Steyning cadet named national champion

Regimental Sergeant Major Rogerson won the coveted Claire Shore Trophy in the national competition.

A special ceremony was held at the Cadet Training Centre in Frimley on Friday, in the presence of family, friends and cadet colleagues.

Cadet RSM Rogerson, who parades with Steyning detachment of Sussex Army Cadet Force, was presented with the prestigious award by Major General Richard Stanford, General Officer Commanding Support Command.

He said: “I am very proud to receive this award. I believe the ACF has changed me a great deal. It has built up my confidence, which in turn has changed how I approach situations.

“I feel that the people I have met and the responsibilities and training that I have been through have all helped challenge me and have changed my personality to create a more competitive, driven and respectful person.

“The ACF has also made me realise to dream big and that it’s good to have goals that are crazy and seem accomplishable. Winning the Claire Shore trophy has taught me that nothing should make you feel that you can’t complete it because with hard work you can do what you set your mind to.”

Each year ACF County Commandants are asked to nominate their best Master Cadet to compete in the Champion Cadet competition, which takes place over a weekend in July.

The competition, which lasts just under 48 hours, tests both physical and mental aptitude, and requires the cadets to compete against each other both individually and as members of a team in a range of activities. These include command tasks, weapon handling, map and compass skills, including night navigation, foot drill, first aid, logical problem solving and a comprehensive test of the entire ACF Army Proficiency Certificate syllabus.

There is also a panel interview and combined results lead to one of the cadets being announced Champion Cadet for the year.

Throughout the competition, the assessors look for signs of leadership, teamwork, self-discipline and unselfishness. The winner is the cadet deemed to be the year’s most inspiring example of the ACF Master Cadet.

The Claire Shore Trophy will be kept for a year at Sussex ACF’s headquarters in Brighton, while Cadet RSM Rogerson will keep a solid silver engraved medal and a cheque for £300, presented by The Cadet Kit Shop.

Colonel Kevin Hearty, Commandant of Sussex ACF, said: “This is a great personal achievement for a dedicated, competent and hugely committed Cadet who is a sound role model both within the ACF and the broader community.

“Both I and Sussex ACF are very proud of Cadet RSM Rogerson’s achievement; it was hard won and well deserved. This result also reflects the positive environment within Sussex ACF in providing a platform for the youth of Sussex to achieve.”

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