Trevor and Rachel Cox from Lode near Cambridge are no ordinary father and daughter. Over the Easter weekend they got together at Waterbeach army cadet training centre to teach 58 young cadets aged from 12 to 15 the basics of military life.

Officer Cadet Rachel teaches young cadets

Trevor (53), formerly a site manager, is the County Training Officer for Cambridgeshire Army Cadet Force and Rachel (21) is currently studying for a degree in ancient history and archaeology. For the past two years since graduating from Hills Road Sixth Form College in Cambridge she has been an Officer Cadet with Birmingham University Officer Training Corps, sharing a common interest with Trevor in youth development and the army.  With eleven other instructors they shared their knowledge of field craft, use of map and compass, shooting, drill and even some first aid with the youngsters to give them a head start in life.

 

“I was an army cadet for six years and left in 2006 to go to university” said Rachel. “The ACF provided so many skills and opportunities which I apply in everyday life”.  And Trevor totally agrees. He has been with the ACF for over 40 years and holds the cadet forces medal with two bars for his service to local youth. “It is about giving young people the chance to experience challenge and adventure in a safe learning environment so they can develop self sufficiency and leadership skills”, he said. “We always have vacancies for young people aged 12 to 18 and for adults up to the age of 55. Our activities include expeditions to places like Africa and Canada as well as local training designed to assist young people to become useful members of society”  -  And do these youngsters have to join up afterwards?   ‘No’ says Trevor, “If they have an interest in the armed services we help them to find out more. If not they leave us with a set of skills they can use to their advantage anywhere in life”.

Rachel’s university unit is affiliated to the Royal Regiment of Fusiliers and she proudly wears their red and white feather ‘hackle’ on her beret as a tribute. Although Rachel’s ambitions are towards event management, she is also looking to continue her military service as a volunteer with the Territorial Army. “The Corps of Signals interests me most”, she says. “But in the meantime I intend to help with the cadets as much as I can”. “I am going to four annual cadet camps around the UK this year as well as taking part in university OTC activities.”

Father and Daughter team Trevor and Rachel Cox

Over the weekend the young cadets learned a lot about themselves and what they can achieve in life with the help of volunteers like Trevor and Rachel. “And there is much more to experience and enjoy” said Trevor. “We hold camps like this all year round so that cadets can progress through our unique training scheme and even achieve recognised qualifications such as BTec certificates and Duke of Edinburgh’s Awards. The challenge is only limited by their imagination”