A deserving cadet and adult volunteer from Cambridgeshire Army Cadet Force (ACF) were presented Commander Cadets Coins during their recent annual camp.
A visit to camp from Deputy Commander Cadets, Brigadier Gary McDade, provided a particular special opportunity to recognise two outstanding individuals – Cadet Sergeant Major Pope (pictured above with Brigadier McDade) and WO2 Phil Swadling.
Since joining the ACF four years ago Cdt Sgt Major Pope’s leadership skills have seen him promoted quickly. He has become a role model and mentor to others and plays a key role in planning training activities. He has also taken part in Exercise Cambrian Patrol – a demanding British Army training exercise. Sgt Major Pope also completed the First Aid at Work training course and was commended for coming to the aid of a member of the public with a head injury.
He was nominated to receive the Commander’s Coin by Cadet Regimental Sergeant Major, Amelia Long. She said: “I nominated Sgt Major Pope because of his consistent commitment and the amount of work he contributes behind the scenes. He regularly goes above and beyond to support both staff and fellow cadets, particularly during annual camp, where he played a significant role in helping to run and plan the fieldcraft exercise for 2 Company. His initiative, reliability and willingness to take on responsibilities have made a genuine contribution to the success of activities, and I believe his efforts deserved to be formally recognised.”
Warrant Officer Class 2 (WO2) Phil Swadling started his uniformed service aged 16, joining the Royal Engineers in 1987. He served for 10 years, becoming a Combat Medic and completing various tours across the world.
Having left the Army, he joined Cambridgeshire ACF in 2014, becoming Detachment Commander at Newmarket and then County Adventure Training Officer. This was followed by a highly successful period as Adult Training Sergeant Major, where he helped inspire multiple new intakes of adult instructors. He then became Assistant County Training Officer,
Recently the County Training Officer had to take a temporary leave of absence, and WO2 Swadling stepped into the role until they could return. The role of County Training Officer is an incredibly important one, with considerable responsibility and the duties involve planning Annual Camp.
He was nominated for the award by Cambridgeshire ACF Commandant, Colonel Deacon. She said: “WO2 Swadling stepped up when needed to take on an extremely demanding role with immediate effect. Throughout the year he has supported Company Training Officers and County Staff, and his dedication and hard work not only made Annual Camp possible, but also ensured it was extremely successful.” She added: “ It simply wouldn’t have happened without him.”
WO2 Swadling said: “You can achieve anything in the ACF because of the support around you, so other adult volunteers shouldn’t be afraid to take on responsibilities. I received an enormous amount of support from the top team, including Training Safety Advisor WO2 Ben Browning and Staff Officer Major Colin Wells. Our cadets become better citizens and better future employees, but our adults also learn new skills, grow in confidence and become inspired to inspire others.”
You can find more information about becoming a cadet or an adult volunteer in our region here.
