To celebrate Volunteers Week we are shining the spotlight on some of the Cadet Force Adult Volunteers (CFAV) in our region and today we are introducing you to Lt James Newport Cater who has been a CFAV with the Army Cadets for over 10 years. Lt Newport Cater is currently the Deputy County Training Officer (Cadets), Officer Commanding of Waterloo Platoon (the senior Cadets within the County) and County Signals Officer for Staffordshire & West Midlands (North Sector) Army Cadet Force (ACF).
“After aging out at 18 I knew there was something missing and I wanted to do and give more with my time. I missed that feeling of purpose and fulfilment that the ACF gave me, a sense of belonging. I didn’t know where my ACF career was going to take me, nor did I have a plan, but as soon as I enrolled as a CFAV, that feeling of purpose and fulfilment returned.
“I was never the most confident person, nor the most social, and I knew joining as a volunteer would push this boundary. To succeed, you have to want to make it work, and this was the first major hurdle of personal development. I didn’t know the full extent to which it would help me become the person I am today.
“I knew the ACF system, which helped massively, so I knew what I was signing up for. I knew the purpose was to deliver effective training to young adults in a structured way. As an ex-Cadet, I saw the personal rewards and life skills that the Cadets got from the volunteers and the organisation, and I wanted to be a part of that. I wanted to be the role model a Cadet looked up to, to make the impossible possible, and to ask the questions that never get asked.”
Which activities have you particularly enjoyed?
“Firstly, adventurous training, I have taken part in a number of opportunities which I would never of thought possible: climbing, mountain biking, coasteering, and gorge walking to name a few. I have also had the opportunity to go on overseas events such as taking Cadets Mountain Biking in Spain and Austria.
“I have also gained the knowledge, skills and qualifications within Communication & Information Systems, enabling Cadets to be trained and compete in national signals competitions on an annual basis. I have then been able to deliver effective comms plans into exercise to enhance the Cadet experience.”
What are the highlights of your volunteering so far?
“Taking over a failing detachment to where I left it in a strong position, with 60 cadets on the books parading on a regular basis.
“Passing my Officer selection board which showed me I had the personal growth, development and commitment to push forward within my ACF career.
“Being appointed as Deputy County Training Officer (Adults) where I managed and developed the incoming new CFAVs with the assistance of my Training Sergeant Major. We developed the weekends and ran the training to enable the new CFAVs to learn the correct methods and skills required to develop themselves and embark into their ACF journey. It was so rewarding to see CFAVs go off to complete their course and come back with the confidence and knowledge to deliver effective training to the Cadets.
“Achieving the appointment of Duty County Training Officer (Cadet) where I manage and develop the senior Cadets within the county. Enabling the Cadets to have a say on their ACF career, getting them ready for their Master Cadet Course, and developing them personally for the wider world. These Cadets have their whole lives ahead of them, where anything is possible, so it’s important to show and deliver the ACF motto, “inspire to achieve”. We encourage them to become role models for their fellow Cadets and instil the values and standards, thus enabling the waterfall effect to other, younger Cadets.”
Why would you encourage others to volunteer?
“The ACF has so much to offer for both yourself and the organisation. Firstly, the personal growth you gain from working in the organisation, without even realising it, is amazing! Having the confidence to deliver a lesson to Cadets or CFAVs is incredible, and the amount of knowledge you will gain is hard to explain. Since the organisation is set up with all the training aids, you aren’t required to have all the knowledge at the start; it can all be taught through training weekends or by reading the manuals.
“We all bring different skill sets to the table, which enables us to be such a dynamic and diverse organisation where everyone is listened to and ideas become a reality. The teamwork and leadership instilled in the organisation allow people to grow at their own pace. As a volunteer within the ACF, your passion and purpose will grow, even if you don’t realise it at the time.
“It’s all about the journey, and the hardest part is starting it. Don’t be scared of the unknown; everyone has been there once in their career. You have the support system around you to succeed.”
Find out more about volunteering with the Cadets.
Published 03/06/2024