The Ixworth Detachment of Suffolk Army Cadets (ACF) recently welcomed back one of their former members who joined the Coldstream Guards at just 19 years of age.
During the visit he shared his inspiring journey which started when he joined the Ixworth Detachment at the age of 13, before transferring to Bury St Edmunds Detachment.
He spoke passionately about how the ACF helped shape his future by giving him valuable insight into military life and helping him develop essential life skills. He particularly enjoyed fieldcraft, where he excelled, as well as weapons handling and physical training. These experiences provided him with a strong foundation and reinforced his ambition to pursue a career in the Army.
At the age of 16, he made the decision to enrol at the Army Foundation College Harrogate. During his 11 months there he completed a leadership course and undertook training in communication and teamwork, which further developed his confidence and leadership abilities. Upon completing the course, he successfully passed his basic training and became a soldier.
Following Harrogate, he progressed to Infantry Training Centre (ITC) Catterick, where he undertook a 12-week Guards training programme. During this time he participated in five major exercises covering a range of military operations, including patrols, attacks, urban operations, defence exercises, field training and drill.
Today, he is extremely proud to serve in the Coldstream Guards, which is the oldest continuously serving regiment in the British Army. One of the highlights of his career so far was taking part in Trooping the Colour 2025, where he had the honour of being introduced to HM King Charles III.
Throughout his presentation, it was clear that joining the ACF at the age of 13 provided him with the confidence, discipline, resilience, and determination needed to succeed in his Army career. He spoke highly of the opportunities, guidance, and support he received through the cadet organisation and credited the ACF as being instrumental in helping him achieve his goals.
