This International Women’s Day, in 2025, we are proud to celebrate the contributions of women who serve as cadet force adult volunteers (CFAVs), guiding and mentoring our region’s young people in the Sea Cadets, Army Cadet Force and RAF Air Cadets.
As cadet instructors, leaders and support staff, the dedication and unwavering commitment to service of these women ensure that cadets not only have positive female role models but also receive invaluable training and support.
By sharing their skills, knowledge, and passion, women in CFAV roles empower the next generation to reach their full potential and become responsible, confident citizens with an impressive array of skills.
East Anglia RFCA encourages its staff to volunteer in the armed forces cadets, and our own Regional Employer Engagement Director, Kristina Carrington is a Lieutenant Colonel with the Army Cadets regionally, and prior to that served with Essex Army Cadet Force.
She has served as a training officer for more than two decades and took a moment from her busy schedule to explain what drew her to the voluntary role.
“The cadet force is a hobby like no other and, once you’re bitten it just becomes part of your normal routine,” Kristina said.
“The Army Cadet Force is a fully inclusive organisation and offers equal opportunity to all youngsters. It’s very refreshing to witness that Army Cadets don’t really see a ‘gender gap’. They quite often think people who mention a ‘male versus female’ narrative are a bit prehistoric!”
The opportunity for girls to take part in activities to as high a standard as boys is a key attraction of being a cadet for the growing number of young women joining. Kristina said: “There are definitely more females in the Army Cadets, both adults and youngsters, since I joined 26 years ago!”
Despite the smaller number of women in the cadets historically, Kristina had her own female role model as inspiration. She said: “I first volunteered thanks to a friend who was a member of the Cadet Forces at a time when my children were almost off-hand. As I also had a full-on job, it was a way to completely take my mind off things.”
Now, all the women who volunteer for our region’s Armed Forces Cadets are role models for the girls who join. They foster a sense of discipline, teamwork, and community spirit in these young people, empowering the next generation to reach their full potential and become responsible, confident citizens.
Asked what she would say to women—and men—thinking about volunteering with the sea, army or air cadets, Kristina’s message was a simple one: “Don’t hesitate. Do it!”
Thank you to Kristina for her time, and to all CFAVs this International Women’s Day. Our region’s young people benefit from your tireless efforts and the positive impact you make on their lives. Your selflessness and leadership truly make a difference.