News

18th-20th April 2012
This weekend Luton unit played host to not only 1 Troop, but also 5 Troop of X-Ray Company Royal Marines Cadets for the Pre-Advancement Board Training. Royal Marines Cadets from Northampton, Kettering, Luton, St Albans and Welwyn Garden City all descended on Luton as part of their training for promotions.

New recruits from across the two troops were treated to their basic training in a scaled down version of Exercise First Step. In addition they took part in weapons training on the L98A2 Cadet GP Weapon system, and the corps history and theory sections of their MC2 Test. Ordinary Cadet Perry from Luton unit, who originally volunteered to help the chef out for the weekend, found himself donning a set of CS95 and joining the marines in the woods. OC Perry is now RMC2 Perry as spurred on by this weekend he has transferred from the Sea Cadets to the Royal Marines Cadets.

All potential Corporals and RMC1s who hoped to take their assessments on the June Advancement Board, came to Luton for their Pre-Promotion training and to sit the Theory section of their boards. RMC2 Matthews from Luton passed his theory test with flying colours and will progress to the board in June. He also received additional training in Map Reading, Weapons Training, and fieldcraft.

Lance Corporals Ayers and Loveland who aim to sit their Corporal's Boards in June also passed their theory tests. Furthermore Corporals are required to present a lesson. L/Cpl Ayers treated the Captains Smith and Cartwright to lessons on the Battle of Trafalgar and L/Cpl Loveland taught the audiene all about the key battles of the Falklands Conflicts - appropriate as this is the 30th anniversary of the conflict. Additionally they received training in map reading and fieldcraft, covering topics such as range cards, sentries, advanced partrolling, section formations route cards, resections, compass work, navigation at night and the NATO sequence of orders. All cadets did a fantastic job and will progress to the main board in June.

A hug thank you to Captain Smith for running the weekend, and to Luton's Commanding Officer CPO Brogan for cooking the troops. It was the biggest peice of pork any of us had ever seen!

1st May 2012
For all those wishing to join Luton Sea Cadets, whether as a Sea Cadet, Royal Marines Cadet or as a Junior, the new application to join is now online. This makes the whole process of joining must quicker and easier.

Take a few minutes to browse this website, to read about and see some of the things we do. Of course, nothing can replace the real experience so come in to have a look around and meet our staff. If it is for you, the new online form can be found here. Fill it in electronically, print a copy and bring it in with you. You'll be up and running in now time.

We look forward to seeing you soon!

5th-9th April 2012
All sections of Luton Sea Cadets were involved in their respective Easter Camps over this weekend with cadets earning qualifications, meeting new friends and having serious fun!

The Sea Cadets and Junior Sea Cadets took part in a joint camp with the cadets from Welwyn Garden City. The camp was accomodated at our unit, with the boating activities taking place at Stewartby. Cadets took part in a variety of activities including sailing, paddlesport (canoeing and kayaking), and rowing. Many cadets returned home with BCU 1* paddlesport, RYA Youth Sailing Scheme level 2 or Competent Crew rowing qualifications. Bravo Zulu all.

Meanwhile, the Royal Marines Cadets travelled to Beckingham for their Easter Camp. Two cadets joined the Rifle Troops to take part in advanced fieldcraft in a huge Tactical Exercise across the training area. Two cadets took part in Exercise First Step, the basic Cadre which gave them the skills to join the Rifle Troops on Summer Camp. Three Cadets joined the Signals cadre, learning all about tactical communications, radios and combat signals. These three each earned themselved the Combat Signals qualification. Bravo Zulu all.

And it's not just cadets who earn qualifications. At Luton, several staff gained their own BCU 1* and rowing qualifications, and at Beckingham A/Sgt(SCC) Oxley passed her Drill Leader Acquaint Course, in preperation for her national Drill Leader selection course in August.

Both Easter Camps were a huge success. If you want to be part of the next one, come in to see us and you could be on the water or in the field at Summer Camp.

28th March 2012
Luton Sea Cadet Unit celebrated another year full of achievement at their Royal Naval Parade (RNP) inspection last Wednesday. Over the course of the evening, cadets from all over Luton took part in many displays in front of senior officers, local dignitaries and proud parents. The evening showcased the many achievements and prizes that the unit has been awarded, and gave the guests a chance to see close up the kinds of activities that cadets do within the unit.

The evening began with a full ceremonial divisions and inspection, as the Ship’s Company of T.S. Keyes welcomed the Area Officer, Commander Eric Langley RN to the unit. Complete with a 6+1 man armed guard, the cadets’ best uniforms and standards of drill and ceremonial were closely scrutinised by the inspection team including the District Officer, Lieutenant Commander (SCC) Bob Knight RNR and Royal Marines Cadet Troop Commander, Captain (SCC) Mike Cartwright RMR.

After a quick interlude for cadets to get changed and the inspection team to enjoy a quick cup of tea, the guests were treated to displays by the cadets. The Royal Marines Cadet detachment (aged 13-17) showed off their skills of camouflage and concealment during their Observation at Night demonstration, challenging the audience to identify sights and sounds by night. The Sea Cadets (aged 12-17) then presented their rigging exercise, which involved hoisting an object on a derrick and depositing it into a narrow container, much as the sailors of old would transfer supplies from the dock to the ship’s hold. The Junior Sea Cadets (aged 10-11) then rounded off the night by taking all the command roles for the Evening Colours ceremony. The Juniors completed the ceremony to a high standard, and greatly impressed the inspecting officers.

Following on from the inspection, Luton Sea Cadets is to be awarded a Pennant, the second highest efficiency rating a Sea Cadet unit can be given. This will be hoisted on the main mast where it will fly over the cabinets that hold the rest of Luton’s achievements, such as District Drill (RM Cadet Guard and Guard Commander) and District Football (Senior Boys).

25th March 2012
Well done to Sergeant (SCC) Lancaster, who passed the National Officer Selection this weekend. Having passed the Eastern Area selection in October, Sergeant (SCC) Lancaster travelled to HMS Excellent for the National board, headed by a panel of two National Training Centre COs, two Senior Staff Officers and the MSSC Director of Training. Following a successful weekend, Sgt (SCC) Lancaster was promoted to Acting Lieutenant (SCC) RMR. Bravo Zulu.