05/06/2026
๐ ๐๐๐๐๐ง๐๐ ๐ ๐ข๐ ๐ฉ๐ข๐๐จ๐ก๐ง๐๐๐ฅ๐๐ก๐ ๐๐ก ๐ง๐๐ ๐๐ฅ๐ ๐ฌ ๐๐๐๐๐ง ๐๐ข๐ฅ๐๐
As part of Volunteer Week, we spoke to Lt Williams about his remarkable journey in the Army Cadet Force. Hereโs what he had to say.
My journey with the Army Cadet Force began in 1980 when I joined as a cadet at Neath at the age of 13. I remained a cadet until I reached the maximum age of 18 years and 9 months, completing my 4-Star qualification and achieving my Gold Duke of Edinburghโs Award along the way.
With no break in service, I transitioned directly into the role of Sergeant Instructor on 17 December 1985. Becoming an adult instructor was the natural next step for me. The Army Cadet Force had given me countless opportunities, experiences, and friendships, and I wanted to help develop future generations of cadets in the same way.
The ACF was very different in those days. Training was much more militarised, and female cadets did not begin joining until the mid to late 1980s. I still remember some of the first female cadets joining.
As of today, I have served over 40 years as an adult instructor, in addition to my five years as a cadet, giving me a total of 46 years of continuous service with the Army Cadet Force. Time really does fly.
Throughout my career, I have been fortunate enough to take part in a wide variety of activities and appointments. One highlight was participating in the Nijmegen Marches in 1998 alongside the County Commandant, who, amusingly, had once worked for me.
My progression through the ranks saw me become a Sergeant Instructor in 1985, a Staff Sergeant Instructor in 1989, and receive a commission in 1999. Around 2000, I stepped in as County Shooting Officer and was responsible for leading training as well as managing teams for both CADSAM and Bisley competitions. During this period, two of my cadets achieved places in the top 100 at Bisley.
I also served as a Detachment Commander & Second in Command, where I had the privilege of working with many cadets who later returned as adult instructors themselves, including Kelly, Kyle, Emma, Raf, Bobby, Jeff and so many more. Seeing former cadets come back to serve has been one of the most rewarding aspects of my career.
Over the years, I have completed numerous courses, including several at Frimley Park and a Cadet Leadership Course while I was still a senior cadet. I was promoted to Captain around 2010. However, when the Cadet Forces Commission was introduced, I reverted from my former B-Rate Reserve Commission following the changes to the commissioning system.
Today, due to work commitments and limited availability, I mainly support the company as a floating instructor, specialising in Skill at Arms (SAA). That said, I am always willing to help wherever needed and continue to enjoy contributing to the organisation that has been such a significant part of my life.
Looking back over 46 years of service, I am proud of the experiences, achievements, and friendships I have gained. Most importantly, I am proud to have played a part in helping young people develop confidence, leadership, and life skills through the Army Cadet Force.
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