News

Our CCF RSM, Layana, was appointed Lord-Lieutenant Cadet last week in Chatham, presented by Lady Colgrain. More information about Lieutenancy and the Cadets can be found here.

 

At the ceremony Layana was invited to speak as a representative of all the cadets and we are delighted to share her script below:

 

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"Good evening Lord-Lieutenant and distinguished guests,

I am cadet RSM Layana J from Tunbridge Wells Girls’ Grammar School CCF. When I joined the Army section in the Combined Cadet Force at school in 2019, I could never have guessed the impact it would have on me - as a leader and as a person. Through the strenuous exercises, challenging camps and proud parades, CCF has moulded me into someone with a completely different outlook on life. It was no surprise that I noticed myself becoming more confident when working in a team and connecting better with new people; this was a quality I developed through cadets. 

The activities I have taken part in with CCF are unlike anything offered elsewhere. Not many people would have had the opportunity to march past the Cenotaph or stand outside 10 Downing Street. Although these have been the most thrilling moments, the memorable ones come from the difficult and funny experiences such as camping in a field full of cows, or judging distances in the snow at 5 in the morning, or spending 12 hours patrolling around the Brecon Beacons competing in the Cambrian Patrol Competition. There is something for everyone at cadets and it has helped individuals, such as myself, see that there is so much more to life than academic accomplishments. The diversity in the training equips us with a set of skills varying from handling weapons to administering CPR, putting cadets in a better position to take on whatever challenge comes their way. 

Beyond the various skills that I’ve acquired, I have met the most wonderful people at CCF- not just within my contingent, but from all over the country. These are the types of people that will put a smile on your face and make you giggle after getting 3 hours of sleep under a basha. It is amazing to see how people of different backgrounds, ages and interests can come together to build a better future for themselves and others. There's nothing more I look forward to than parade nights when I am amongst the most dedicated people. It brings me joy to see young cadets flourish into determined individuals just as I have. It is an honour to be a part of an organisation that can create a change - one which I thought was impossible for myself. At CCF I continue to grow into the better version of me and it has taught me that there is no end to my potential.

I went into Year 12 with a rough idea of what I wanted to do in the future but whatever it was, I knew that the British Army was going to be part of it. One year ago today, I made the decision to apply for the Army Officer Scholarship Scheme. After hearing about the rigorous requirements and selection board, I was almost certain that it was beyond what I could achieve but something told me to take the risk and stick with it. After a number of interviews, medical examinations and the 3 day selection board at Westbury, I came home sure that I wouldn't receive an acceptance letter. Therefore, I was extremely overwhelmed and surprised when I got a letter 2 weeks later congratulating me on meeting the standard to become an Officer in the British Army. In the year since I put in my application, I have never regretted my decision or felt like giving up because CCF made me realise what I was capable of. I truly believe that I wouldn't have taken the chance if it wasn’t for all my officers that provided me with the opportunities to develop myself and it is something for which I am extremely grateful. I look forward to starting training at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst and to become part of the future of British Army leadership. I hope I am also able to give back at least a fraction of what I have gained from the CCF to young cadets because it has been transformative in my journey.

Above all things, my biggest takeaway from cadets has been the Values of the British Army: Courage, Discipline, Respect for Others, Integrity, Loyalty and Selfless Commitment. I  knew CCF had changed me in a positive way when I saw these principles infiltrating into my everyday life - it was easy to make the correct decision when I applied the values I had been taught. These are the crucial lessons that I will remember forever.

It is a privilege to be amongst all of you today and be appointed as a Lord Lieutenant Cadet and I would like to thank my Contingent Commander for even considering me as a nominee. 14 year old me would not have believed that she’d be standing here in front of such an esteemed audience, so I would like to thank you all for listening and I hope you enjoy the rest of the evening."

RSM Layana J