Cadets from The JCB Academy CCF have recently completed their basic training with a passing out parade.
The JCB Academy only introduced its CCF contingent in September 2017 and already has 30 pupils taking part. They now participate in cadet activities every Wednesday afternoon when the academy runs its extension activities programme (a range of social, sporting and leisure activities that learners and staff participate in over six-week blocks).
The CCF contingent is an Army section affiliated with the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers (REME).
The passing out parade was attended by family, friends, and staff who were invited to celebrate with the cadets as they received their REME cap badges from REME Colonel Reserves, Mark Simpson, who took time out of his busy schedule to give a rousing speech to all present.
The Head of Physical Education at The JCB Academy and the CCF Contingent Commander, 2Lt Nik Morgan said: “The Combined Cadet Force provides our learners with opportunities to develop themselves in so many ways. There has already been a visible difference in their teamwork, confidence, and discipline.
“We have had our cadets for nearly a full term now and they are making fantastic progress. It was a real pleasure to celebrate them completing their basic training through their passing out parade. They should be extremely proud of the significant progress they have already made in such a short space of time.”
Personnel from the Light Aide Detachment at Beacon Barracks in Stafford also attended, arriving in a huge 32tn MAN SVRs (support vehicle recovery) for the cadets to inspect.
The Academy sponsors, JCB, also sent some iconic machines for the special occasion.
