Cadet RSM Rivanenok Shines as CCF’s Champion Cadet at Prestigious National Competition

The Champion Cadet Competition, an esteemed annual event, recently concluded at the Cadet Training Centre (CTC) in Frimley Park.

This prestigious gathering draws Army Cadets from across the UK, challenging them in a series of gruelling, yet invigorating activities that test their physical and mental endurance. The competition, which showcases the best of the Army Cadet Force (ACF) and the Combined Cadet Force (CCF), culminates in the recognition of a Champion Cadet from each group. This year, Cadet RSM Rivanenok from Sutton Valence CCF in Kent emerged as the CCF’s Champion Cadet, earning the coveted Captain General's Cup.

The event was a spectacular display of skill, endurance, and teamwork, with cadets competing in a variety of rigorous challenges designed to push their limits. Activities included obstacle courses, navigation exercises, and leadership tasks, all aimed at assessing the cadets' physical fitness, problem-solving abilities, communication skills, and teamwork. These tests are not just about strength and strategy but also about resilience and discipline, qualities that are essential for success both within the cadet forces and beyond.

Reflecting on his experience, Cadet RSM Rivanenok described the competition as "uniquely challenging," noting that it required total commitment and concentration. "From the moment I arrived and was given my competition bib, everything I did was under scrutiny by the instructors," he said. The first day included drill and first aid tasks, which, while not his strongest performances, did not deter him from giving his all in the days that followed.

Day two proved to be particularly demanding, beginning with a session on the firing ranges. Cadets were required to sprint between firing points with just forty-five seconds to catch their breath before taking their shots. "Shooting well under those conditions demanded not only a solid understanding of marksmanship principles but also peak physical fitness," Rivanenok explained. The afternoon and evening were dedicated to navigation, starting with orienteering across a large, wooded area and culminating in a night navigation exercise. This, he recalled, was "the most challenging day of the entire competition," due to the sheer physical demands and the need for precise navigational skills.

The final day focused on fieldcraft, where Rivanenok felt most in his element. Activities included a stalk, an observation post, an orders presentation, and teaching a fieldcraft lesson.

The Champion Cadet Competition is designed not only to identify the most skilled cadets but also to instil vital skills that will serve them in their future careers and personal lives. The challenges emphasise perseverance, strategic thinking, and effective collaboration, providing cadets with a strong foundation for future success. Rivanenok’s journey through the competition is a testament to the importance of these values, and his achievement as the CCF’s Champion Cadet reflects his dedication and hard work.

"It was an incredible honour to be selected as the CCF’s Champion Cadet at the competition’s conclusion," Rivanenok said. His victory, along with the recognition of the ACF’s top cadet who received the Claire Shaw Trophy, highlights the high level of talent and determination among the cadets, promising a bright future for these young leaders.