Army Cadets Ballygowan & Carryduff

25/06/2026

With annual camp just two weeks away it was an evening of revision and mop up training this week to prepare all those attending as well as introducing some of our new Cadets to the Army Cadet Syllabus.

The start of the evening was spent on Drill and Turnout, keeping the standards high for both as well as looking forward into the new training year with some Drill practice for the 2026 Irish Guards Mini Micks Competition.

Keep up the good work all!

To Inspire To Achieve ☘️💂‍♂️

23/06/2026

Well done 2LT Ireland from all of us! Great to see a former Ballygowan Detachment Cadet and CFAV still achieving 👏💂‍♂️☘️

We are delighted to congratulate SSgt Ireland on successfully passing the Army Cadet Commissions Board this weekend and being selected for a commission within the Army Cadet Force.

The Army Cadet Commissions Board is a challenging assessment process designed to evaluate candidates’ leadership, communication, instructional ability, and suitability to serve as commissioned officers within the organisation. Throughout the course, candidates are required to demonstrate the highest standards of professionalism, decision-making, and commitment to developing young people.

SSgt Ireland’s success is a testament to his dedication, hard work, and continued service to the Army Cadet Force. His achievement marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter in his Army Cadet Force career.

As a commissioned officer, SSgt Ireland will play an even greater role in shaping the future of the Army Cadets, helping to coordinate and deliver high-quality training, mentoring young people, and supporting the development of adult volunteers across the organisation.

Congratulations once again to SSgt Ireland on this outstanding achievement, we wish you every success. 👏🏽☘️



Army Cadets UK Irish Guards

12/06/2026

All setup at the Carrickmannon does Balmoral fun night in Ballygowan 🥳

We'll be here to 8.00pm to show everyone who comes along what the Army Cadets is all about - both Cadets aged 12-18 and Adult Volunteers aged 18+ ☘️💂‍♂️

Thank you to Carrickmannon Primary School for inviting us along 😁👍

10/06/2026

**IMPORTANT NOTICE - 10th June 2026**

Due to unforeseen circumstances, ALL detachments across the 2nd (Northern Ireland) Battalion Army Cadet Force area will remain CLOSED this evening, Wednesday 10 June 2026.

The safety and wellbeing of our Cadets, Adult Volunteers and Staff remains our highest priority. Following careful consideration, this decision has been taken in the best interests of everyone involved and to ensure that no unnecessary risks are taken.

We will continue to monitor the situation closely and assess any developments as they arise. Further updates will be provided through our usual communication channels, and any decisions regarding detachment activities will be communicated as soon as possible.

Thank you for your continued support and understanding.

09/06/2026

Thank you to Alexander Dickson PS for inviting us along to their Community Fun Night last Friday.

A great night for our team who set up and ran an engagement stand showcasing just some of what the Army Cadets has to offer to the lots of interested families who passed througj the stand.

Thank you to our Cadets who once again represented us so well ☘️💂‍♂️

07/06/2026

02/06/2026

A great day was had on Saturday in our home village as we got to show lots of future Cadets just what the Army Cadets is all about.

The forecasted rain stayed away and the sun shone on what was a brilliant Community fun day in Ballygowan. We had lots of interested visitors to our stand and hopefully a few new Cadets will be joining us over the coming months.

Thank you to Ballygowan Community for inviting us to attend and well done to all our Cadets who volunteered to showcase the Army Cadets and done a brilliant job 👏

To Inspire To Achieve ☘️💂‍♂️

14/05/2026

A massive congratulations to our latest Cadet of the month, Cdt J who is very deservingly awarded the trophy after stepping forward to help a stranger in need.

A few weeks ago while with a friend who is also a Cadet from another unit, Cdt J came across a person in distress and without hesitation put her first aid training into practice. Between the two cadets they cared for the person until the Ambulance crew arrived.

Very well done for stepping forward when it mattered most and using the skills you have learnt so far as a Cadet to help 👏👏👏

To Inspire To Achieve ☘️

30/04/2026

Time to wish another of our Senior Cadets a massive thank you and good luck as their time as a Cadet comes to a close.

After 5 years with us, CSM Kydd has reached the end of her Cadet journey but what an experience it has been! 5 years packed full of amazing memories from Company weekends, summer camps, competitions, Bisley, Arnhem, London and of course from her time as Lord lieutenant's Cadet for the City of Belfast.

Dedicated right to the end CSM Kydd's final duty as a Cadet was leading the F Company team at last weekends NI Cadet Military Skills Competition.

As her time as a Cadet now comes to a close, we wish Mollie the very best of luck and good fortune for all the future holds. Thank you for all the time and effort you gave to the ACF and well done for all that you achieved!

Always a Little Further ☘️💂‍♂️

18/04/2026

Thank you to Ballygowan Community for inviting us to help this morning with their Village community litter pick.

Great to get out in our home village and give a little back or in this case take a lot of litter away! An enjoyable and very successful few hours and we hope to make this a regular activity for us as our Cadets can use it towards their Cadet In the Community and their Volunteering Section of the Duke of Edinburgh Award.

Thank you those who helped this morning and great effort all round 👏😁

Always a Little Further ☘️💂‍♂️