We asked teenagers if joining the Army Cadets had changed their lives
Interviews: Cliff Caswell, Pictures: Graeme Main
Yes – the community the cadets provide is the most important thing for me. You get to know people and form new friendships. I’m now looking at joining a University Officers' Training Corps when I move on to higher education.
Isabel Murphy, age 16
St Benedict’s CCF, London
Values and standards are important, especially in today’s world. The Army Cadet Force is about courage, discipline, respect for others, integrity and loyalty. Since joining, my life has been about applying these to everything I do.
Ollie Hoydan, age 17
Bristol and the Channel Islands ACF
Your mindset is certainly changed as a cadet because you are pushed out of your comfort zone as you experience new things. For example, you go off to annual camps and get hands-on with weapons. I have a Sandhurst scholarship and I hope to join the army.
William Murphy, age 17
Duke of York’s Royal Military School CCF
Definitely – getting out, physically meeting new people and experiencing different activities has to be good for anyone. You always have more in your life with the cadets – getting presented with the King’s Coronation Medal has been a real highlight for me. Being involved with that event was amazing.
Tia Niala, age 16
Warwickshire and West Midlands ACF
Being in the cadets definitely gets you away from the online world. I have met people from different walks of life and gained more confidence as a result.
Abi Couchman, age 17
Warwickshire and West Midlands ACF
