Today National Cadets Week 2026 (5-11 October) is shining a spotlight on the positive contribution cadets make to their local communities.
Community engagement is a vital part of the cadet experience, providing opportunities to connect with local people and organisatons, promote positive youth development, and showcase the many benefits of the cadet movement.
Cadets participate in a wide range of community engagement activities, from participating in civic ceremonies and events to organising litter pick ups and fundraising initiatives.
To demonstrate the range of range of community engagement activities undertaken by cadets in our region, we’re highlighting two recent examples from Suffolk Army Cadet Force (ACF).
Freedom of Newmarket parade for Grenadier Guards
Suffolk ACF took part in a significant civic and military occasion as the Grenadier Guards were awarded the Freedom of Newmarket.
The Freedom of a town is one of the highest civic honours that a British local authority can bestow upon a military unit. The occasion recognised the long-standing historical links between Newmarket and the Grenadier Guards.
Proceedings included a ceremonial march through the town, a military inspection and a band concert. The Freedom was formally presented by the Mayor of Newmarket, Councillor Philippa Winter, on behalf of the Town Council.
Representing Suffolk Army Cadet Force (ACF) were Chief Executive Officer, Major Gerrard, and Cadet Company Sergeant Major (CSM) West. Cadet CSM West attended in his role as one of the cadets of the Lord Lieutenant of Suffolk, Mark Pendlington. He carried out duties throughout the event, proudly representing Suffolk ACF and the wider Army Cadet movement.
The event also provided an opportunity for Suffolk ACF cadets to gain valuable experience through their community engagement activities. Cadets from Anzio and Waterloo Detachments assisted with the smooth running of the event, demonstrating the commitment, teamwork and responsibility expected of them. Their participation also provided a valuable opportunity to witness a historic moment while representing Suffolk ACF.
Henham Steam Rally
Suffolk ACF’s B Company took part in the recent Henham Steam Rally, putting their Army Cadet skills into action while supporting one of the area’s popular annual events. B Company consists of seven detachments around East Suffolk, ranging from Leiston to Lowestoft.
Throughout the event, B Company cadets carried out their community engagement duties with integrity, enthusiasm and professionalism. Working as a team, the cadets assisted with the heavy horses, directed members of the public and helped ensure the safe passage of St John Ambulance through the busy showground.
These responsibilities gave cadets the opportunity to put their training into practice, developing their communication, teamwork and leadership skills while helping to ensure the event remained safe and enjoyable for everyone.
At the Army Cadet stand, cadets showcased some of the practical skills that they develop through their training. Visitors were able to see demonstrations of navigation, fieldcraft and first aid. The cadets’ first-aid knowledge proved particularly valuable, with members of the security staff being taught how to perform CPR. It was a great example of how the skills learnt as an Army Cadet can be used outside of the training environment and make a real difference in the wider community.
The STEM display also proved a popular attraction, with B Company cadets taking apart and rebuilding a quad bike engine at the show. The activity gave visitors an insight into the technical and practical opportunities available through the Army Cadets, while allowing the cadets themselves to develop their confidence and problem-solving skills.
East Anglia RFCA is proud to support and enable the thousands of cadets within our region, ensuring they have safe places and equipment for their training. For more information on that support we provide
