Having once experienced the challenge, camaraderie and adventure of CCF themselves, two Old Tridents returned to Field Day to help current cadets enjoy the same opportunities.
2Lt Milly (class of 2021, pictured), and Alex (class of 2021), a paramedic in Lincolnshire, both spent time in CCF and outdoor education during their time at Trent. This time, they returned to the field to support the next generation, sharing their experience and encouragement.
For Milly, CCF was an important early influence on her decision to pursue a career in the military.
“I think it definitely sparked a fire. It gives you that primary exposure that you would never get if you had never joined the cadets.”
That first exposure ultimately developed into a military career, giving Milly a perspective that is particularly valuable when working alongside cadets who are beginning to consider similar paths.
“A few of them [pupils] seem really keen and their skills and drills out there are really good. It’s nice to see that pupils are inspired by myself and a few others coming back.”
Milly told us she could see cadets’ confidence grow out on the field.
“I think they’ve really settled into it. At the beginning there were a few wobbles and some weren’t sure about staying outside for the night and eating ration packs. It was all a new experience, but they have really got involved.”
Alex’s career route has been different, but his time at Trent also had a lasting influence. Outdoor education gave him something to work towards and helped him find a strong sense of purpose alongside his academic studies.
“Trent was great for me because of the outdoor education provided. It kept me interested in lessons because I thought, if I’ve got all of this to look forward to, I’ll just knuckle down, get on with lessons and do well.”
Those experiences did not end when Alex left school. Alongside his career as a paramedic, he has continued to develop qualifications and interests in outdoor activities, like mountain biking and hiking.
“When you’re exposed to loads of different activities at a young age, it allows you to decide what you do like. It’s great for me because it means that I earn money doing things that I love. So on a weekend, I’m getting paid and I’m doing something that I’d be doing anyway.”
It is that sense of discovery that makes experiences such as CCFField Day so valuable.
For Milly and Alex, returning to support CCF gives them the opportunity to help current pupils discover the same sense of adventure, challenge and enjoyment that they once experienced themselves.
With National Cadet Week taking place this week (5–11 October), the return of Milly and Alex is a reminder of the lasting impact CCF can have, not only during a pupil’s time at school, but in the experiences, skills and interests they carry forward afterwards.
