Wiltshire Army Cadet Force

21/10/2026

Certificate of Meritorious Service.

Last week, two of our Cadet Force Adult Volunteers received the prestigious award from His Majesty's Lord Lieutenant of Wiltshire.
Lieutenant Anthony Conlan and Warrant Officer Class 2 Richard Dutton

Lt. Conlan has made remarkable strides since taking command of the Royal Wootton Bassett Detachment in 2021. Under his leadership, the unit's numbers have surged from approximately ten cadets to over 40. Additionally, he has played a pivotal role in boosting the Abbey Park Detachment's strength from 15 to nearly 50. His current detachment at Swindon Academy is also showing great potential. Having now relocated back up North, where he originally hails from, we wish him all the best in his future endeavors.

WO2 Dutton has been honoured for his remarkable 13 years of volunteering, marked by his dedication, innovative ideas, and unwavering commitment to enhancing the experiences of both cadets and adult volunteers. His role as Company Sergeant Major, combined with his proficiency in Skill at Arms and fieldcraft, has significantly contributed to the elevation of training standards throughout the county.

20/10/2026

20/10/2026

Gold Company ACS (Oct 2026)

This weekend, Gold Company hosted their Army Cadet Syllabus event at Westdown Camp on Salisbury Plain.

The training weekend aims to provide advanced Skill at Arms instruction and supervised range practices that encompass the Basic to 4-Star syllabus. This event will enhance cadets’ knowledge, confidence, and competence in safely handling and applying the Cadet weapon systems. Additionally, it will offer opportunities to complete essential syllabus lessons, assessments, and relevant shooting practices tailored to each cadet’s star training level.

Cadres participated in the following activities:
Recruit: Fieldcraft, Skill at Arms (SAA), and Cadet Small-bore Target R***e (CSBTR)
2 Star: Ranges with the L98A2 Cadet GP R***e, Navigation, and Expedition
2 and 3 Star: Navigation and Expedition

At the conclusion of the weekend, those who had successfully completed their respective syllabi were awarded their syllabus completion certificates and the corresponding badges.
Additionally, individuals who were eligible and deserving of promotion were advanced to their next rank.

Congratulations all

17/10/2026

Massive congratulations to Juno Cadet CSM, who has been appointed as a Lord-Lieutenant's Cadet for Wiltshire – one of the highest honours a cadet can receive!

A dedicated member of both Warminster School CCF and Wiltshire Army Cadet Force,

Both organisations are immensely proud of your achievement.

🌟
HUGE congratulations to Sixth Former Enid, who has been appointed as a Lord-Lieutenant's Cadet for Wiltshire – one of the highest honours a cadet can receive!

A dedicated member of both Warminster School CCF and Wiltshire Army Cadet Force, Enid has demonstrated outstanding leadership, commitment and determination.

Warminster has a proud tradition of pupils receiving this honour, and we couldn't be prouder to see Enid continuing that legacy.

What an achievement, Enid! 💙

https://www.warminsterschool.org.uk/llcadet/

13/10/2026

Westbury Detachment had a VIP Visit from Brigadier Ridgway.

It also presented an opportunity for The Detachment Commander, Sgt. Mulvaney, to advance to the rank of Staff Sergeant.

DC SSGT Mulvaney had this to say,
“On behalf of myself and the entire staff at Westbury Troop, I would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude for your time this evening.
We had the honour of welcoming Brigadier Ridgway, along with Lt Col Burton, RSM Essex, Captain Roberts, CSM Dutton, and Lt Hinde, who were accompanied by Cdt RSM Mead and Cdt CSM Myerscough.
A special acknowledgment goes to the cadet RSM and CSM for your contributions tonight as well.
Your professionalism and embodiment of core values and standards were evident this evening! You showcased the tremendous potential of the cadet force to a high-ranking officer in the British Army.
Westbury Troop truly shone thanks to your efforts, so a huge congratulations to all of you, and thank you once again!”

12/10/2026

Army Cadet Commisioning Course

This weekend, 2Lt Lorna Williams and 2Lt Roger Penny successfully completed the Army Cadet Commissioning Course (formerly known as IOT) at Sandhurst.

This marks a significant milestone in their journey of becoming commissioned officers within the Army Cadet Force, creating lasting memories along the way.

09/10/2026

Cadets Save Lifes

Throughout the country, there are countless stories of our cadets saving lives and preventing casualties from worsening, thanks to the skills they acquire through their training in the army cadets.
As part of the syllabus throughout all cadre levels, our cadets receive expert training in first aid.

Last night, our Melksham and Old Sarum detachments participated in this training during their parade night.

At Melksham, a presentation on drug and alcohol awareness was delivered by Karla Cullen, a Substance Use Worker from Connect – Young People’s Substance Use Service.

The evening also saw the attendance of Deputy Mayor Gillian Elson, who expressed her interest in the drug and alcohol awareness presentation.

08/10/2026

As it was CFAV Recognition Day, it was fitting that one of our CFAV members, Sergeant Dan Vass, was awarded a Commandant's Coin by Colonel Pete White

Col White said “In recognition of your continued commitment and outstanding contribution to Wiltshire ACF, GOLD Company and Sarum Academy Detachment.

Dan has demonstrated exceptional positivity, determination and resilience, particularly in the wake of a challenging couple of years prior to a change in command of the detachment.

Since then, he has been an invaluable source of support, sharing his knowledge and understanding of our cadets and their previous training. His experience and commitment have helped provide the continuity and foundation needed to move the detachment forward and build for the future.

It has been particularly rewarding to see Dan grow in confidence, knowledge and ability, becoming an increasingly valued and dependable member of the team.

Thank you, Dan, for your continued commitment, support and everything you do for our cadets and the detachment. Your contribution is genuinely appreciated.”

08/10/2026

CFAV recognition Day

Yesterday, in celebration of , we are proudly highlighting the remarkable Adult Volunteers of Wiltshire ACF!

Our dedicated volunteers are essential to our organization. Their hard work, from running local parade nights to spending weekends and week-long camps, makes everything we do possible.

They dedicate time away from their own lives to inspire and support today's youth, building confidence, teaching life skills, and shaping future leaders.

Thank you to all instructors, officers, and volunteers in the ACF for your dedication and passion that change lives.

08/10/2026

𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐄𝐧𝐠𝐚𝐠𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐌𝐞𝐥𝐤𝐬𝐡𝐚𝐦 𝐃𝐞𝐭𝐚𝐜𝐡𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭

Melksahm Detachment spent their Tuesday evening parade at Brookside Care Centre, where they visited the residents.
They enjoyed socializing and sharing refreshments with the residents. A brief sing-along took place, during which they distributed some musical instruments.
There were also several local visitors, including:
MP Brian Mathew
Mayor Saffi Rabey
Deputy Mayor Gillian Elson
Councillor Jennie Westbrook

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𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐄𝐧𝐠𝐚𝐠𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 is a huge part of being an Army Cadet. Here are just some of the many ways our cadets get involved in their local communities
Litter picking or tidying a local area
Fundraising for charity
Supporting a local event
Cleaning Commonwealth graves and memorials
Getting involved in the annual Poppy Appeal