10/10/2026
From our Deputy Commandant, Lt Col Hannah Beale-Reade.
Gloucestershire Cadet to Gloucestershire Deputy Commandant:
My cadet journey started 33 years ago. I was a 13 year old who lacked confidence and who lacked trust in anyone, having a rather 'colourful' childhood. The ACF became so much more than a place to go on a Thursday night. I began to grow in confidence and realised I could achieve things and that I could actually believe in myself. My cadet career lasted from 1993 to 1998. I became a Cadet CSM, gained my bronze and silver Duke of Edinburgh's Awards, completed the Cadet Leadership Course at Frimley Park and was appointed as a Lord Lieutenant's Cadet, serving for Sir Henry Elwes for two years. These were just some of the things the organisation gave me as a teenager.
In 1998, I became a CFAV, following the disastrous news that I was unable to commission into the Regular Army - something that I had always dreamed of doing. From 1998 to 2005, I served in the Serjeants' Mess and gained some amazing experiences, including completing my gold Duke of Edinburgh's Award and my KGVI (M Qual) Course, being invited back as ADS. I was also able to undertake two weeks with the German Army on a cadet exchange - experiences I could have only dreamed of without the ACF.
In 2005, I commissioned, making my grandad who had served incredibly proud. He had served in the Gloucestershire Regiment and wearing the county's back badge was and still is incredibly important to me. Throughout my commissioned career, I have achieved so much, but the experience that will live with me forever was travelling to Nepal in 2011 - working with the school children in Langdi Village and climbing to Annapurna Base Camp - it really was the trip of a lifetime. I have been lucky to undertake a range of roles, including Cadre Commander; Detachment Commander; B Company Training Officer; C Company Second In Command; Assistant County Training Officer; Officer Commanding B Company; County D of E Officer and County Training Officer. In January this year, I attended a HQSW selection board and was successfully appointed as Deputy Commandant in the county - a significant milestone for someone who lacked confidence all those years ago.
For me, I am incredibly lucky to have achieved what I have through the Army Cadet Force. The organisation has enabled me to succeed in a teaching career of 25 years so far, further impacting positively on the lives of young people.
Being in Gloucestershire ACF now is about me 'giving back' what I was given all those years ago and being the facilitator and driving force of shaping the future of our county's cadets - young people who will be inspired to achieve in a wonderful organisation. I will be eternally grateful for the skills and experiences that this organisation has given me and continues to give me.
Thank you for making me who I am today.
Col H
