28/09/2026
𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗝𝗢𝗨𝗥𝗡𝗘𝗬 𝗕𝗘𝗛𝗜𝗡𝗗 𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗥𝗔𝗡𝗞
𝗖𝗢𝗡𝗚𝗥𝗔𝗧𝗨𝗟𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗢𝗡𝗦 𝗖𝗔𝗗𝗘𝗧 𝗥𝗦𝗠 𝗣𝗘𝗥𝗞𝗦 & 𝗖𝗔𝗗𝗘𝗧 𝗦𝗦𝗠 𝗪𝗢𝗢𝗗𝗪𝗢𝗥𝗧𝗛 (𝗕 𝗦𝗤𝗨𝗔𝗗𝗥𝗢𝗡)
A few years ago, they were both new cadets starting their journey.
Today, 𝗖𝗮𝗱𝗲𝘁 𝗥𝗦𝗠 𝗣𝗲𝗿𝗸𝘀 and 𝗖𝗮𝗱𝗲𝘁 𝗦𝗦𝗠 𝗪𝗼𝗼𝗱𝘄𝗼𝗿𝘁𝗵 hold two of the most senior cadet appointments in Bristol & the Channel Islands ACF.
Their progression has not happened overnight. It has come through taking opportunities, challenging themselves, developing as leaders and gradually taking on greater responsibility.
𝗖𝗔𝗗𝗘𝗧 𝗥𝗦𝗠 𝗣𝗘𝗥𝗞𝗦
Cadet RSM Perks joined the Army Cadets in March 2022.
Since then, she has embraced opportunities across cadet life, including achieving her Bronze Duke of Edinburgh’s Award in 2023 and successfully completing the Master Cadet Course at the National Cadet Training Centre, Frimley Park, on 10 April 2026.
In August 2026, Cadet RSM Perks was appointed Cadet Regimental Sergeant Major, the most senior cadet appointment in the Army Cadet Force.
There is only one Cadet RSM within an ACF Battalion/County at any one time, making this a significant achievement and a role carrying considerable responsibility. She now acts as a senior link between cadets and adult instructors, while helping to set the example for those following behind her.
Asked what has stood out most during her cadet journey, she said:
💬 “All the friends I’ve made along the way and the Master Cadet Course.”
She is now enjoying visiting detachments across the Battalion and is particularly looking forward to representing the Battalion at the Remembrance Parade.
Her advice to other cadets?
💬 “Stay positive and focused no matter the situations. Everything gets better with time. My final piece of advice would be to take every opportunity that is offered.”
𝗖𝗔𝗗𝗘𝗧 𝗦𝗦𝗠 𝗪𝗢𝗢𝗗𝗪𝗢𝗥𝗧𝗛
Cadet SSM Woodworth joined the Army Cadets in November 2021.
Over the years that followed, he steadily progressed through the organisation, developing his leadership, taking on increasing responsibility and continuing to challenge himself within B Squadron.
On 10 April 2026, he also successfully completed the Master Cadet Course at Frimley Park — one of the highest levels of training available to an Army Cadet.
He was promoted to Cadet Sergeant Major in July 2026, before being appointed B Squadron Sergeant Major during Annual Camp in August.
As Squadron Sergeant Major, he now holds the senior cadet appointment within B Squadron, helping to provide leadership, support and direction to cadets across the Squadron while acting as an important link between cadets and adult instructors.
Asked what made him stay with the ACF and continue progressing, he said:
💬 “The challenge and personal experience and development over my four years in the ACF.”
For Cadet SSM Woodworth, completing Master Cadet was one of the standout moments of that journey — taking on greater responsibility, testing himself and meeting cadets from across the UK.
Now, his focus is also on those coming up behind him.
💬 “I’m excited about meeting new people and being a role model to the younger cadets.”
And his advice to anyone thinking about going for promotion?
💬 “Be yourself and always volunteer for different things.”
Neither Cadet RSM Perks nor Cadet SSM Woodworth joined knowing exactly where cadets would take them.
They started where every cadet starts: turning up, learning, getting involved and taking opportunities as they came.
A few years later, they are now among the senior cadet leaders helping to shape the experience of the next generation.
👏 A huge congratulations to 𝗖𝗮𝗱𝗲𝘁 𝗥𝗦𝗠 𝗣𝗲𝗿𝗸𝘀 and 𝗖𝗮𝗱𝗲𝘁 𝗦𝗦𝗠 𝗪𝗼𝗼𝗱𝘄𝗼𝗿𝘁𝗵 on their achievements.
Two significant journeys, two significant milestones, and a brilliant example of just how far the opportunities within the Army Cadets can take you.