Northumbria Army Cadet Force

COMMANDANT’S DIRECTIVE FOR 2013

REFERENCES

  1. 15 (NE) Brigade Commanders Directive
  2. Army Proficiency Certificate (ACF) Syllabus AC71101
  3. Cadet Training Manual Vol 1 AC71462
  4. Cadet Training Manual Vol 2 AC71463
  5. The ACF Manual AC14233
  6. Cadet Training Safety Precautions JSP535 (Apr 2011)
  7. The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Handbook
  8. ADP Vol 5 – Soldiering – The Military Covenant AC71642

GENERAL

1.This Directive is written pending receipt of the Brigade plan for 2013/14 and is subject to amendment following confirmation of detailed tasks. It is complementary to Reference A and must be read in conjunction with Reference B. It sets out my priorities, training objectives and the ethos to be achieved within the County.

2.It is important that all Officers and CFAVs fully understand my intent and that they direct their energies towards its achievement. In a time of resource constrains we must ensure that our activities are properly focused to achieving the required goals. Adults must look critically at and be prepared to challenge continued participation in activities where there is no discernable benefit to the ACF, even where these are traditional in nature.

3.Regardless of whatever tasks or pressures are laid upon Officers and CFAVs, the over riding priority is to ensure the safety and well being of our cadets and other adult volunteers. All adults must be familiar with and comply with the safety requirements contained within References A to G. Should an accident occur and the required safety arrangements are subsequently found not to have been in place, the responsible adult can anticipate being called to account.

MISSION

4.Northumbria Army Cadet Force is to deliver a challenging and progressive programme of activities in order to foster amongst our cadets a broad interest in the Army and in service to their community.

EXECUTION

5.Intent. To increase the number of Officers, deepen the training level of all adult staff, deliver the APC syllabus ensuring each cadet has the opportunity for Star progression each year whilst placing a premium upon shooting, first aid training and physical fitness (through APC syllabus sport, DoE and AT).

6.Scheme of Manoeuvre. CountyHeadquarters will lead on potential officer recruitment and development whilst Company Commanders concentrate on the delivery of the APC syllabus, DoE and the training of their shooting and first aid teams. Companies will be supported by the CountyTraining team. Deputy Commandant North will be responsible for delivering our responsibilities to the 15x Community Engagement (CE) plan and for inward support from Regular and TA Units. Deputy Commandant South will focus on CFAV recruitment and potential officer development. The Training Major and RSMI will lead on adult development and compliance with training governance requirements.

7.Main Effort. My main effort is to develop each adult volunteer through a combination of training and stretching activity. In addition the County is to achieve success in the Bde shooting and military skill competitions.

8.Tasks.

  1. Deputy Commandant North.
  1. Manage County Community Engagement activity in

conjunction with lead TA Units. The main focus is Armed Forces Day.

  1. Deliver two Outreach projects.
  1. Plan and execute aCounty Beating Retreat.
  1. Perform the duties of PMC Officers Mess.
  1. Leadership and MS responsibilities for W and X Coys

including personal development and succession planning.

  1. Deputy Commandant South
  1. Develop and deliver the County adult recruitment plan

with priority to W and X Coys.

  1. Manage CFAV Recruitment and Potential Instructor training.
  1. Perform the duties of President, Cassino Band.
  1. Identify and prepare potential officers for AOSB.
  1. Plan and lead Ex Northumbrian Cougar.
  1. Leadership and MS responsibilities for Y and Z Coys

including personal development and succession planning.

  1. CEO
  1. Manage County administration and equipment support.
  1. FundManageCounty budgets.
  1. Line manage permanent staff
  1. Training Major
  1. In conjunction with the Comdt, develop the County

Forecast of Events

ii.Direct the employment of the County training team

iii.Co-ordinate the delivery of 3 star training and above.

iv.Co-ordinateCounty, Company and Detachment training in order to deliver a Star progression within the period defined in the APC Syllabus or at annual camp for each cadet per anum. A premium is to be placed on shooting, first aid and physical fitness training.

vEnsure each adult attends the necessary training to qualify to teach cadets, remaining current and competent each year. Individual results are to be input to Westminster with no aspect of training falling below an amber grading on the dashboard

.

  1. Company Commanders. OCs W, X, Y and Z Companies are to:

i.Recruit sufficient and motivated young people to ensure detachments strengths remain above 15 attending cadets.

ii.Actively support the recruitment of Officers and CFAVs through the timely completion of recruitment administration.

iii.Agree and actively manage personal development plans for each of their Officers and CFAVs. Each individual over the year is to have measurably improved their skills base and remain current within governance requirements. Company and Detachment Commanders are responsible for ensuring their training activities comply with the safe system of training.

iv.Deliver the APC syllabus to their cadets in accordance with References B to ensuring each individual achieves an annual star progression.

v.Work with County leads to progress the development of shooting, first aid and physical fitness within their Companies. An Officer or CFAV must be appointed to lead each activity within each Sub Unit. Each member of the County shooting, first aid and sports teams will attract points towards the Champion Company competition.

vi.Train their Ex Colts Canter team to win the competition. No Company team to fall outside of the top 10 within the Brigade.

vii. Promote the Duke of Edinburgh scheme. Each Company is to deliver not less than 30 Bronze, 5 Silver and 2 Gold awards by 31 Mar 14.

  1. CountyShooting Officer.

i.To develop an interest in shooting in adults and cadets across the County, assisting with the delivery of training and competitive small bore shooting at detachment level.

ii.Plan in conjunction with the Training Major a County inter-company skill at arms competition.

iii.Identify and coach the CountyShooting team with the aim of winning the 15 Brigade SAAM and achieve note worthy success at Bisley.

iv.Develop shotgun skills within the County with the aim of entering a team into the 2013 Brigade competition

  1. CountyD of E Officer.

i.Promote and further embed the DoE Scheme within detachments.

ii.Encourage adults to train as DoE assessors.

iii.Support Company Commanders in the completion of awards leading to the delivery of not less that 30 Bronze, 5 Silver and 2 Gold D of E awards by 31 March 14..

  1. CountySports Officer.

i.Promote the benefits of physical fitness across the County.

ii.Encourage adults to train as coaches / sporting officials.

iii.Develop a programme of inter-company sports.

iv.Identify and coach NACF teams for Regional competitions and beyond. It is my expectation that the County will enter teams into the Regional Football, Rugby, Cross Country, Orienteering and Athleticscompetitions with the express intention of winning.

h.CountyFirst Aid Training Officer.

i.Support First Aid training across the County ensuring the award of appropriate certification.

ii.In conjunction with the Training Major, deliver an inter-company First Aid competition.

iii.Identify and train the County team to the required standard to win the Regional and National competition’s.

j.RSM

i.Advise the Comdt on issues relating to policy, training and administration.

ii.Maintain discipline and dress standards across the County.

  1. Represent the interests of the Warrant Officers and

Sergeants Mess.

iv.Ensure adult compliance with Governance requirements.

kTSA.Provide advice to the Commandant and chain of command on all training safety issues.

l.Detachment Commander Cassino Band.

i.Recruit adults and cadets into the Cassino Band in order to ensure it remains a strong and viable organisation

ii.Deliver high quality training in accordance with ACF music policy and direction.

iii.Develop effective training relationships with other ACF bands across Northern Region as part of the Brigade plan for joint training and performances.

iv.Support the CountyRecruiting and CE effort by delivering Public Military Events and supporting TA and Regular Army units. The programme of events is to be agreed with the Band President who will de-conflict proposals against Brigade and Unit CE activity plans.

CO-ORDINATING INSTRUCTIONS

9.Values and Standards. The ACF is built upon a set of values and standards which must be underpinned by the personal example of our Officers and CFAVs. Adults must have the moral courage to challenge any behaviour which is either inappropriate or fails to achieve the highest standards. Of particular importance are:

a.Equality and Diversity – the expected standards will be subject to a separate directive.

b.Self Discipline – with particular regard to standards of behaviour and dress when in public view.

c.Integrity – dishonesty at whatever level will not be tolerated.

d.Loyalty – to individuals up, down and across the organisation is vital for effective leadership and teamwork. However individuals must be careful not to allow loyalty to undermine the need to have the personal integrity to report relevant issues to the chain of command.

e.Leadership – is best achieved by strong personal example.

10.Adult Training and Development. The success of Northumbria ACF depends largely on the enthusiasm and skills of its officers and adults. The quality and breadth of the “cadet experience” can only be delivered if Officers and CFAVs have a detailed knowledge of the APC syllabus, are able to properly train cadets and attend regular refresher training; it is mandatory that unless individuals attend a course at FrimleyPark that they attend annual refresher training to remain qualified to teach cadets. In addition all adults are strongly encouraged to develop additional qualifications in areas such as skill at arms, the DoE scheme, First Aid and mini bus driving. In a voluntary organisation such as the ACF, the development and maintenance of these additional personal skills will allow adult volunteers to derive maximum benefit and enjoyment from their service. The Deputy Commandants are responsible for ensuring that Officers and CFAVs are competent in their role, attend mandatory training in preparation for appointment at Detachment Command and above through a progressive personal development plan.

11.Cadet Promotions. Cadet NCOs have a significant impact upon retention of other cadets within their detachments. It is important that when selecting an individual for promotion Company Commanders check that they have achieved an acceptable level of training within the APC syllabus relevant to their rank and have received leadership training. The minimum standards for promotion are:

a.Lance Corporal – Achieved two star.

b.Corporal – Completion of their Junior Instructors Course.

c.Sergeant – Achieved three star.

d.Staff Sergeant – Completed four star.

e.CSM – Passed the Master Cadet course and LAND leadership course.

f.RSM – Demonstrated exceptional leadership ability and organisational skills.

12.Company Commanders are authorised to promote eligible cadets up to the rank of Corporal. Promotion recommendations to Sergeant and above are to be submitted for consideration by a County promotion board. Prior to submission Company Commanders are to consult with the RSM.

13.Training Administration. All training is to be authorised by CountyHQ. Form NB16 is to be completed and submitted to the CEO well in advance of the intended activity. Training is not to take place unless authority is granted. All authorised activity is to be entered into Westminster not later than the end of the month in which it occurred.

14.Attendance records are to be recorded on Westminster within 7 days of a training evening or activity occurring.

15.Health and Safety. The safe system of training and the rules contained within Reference F are to be complied with at all times. As Commandant I am responsible for the Health and Safety of all adults and cadets within the County. I will chair the CountySHEF committee and expect all Officers and CFAVs to implement its direction. The TSA is my principle adviser on training related issues. Only adults holding the appropriate qualification, currency and competency will be authorised to perform administrative duties or deliver training. No individual should attempt to deliver training for which they are not qualified or authorised. It is vital that a safety brief is given to all cadets prior to the commencement of any activity. Disciplinary action will be taken against those who fail to comply with mandated safety requirements.

16.Equipment Care.Training resources are becoming increasingly scare. Those which are available must be properly maintained. Although the QM is my principal proponent for Equipment Care, all adults must be familiar with and carefully adhere to my Equipment Care Directive and MT standing orders. Failure to do so could in the worst circumstances lead to an avoidable accident.

17.Public Relations.The PRO is to ensure maximum coverage of ACF activities in the local media. This aim is to ensure that the general public are aware of the aims and values of Northumbria ACF and in doing so attract new adult volunteers and cadets. He is to be assisted in this by Company and Detachment Commanders feeding him with a regular supply of photographs and information which can be turned into press releases. He will attend specific events by invitation. The PRO is to clear all articles with CountyHQ prior to release.

18.The County website is also an important medium for communicating information. The PRO also holds responsibility for ensuring it is up to date and accurate.

CONCLUSION

19.The success of Northumbria ACF is entirely dependant upon the ability and commitment of its adult volunteers. I have been hugely impressed in all that I have observed to date. This directive is aimed to build upon that work by providing focus and to spread the good practice which is evident in many detachments. Key to our future is the ability to recruit and develop adult volunteers to become Detachment Commanders and I ask that every Officer and CFAV play their part in full.

D MIDDLETON MBE TD

Colonel

Commandant

Distribution:

All Officers and CFAVs

External:

Comd 15 (NE) Bde

DComd (N) 15 (NE) Bde

RFCA