Why Okehampton Army Cadets are recruiting again for the first time in five years

Okehampton Army Cadets are holding their first recruitment open night in five years as the group looks to expand following the arrival of new adult volunteers.

The open night will take place next week at the cadets’ detachment building on Tors Road, Okehampton, on Tuesday 3 February. 

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It comes after the local detachment was previously unable to take on new members due to limits on adult supervision.

Lieutenant Sam Caunter, detachment commander for Okehampton Army Cadets, spoke to The Moorlander to explain more about the group and why they had not needed to recruit in recent years.

“We have never really needed to recruit previously and have had a waiting list for some time,” he said.

“But we have been hampered by how many cadets we can have on board due to a lack of adult volunteers.”

He said the situation has now changed following the recruitment of additional Cadet Force Adult Volunteers, allowing the detachment to grow.

“This has allowed us to expand. Coupled with some of our more senior cadets ageing out or moving on, we have found ourselves in a position to actively recruit.”

Lt Caunter said the Army Cadet Force focuses on youth development rather than military recruitment.

“The Army Cadet Force is not a recruitment organisation,” he said. 

“Its primary focus is youth development, using military-themed activities to teach transferable life skills such as leadership, teamwork, problem-solving and self-discipline.”

He added that many young people benefit from the structure and support provided by the cadets.

ABOVE: A poster advertising the army cadet open night (Image: Sam Caunter)

“Beyond weekly parade nights, we offer young people a chance to grow in confidence, resilience and self-belief,” he said. 

“Many parents notice improvements in confidence, discipline and maturity both in and out of school.”

The Okehampton detachment is also actively involved in the local community. 

Lt Caunter said cadets regularly support remembrance events and local activities, helping young people develop a sense of civic responsibility.

“Cadets are actively encouraged to give back to their community. It helps them develop pride in where they live and a sense of belonging.”

“Currently one of our most senior cadets, Corporal White is planning a community engagement event where she will lead a group of cadets in the cleaning of common wealth war graves in Okehampton. “

He added that while some cadets do go on to military careers, most do not.

“The majority do not, and that is absolutely fine,” he said. “We believe it is our duty to help prepare our cadets for the world, whichever direction they choose.”