News Page

'Signalling a change for the future'

MOD Beacon Barracks in Stafford was the venue for a re-badging ceremony which saw Staffordshire and West Midlands (North Sector) Army cadets and adult instructors presented with new berets and cap badges in front of proud parents and guests, notably local MP Mr David Kidney who is fast becoming a regular friend of the Stafford based C Company.

The ceremony which saw the Stafford based cadets re-badged from the Royal Engineers to the Royal Corps of Signals was conducted by Colonel CH Turner, Stafford Station Commander and Commander 12 Signals Group.

The cadets new cap badge features Mercury, the winged messenger of the gods, who is referred to by members of the corps as "Jimmy", and their new motto is Certa Cito, which freely translates as Swift and Sure.

Throughout its history, the ACF has always prided itself on having a close relationship with the Regular and Territorial Army, and it has preserved its military heritage for which it is justly proud.

During the ceremony the Cadet Force had an opportunity to reflect on its past as it approaches its 150 year anniversary in 2010. However, it believes in looking forward and is constantly looking for new ways to develop not only its programme of activities with the help of its supporting units, but also to raise its profile and attract new members.

Cadet Lance Corporal Adam Henderson-Raymont, 16, from Stafford said “I now feel that I belong and I am a part of the Signals Regiment based here in Stafford. Hopefully we can better our training as a Detachment with the added support and equipment that we now have access to “.

The Army Cadet Force is one of the oldest, largest and most successful youth organisations. It provides a range of opportunities, challenges and activities which help young people between the ages of 12 and 18 develop both personally and physically.

Over the years, the lives of countless young people have been changed by the ACF, and although now a thoroughly modern organisation, the ACF holds to the values that it has lived by for over a century, instilling in young people a sense of teamwork, a consideration for others and building character. It offers challenges, friendship and adventure. It's an opportunity to expand horizons, contribute to the community and make friends for life. Many former Army Cadets credit what they were taught as Army Cadets with giving them a head-start toward their successful careers, people like Kris Akabusi and Kelly Holmes to name but two!

Click here to see more images