A TEIGNMOUTH Cadet has received one of the highest awards in the Devon Army Cadet Force (ACF).

Cadet Company Sergeant Major (CSM) Ciaran Summers, from Teignmouth, was recently presented with the prestigious Master Cadet award by Major Paul Atkin, Officer Commanding D (South Devon) Company, Devon Army Cadet Force.

Ciaran, aged 17, recently became one of only a handful of cadets each year to achieve the prestigious Master Cadet award the highest level of military training award which is possible to achieve within the Army Cadet Force.

A spokesman said: ‘Cdt CSM Summers’ achievement is the pinnacle of five years of ACF service, having joined Teignmouth Detachment as a recruit in October 2016, and is made even more impressive by the fact that Cdt CSM Summers has achieved this award during, and in spite of, the pandemic and government lockdown restrictions.’

To achieve the Master Cadet award Ciaran had to progress through various Army Proficiency Certificate ‘star-level’ gradings, from Basic through to 1 Star, 2 Star, 3 Star, and 4 Star, before reaching the heights of Master Cadet.

The award tested Cdt CSM Summers’ skills across a range of military syllabus subjects including fieldcraft, shooting, first aid, ceremonial drill, military knowledge, navigation, expeditions, and much more.

Company Sergeant Major Instructor (CSMI) Michael Davey said: ‘CSM Summers has achieved his Master Cadet qualification, one of the highest awards of achievement in the ACF. As his Detachment Commander I am proud of all of his achievements.’

Major Paul Atkin, Officer Commanding D (South Devon) Company Devon ACF, commented: ‘As the Commanding Officer of D Company I am immensely proud of CSM Summers achieving his Master Cadet.  

‘This is a result of years of hard work progressing through the APC syllabus for any cadet and the pinnacle of their career, but he achieved this during the Covid pandemic which makes his achievement even more remarkable.

Cdt CSM Summers is the senior Cadet not only for Teignmouth Detachment, but for the whole of D (South Devon) Company.

Devon Army Cadet Force (ACF) is part of the national youth organisation sponsored by the British Army aimed at inspiring young people to achieve both physically and mentally whilst developing self-confidence, teamwork and leadership.

 Cadets have the opportunity to take part in numerous activities and gain national and externally recognised awards, including first aid, DofE, vocational qualifications (BTEC and ILM), adventure training, and military skills.

Devon ACF has 36 Detachments, with over 600 cadets, and over 200 Adult Volunteers.

Most detachments parade two nights per week and each Company has around three weekends away each year, as well as a two-week Summer Camp during the school holidays. The County Headquarters and Weekend Training Centre are based in Exeter. Weekend training also takes place at Okehampton Camp and Dartmoor Training Area. Devon ACF is proud to be part of the Rifles family, and all of our cadets and CFAVs from across the county wear the Rifles cap-badge as a sign of our regimental affiliation.

If you are interested in joining Devon ACF either as a Cadet Force Adult Volunteer to work with our young people, or as a cadet (if you are aged 12-18), please Contact Us.

To find out more about the Army Cadets, and how you can get involved, visit https://armycadets.com/county/devon-acf/.