Memories to Last a Lifetime
We spoke with Richard Timmins, Contingent Commander, City of Derby Academy CCF (Army) to ask about his time in India and what takeaways he has from the experience.
Hi Richard, you recently returned from the India Youth Exchange Programme – what did you enjoy most about the experience?
For me, what I enjoyed most was the combination of the once-in-a-lifetime moments alongside the quiet, more meaningful ones. Visiting the Taj Mahal was awe-inspiring; not just as a world wonder, but as a shared experience with cadets and staff that brought home how incredible this opportunity was, and how lucky we were to be experiencing it.
Watching the last airworthy Jaguars fly past during the Republic Day Parade was another standout moment. I was an Air Cadet in my youth and being able to watch the Jaguar – a plane I grew up watching – was amazing – it was something I thought I’d never see fly again.
Alongside these headline moments, the real highlight was seeing our cadets develop over the three weeks we were together. Watching them adapt to a different culture, step up when challenged, and support each other reminded me exactly why experiences like this matter so much.
What do you think are the benefits of programmes like YEP?
For me, the biggest benefit is that these trips are professional development in disguise. You must operate outside your normal comfort zone – you're in a new and different culture with different training styles, different expectations but all of this sharpens your leadership, adaptability, and judgement very quickly. You learn how to work in unfamiliar environments, often with limited resources, while still meeting safeguarding and duty-of-care standards. That’s gold dust as a CFAV.
There is also a huge perspective shift. Seeing how another nation develops its youth (especially one as structured and values driven as the National Cadet Corps (NCC)) makes you reflect on what we do well within the cadet force and where we could improve. You come back with fresh ideas for training, discipline, engagement, and inclusion and all of this genuinely influences how you operate at home.
On a personal level, exchanges build credibility and confidence. You’re representing the UK and the CCF internationally, which carries responsibility, but it also strengthens your professional presence as a staff member. Working alongside foreign instructors and UK colleagues in close quarters for an extended period forges strong relationships and trust—often with people you’d never meet otherwise.
Were there any standout moments for you or a particular highlight?
Seeing and experiencing some of the training that the NCC does that differs to ours, such as animal care and drone operating.
One of the first events we took part in was the NCC Equine Championships, where cadets from across India competed in show jumping and cavalry drills. As impressive as this was to watch, it reinforced to me just what an impact being involved in a cadet organisation can have on a young person, simply by taking learning out of a school and having practical benefits (as well as having a lot of fun!)
That’s brilliant! How long have you been a CFAV for, and what is your day-to-day job?
I have been a CFAV since 2007. I started as a Non-Commissioned Officer (NCO) in the Royal Air Force Air Cadets (RAFAC) and transferred to the CCF (Army) when my school set up a Contingent under the Cadet Expansion Programme 500. I am a history teacher in my day job!
And what would you say to someone who is considering becoming a CFAV?
Do it!
Being a CFAV can be extremely rewarding – you get to mentor young people and give back to your community; but it’s important to go in with realistic expectations.
Being a CFAV requires a regular time commitment beyond just one evening a week and it requires patience and a strong understanding of safeguarding and professional boundaries.
You don’t need to be in uniform or have military experience to make a real impact either! The best CFAVs I work with focus on development, encouraging their cadets and consistency is key.
However, be honest with yourself about your availability.
What will you take away from this shared experience with your cadets?
I have returned more capable, more reflective, and more motivated. I am more able to operate immediately, and I feel like I have a level of credibility that comes from representing the CCF and wider UK Cadet Forces overseas.
I’ve come back with greater confidence from having to work in a completely different cultural and training environment whilst still maintaining CCF standards of care and leadership. Having to adapt plans on the fly, and leading when things don’t look familiar are skills that transfer straight back into your Contingent.
I have gained a broader perspective on youth development and military ethos as well after seeing alternative approaches to discipline, values, and instruction. That comparison naturally sharpens your understanding of the CCF: what works well, what we sometimes overcomplicate, and what ideas could realistically be adapted to improve cadet experience in my Contingent.
On a personal level, I’ll take away strong professional relationships and trust - both with UK staff and international counterparts - along with a deeper appreciation of teamwork that comes from working in challenging situations. I have also returned with a renewed sense of purpose - watching cadets grow in resilience, independence, and confidence in such a demanding setting is a powerful reminder of why you volunteer.
And finally, can you sum up what being a CCF CFAV is like in just three words?
Rewarding, challenging and exciting!
Thank you so much, Richard! If you would like to find out more information about how you can become a CCF volunteer, please click here.
