity to mentor and support young people through achievements such as the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award and NVQs, helping them progress both within the ACF and in their future careers.
Sergeant Zaac Penkul
Current Role: Detachment 2IC and Company Signals Officer
What inspired you to volunteer with the ACF?
I was a cadet myself when I was younger, later serving in the Army Reserve, and the experiences, discipline, and life skills I gained through both have had a huge impact on my adult life. Volunteering with the ACF felt like the perfect opportunity to give something back and help shape the next generation in the same positive way that others once did for me.
If I can make even a small difference to a young person’s confidence, resilience, or future opportunities, then it’s absolutely worthwhile.
How long have you been involved and what roles have you had?
I’ve been volunteering with the ACF for around three years now. During that time I’ve progressed into the role of Detachment 2IC, while also taking on responsibilities as our Company CIS Representative. Both roles have allowed me to develop my leadership, communication, and organisational skills while supporting cadets and fellow CFAVs alike.
What’s the most rewarding part of being a CFAV?
Without a doubt, the most rewarding part is mentoring young people and watching them grow in confidence and maturity. Seeing cadets push themselves outside of their comfort zones, develop resilience, learn new skills, and achieve things they never thought possible is incredibly satisfying.
The ACF provides opportunities and experiences many young people may never otherwise have access to, and being part of that journey is something I’m very proud of.
What new skills have you gained through volunteering?
Volunteering with the ACF has helped me develop a wide range of skills, both personally and professionally. I’ve strengthened my leadership, instructional, and communication abilities, while also gaining experience in mentoring, planning, teamwork, and problem-solving.
Alongside that, the qualifications and courses available through the Army Cadet Force are endless, giving CFAVs opportunities to continuously learn, develop, and challenge themselves.
Sgt Taylor MacLeod
Current Role: Detachment 2IC & Company Media Officer
What inspired you to volunteer with the ACF?
I was an ex-cadet myself not so long ago, and I thoroughly enjoyed my time in the Army Cadet Force and everything I gained from it. Cadets became a safe space for me — somewhere I felt comfortable, supported, and like I truly belonged.
Because of the positive impact it had on my life, I wanted to volunteer as soon as I left so I could help recreate that same environment for others and support cadets in achieving things they never thought possible.
How long have you been involved and what roles have you had?
I’ve now been involved with the ACF through Beds & Herts ACF, 4 Company, for nearly three years. During that time, I’ve progressed into the role of Detachment 2IC for one of our strongest detachments, which has been both challenging and rewarding.
I’m also currently the Company Media Officer, a role I’ve held for the past two years, where I manage and promote the achievements and activities of our company.
What’s the most rewarding part of being a CFAV?
The most rewarding part of being a CFAV is seeing the pride and confidence in cadets when they achieve something they never believed they could. Watching young people grow, overcome challenges, and push themselves outside of their comfort zones is incredibly fulfilling, and knowing you’ve played a part in that journey makes it all worthwhile.
What new skills have you gained through volunteering?
Since becoming a CFAV, I’ve developed a wide range of valuable skills, including leadership, communication, teamwork, and confidence. Volunteering has also given me the opportunity to gain recognised qualifications, such as completing my Duke of Edinburgh’s Award and currently working towards my Gold Award, alongside achieving a Level 4 City & Guilds qualification in Leadership and Management.
The ACF provides endless opportunities for personal development, and I’m continuing to learn and grow through every experience.
Could You Be a CFAV?
The stories above are just three among thousands across East Anglia and the rest of our country. If you’ve been inspired by what you’ve read and think you might have something to offer young people in your community, we’d love to hear from you.
Becoming a Cadet Force Adult Volunteer doesn’t require a military background — just a commitment to making a difference. Full training is provided.
To find out more about volunteering opportunities with the Army Cadet Force, the Sea and Royal Marine Cadets, the RAF Air Cadets, or the Combined Cadet Force in East Anglia, visit the East Anglia RFCA website or get in touch with us directly.
Best wishes for Volunteers Week 2026 — and thank you to every CFAV who gives their time to connect defence with society, one young person at a time.
