Wednesday night (29/11) marked a significant event in the T.S Queen Elizabeth calendar—the end-of-month divisions—a time for recognition, pride and Individual Growth. This monthly gathering saw cadets and staff donning their best uniforms or 1s, eager for inspection—a crucial opportunity to ensure uniform standards remain at the standard set at Remembrance Day.
The evening went beyond the meticulous inspection, providing Divisional staff with the chance to conduct one-on-one Divisional meetings. These personal sessions aimed to empower individual cadets, allowing them to discuss concerns, upcoming challenges, and even influence the training program for maximum engagement. A unique aspect of these meetings was the completion of cadets' 'one-page profiles.' These profiles, designed to meet individual specialised needs, learning requirements, or disabilities, contain vital information for instructors. They cover strengths, interests, challenges, and strategies for inclusive sessions, behavioral management, and handling situations arising from individual needs or medical conditions. Notably, this inclusivity extends beyond Special Educational Needs or Disabilities (SEND) to support cadets facing various circumstances, such as those who are transgender, transitioning, non-binary, or dealing with challenging situations impacting their needs at Sea Cadets.
Following the engaging divisional discussions and inspections, the night culminated in the distribution of certificates and badges. Notably, four cadets were promoted, while five received badges—a testament to their dedication and hard work.
Promotion within the Sea Cadets is earned through the completion of modules in the syllabus, covering subjects like Seamanship, First Aid, Drill, and Corps Knowledge. Cadets' conduct and behavior are also assessed, determining if they've attained the maturity expected for the rank above. The four cadets promoted— OC Evans, OC McAdam, OC Reekie, and CFC Cochrane—now set an inspiring example for their peers.
Badges, symbolic of specific course completions and assessments, were also handed out. From First Aid to Marine Engineering and Piping, each badge represented a cadet's commitment to learning and mastering essential skills. The intricacies of Piping, using the boatswain's (pronounced Bosuns) call, were underscored, highlighting its role in giving orders within the unit.
A notable mention goes to XO (Executive Officer) PO Daly, a qualified Piping Instructor. His expertise ensured the successful assessment of five cadets in basic piping—a recently added prerequisite for promotion to Ordinary Cadet.
Heartfelt congratulations are extended to all the accomplished cadets mentioned, and a sincere thank you is expressed to the dedicated staff who volunteered their time to instruct, assess, and contribute to the success of the aforementioned cadets. May this celebration mark not only an acknowledgment of past achievements but also a motivation for continued excellence on the Sea Cadet journey that lies ahead.
