TIMES reporter John Hutchins joins the ranks at Crelake Barracks in Tavistock to learn about the Devon Army Cadet Force.

YOUNG people in the West Devon area who are looking for fresh challenges in life may not know of a great facility on their very own doorstep which offers a way to meet new friends, learn new skills and possibly provide a gateway for a lifetime career.

The Devon Army Cadet Force, based at Crelake Barracks in Tavistock. is looking for volunteers between 12 and 18 years old to join their ranks. There are also two similar detachments, including a musical one, in Okehampton.

Second Lieutenant Paul Laurance-Young, detachment commander of DACF Company B, assures a warm welcome to all those who want to join their ranks.

Paul, who works as a bio medical scientist for the NHS at Derriford, joined the DACF in 2013 as a volunteer instructor.

‘We offer something for anyone,’ he said. ‘We have 15 cadets, aged between 14 and 17 years-old and what makes my job worthwhile is to see these young people grow as individuals and rise to become an important member of the Armed Services or in the wider community.

‘Although we have a serious commitment we we have a lot of fun. You could say we offer the best youth club in town!’,

Tavistock Detachment ACF offer volunteer cadets a vast spectrum of military-based and civilian activities, from living ‘in the field’, erecting improvised shelters, ‘living off the land’, conducting tactical military activities, command leadership courses, drill, navigation and live firing of cadet force small arms.

On the civilian side, cadets can expect to learn a wide range of skills, such as first aid, adventurous training inclusive of shooting, climbing, abseiling and water-based activities — all within a safe environment and to the highest safety standards.

The cadets also have the opportunity to qualify with the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award scheme (at bronze, silver and gold levels), a BTEC first diploma in Public Services and Community Sports Leader Award (CSLA).

Although many of the recruits who have been trained at Crelake Barracks have gone on to become officers in the Armed Forces, Lt Laurance-Young emphasised that the DACF was not a recruiting post for the Army but a great opportunity for young people to learn skills and discipline which would serve them well either in their future civilian life or in a career in the Armed Forces.

There are also opportunities for those aged between 18 and 55.

‘For our adult volunteers, we offer an opportunity to shape the lives of young adults, teach the tasks mentioned and “earn as you learn” on residential training camps, whilst gaining key life skills and experiences, whilst being responsible for cadets of which you will serve. You can also achieve various teaching and leadership management qualifications with us and there is no previous military experience required!’, said Lt Laurance-Young.

For Sgt Major Martin Langsford, his ‘call to the bugle’ came when he lived as a boy within ‘firing or shouting distance’ of Crelake Barracks at nearby Drake Gardens.

He joined the Army Cadets in 1976, aged 13, and has been a loyal member of the Devon Army Cadet Force, with 40 years service. Martin completed his sergeant’s promotion course training with his friend at Crelake, Ashley Fulford, now Colonel Commander of the DACF itself.

As an NCO Martin has done it all as a drill instructor, weapons instructor (sklll at arms), teaching both cadets and adults, and was the quartermaster responsible for the DACF’s armoury.

‘I suppose I was a natural for drill instructor with my loud voice,’ said Martin with a grin.

‘What is a great pleasure is seeing youngsters achieve so much in their time here and develop as individuals during their training as a cadet.

‘When one of our former cadets, Ashley Credicott, now a corporal in the Royal Marines, presented me with his green beret. It was a great honour.

‘There have been so many who have gone on to make a success of their lives, whether in the Armed Services or in ordinary life. There are lots of young people out there who don’t want to spend their time at home in front of a video game, who want to make something of their life. This is the place for them.’

Two of the cadets who are benefiting from the training are Lance Corporal Abigail Williams and Colour Sergeant Lewis Hutchins.

Abigail, who goes to Tavistock College, said: ‘I came here about four years ago because my sister Rhiannon was here and she suggested I join in. Since then I have done my basic training, field skills and been on an expedition. It’s been really great fun and I‘ve learnt a lot.

A keen swimmer, she is a qualified lifeguard and is hoping, after A levels, to go into the Royal Engineers as a diver.

Sixteen year-old Lewis Hutchins has already risen to the rank of colour sergeant in the DCAF— believed to be one of only two in the South West at his age.

Lewis, a student at the University Technical College, Plymouth, is hoping to join the Royal Navy in the future as a weapons engineer and has just passed the Senior Cadet Instructor Course, showing aptitude in weapon skills, drill, map and compass and field craft.

‘Before you can be expected to instil discipline in others,’ said Lewis, ‘you have to be self-disciplined yourself. I set my standards as high as I can possible achieve and as you go through the ranks you learn more and more what discipline is about.’

He added: I have always been interested in a career with the Armed Services, I like their way of life. My advice to anyone thinking about joining the cadet force is just do it. You won’t regret it!’

The detachment parades at Crelake Cadet Centre, Tavistock, (next to the King’s Centre), on Monday and Wednesday evenings between 7pm and 9pm each week.

Anyone is free to go along and see what we do (no prior notice needed). Find ‘B Company – Devon Army Cadet Force – Plymouth ACF’ on Facebook, or call Second Lieutenant Paul Young on 07834 063096.