This Armed Forces Week, Rodger Mills, Compliance Manager in the South East and Lieutenant Commander in the Volunteer Cadet Corps, shares his experience of being a Cadet Force Adult Volunteer (CFAV).
“I have been a Cadet Force Adult Volunteer for 32 years and currently hold the rank of Lieutenant Commander (Lt Cdr) in the Volunteer Cadet Corps (VCC); I work as their Regional Officer (South) looking after six Cadet Units based in HMS Excellent, Sultan and Collingwood. Prior to that, I spent four years with the Oxfordshire Army Cadet Force and then 26 years with the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Army Cadet Force.
WHY DID YOU DECIDE TO VOLUNTEER?
“I decided to volunteer because I really enjoyed being a cadet at school. It was a break from studying and allowed me to compete in shooting and military skills competitions and attend many annual camps. When I reached 18, I was too old to continue as a cadet, so I became a CFAV instead, alongside going to university.
“A cadet’s enthusiasm is infectious. To see how they are when they arrive at 13 to how they leave at 16 to 18 is truly inspirational. We give them boundaries, a sense of achievement and group belonging. They also thrive on being given responsibility.
“In the cadets, everyone is treated as an equal regardless of their life story. It now compliments my paid employment and gives me a release from the pressures of work.
HOW DOES YOUR ROLE AS A CFAV SUPPORT YOUR CAREER?
“The skills I have learnt as a CFAV have helped me immensely throughout my career, particularly now that I’m working in a military environment. My ability to follow instructions and think ‘on my feet’, being self-motivated and five minutes early for everything and understanding and being able to talk the same language as DIO and End Users are all hugely beneficial. In a previous role, I had 43 people working for me, which didn’t phase me at all since I also had 50 CFAVs, 200 cadets and seven Units to manage as a Company Commander in the Army Cadet Force. I also understand what Landmarc and DIO are aiming to achieve on the Defence Training Estate (DTE), as I have experienced most of it myself. As a CFAV, I have carried out exercises on all the camps and ranges across DTE South East.
HOW DOES LANDMARC SUPPORT YOU?
“Landmarc’s commitment to the Armed Forces Covenant and being a Forces Friendly Employer means that they are very supportive of my cadet duties, allowing me additional paid leave every year to attend the annual camp and flexibility in my working hours. However, there are benefits for Landmarc too. Team members who give up their time to support the local community are generally highly motivated individuals. From a CFAV perspective, we are also highly trained in leadership and instructional skills and have many other transferable skills like First Aid.
WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU HAVE FOR ANYONE THINKING OF VOLUNTEERING WITH THE CADETS?
“If you are thinking about becoming a Cadet Force Adult Volunteer, the best thing to do is to pop down to your local unit and see what it is all about.
“My experience has been really positive. I’ve learnt not to take myself too seriously and to step out of my comfort zone, such as standing up in front of a large group of people and briefing them or giving Drill Commands. I’ve even attended a Buckingham Palace Garden Party and learnt some unique skills from map and compass reading to fieldcraft and drill. You can specialise and take on roles like First Aid Officer or Duke of Edinburgh Officer. You get out of it what you put in.
“By joining the cadets, you will make friends for life amongst like-minded people. You are also giving something back to your local community by helping to nurture the next generation.
“Why not go and take a look. I’d highly recommend it.”