Meet the First Sea Lord’s Cadets for 2023
In our new series, we introduce you to a unit, cadet, volunteer and more from around the Corps. This time it's the First Sea Lord's Cadets for 2023
Every year a cadet from each area is selected as a First Sea Lord’s Cadet. The prestigious role includes representing Sea Cadets and gives the chosen cadets a glimpse into the work of senior Royal Navy officers. It’s time to meet them…
LC Joshua, Eastern Area
Joshua joined Sea Cadets in 2017. He represents his unit at football and rowing but his favourite activity is drill and he recently passed the Cadet Drill Instructor course. He hopes to go to Cambridge University before joining the Royal Navy as a Warfare Officer.
What does Sea Cadets mean to you?
“It is an extremely important part of my life. It has improved my confidence and provided skills that will be useful for my future.”
What’s your highlight from being a sea cadet?
“Last year, I was given the opportunity to serve as the Lord Mayor’s Cadet of Hull. During my term, I attended several civic events alongside the Lord Mayor, including remembrance Sunday and Merchant Navy day. Being the Lord Mayor’s cadet was an amazing experience that has been one of the proudest part of my Sea Cadets experience so far.”
How do you feel about taking on the role of First Sea Lord’s Cadet?
“This position is one that I am proud to hold and will carry out to the best of my ability. I am most looking forward to representing Sea Cadets alongside the First Sea Lord and other dignitaries at services and events. I have already attended services at a local level and am now looking forward to moving up to a national level. I am also looking forward to using my role to encourage younger cadets to become as involved as they can be within Sea Cadets.”
Top tip
“Seize every opportunity. Sea Cadets can offer you unique experiences that cannot
be matched anywhere else.”
POC Erin, London Area
Erin joined Sea Cadets in 2017. Always prepared to help others and take on responsibility, she enjoys passing on her skills to younger cadets. Erin’s recent achievements include gaining her Bronze Aviation Wings. She plans to join the Royal Navy and be a pilot with the Fleet Air Arm.
What does Sea Cadets mean to you?
“Sea Cadets means trying new things, making friends and learning new skills. It’s also great to feel part of a team.”
What’s your highlight from being a sea cadet?
“Lots to choose from! Being accepted on the Naval Cadet Aviation Course and gaining my Bronze Wings has been my favourite so far. It’s made me even more determined to pursue a career in the Fleet Air Arm.”
How do you feel about taking on the role of First Sea Lord’s Cadet?
“I was very honoured to be appointed and I think it will be really interesting. It will be a very busy year but I’m looking forward to the challenge and meeting new people. It’ll certainly mean lots of new experiences and I’m looking forward to representing Sea Cadets at a local and national level. I’m also really looking forward to taking part in the Trafalgar Day Parade, particularly as it’ll be the first time I’ve been able to attend.”
Top tip
“Don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone! I was really shy when I joined but then I stopped worrying as I always made friends.”
POC Wesley, Northern Area
Wesley joined Sea Cadets in 2016. He has gained instructors awards in Paddlesports, Drill and Rowing and was a Cadet Instructor at Northern Area Summer Camp in 2022. He has passed a number of challenging modules. It’s his ambition to have a career in the Royal Navy.
What does Sea Cadets mean to you?
“It’s not just a charity where you can get really useful qualifications. It’s also a family where everyone looks out for each other.”
What’s your highlight from being a sea cadet?
“My all-time favourite moment was going to the National Drill and Piping competition and getting bronze in the piping team. It was my first national competition and the atmosphere was great, everyone had a good time. I especially enjoyed the party afterwards, which left the weekend on a high note!”
How do you feel about taking on the role of First Sea Lord’s Cadet?
“Being selected to be a First Sea Lord Cadet is an absolute honour. All my hard work and time has paid off. If it was not for the volunteers at my unit, my peers and my family I wouldn’t be where I am today, especially after the challenges of Covid-19 lockdowns, where we lost the ability to meet in person.
“As a First Sea Lord Cadet, what I am looking forward to the most is mainly the Cadet Voice aspect of the role; I started getting involved in Cadet Voice in 2020 as representative for my unit, and now I am able to represent the voice of my area. I am also looking forward to attending some of the key events this year and gaining a once-in-a-lifetime experience with my fellow First Sea Lord’s Cadets.”
Top tip
“Just go for it. No matter what course/event it is, just go, enjoy it and make the most of it. You’ll meet amazing people along the way.”
POC Joseph, Southern Area
Joseph joined Sea Cadets in 2018. After completing the Basic Peer Educator course in January 2020, he adapted to Covid-19 and kept teaching online. He achieved his ambition to become a Cadet Drill Instructor in 2021 and began helping to train his unit’s drill team. He aims to be an Officer in the Guards Division.
What does Sea Cadets mean to you?
“Sea Cadets is a family to me. It’s an opportunity to get out and take a break from the day-to-day. I can learn new, interesting skills with amazing people.”
What’s your highlight from being a sea cadet?
“My favourite moment during my time as a cadet has been taking part in the Trafalgar Day Parade in 2022. It was a surreal experience marching down The Mall towards Buckingham Palace and something I will never forget.”
How do you feel about taking on the role of First Sea Lord’s Cadet?
“I am honoured and excited to take on the role as it is a great opportunity. I’m very excited to meet new people from across the country and the Corps and listen to any creative ideas they have about Sea Cadets.”
Top tip
“Take every opportunity, even if it seems daunting. You might surprise yourself!”
POC Callum, North West Area
Callum joined Sea Cadets in 2018 and was his unit’s Cadet of the Year in 2019 for his contribution to community activities. His passion for Sea Cadets and commitment to personal improvement has seen him work his way up through the ranks. Callum is studying for his A-levels and hopes to be an Officer in the Royal Navy.
What does Sea Cadets mean to you?
“Joining Sea Cadets is the best decision I’ve ever made. It has played a fundamental part in making me the person I am today.”
What’s your highlight from being a sea cadet?
“The highlight of my cadet career so far has got to be the Trafalgar Day Parade. Marching down The Mall with fellow cadets was a truly unforgettable experience that filled me with pride.”
How do you feel about taking on the role of First Sea Lord’s Cadet?
“I am eager and excited to take on the role. I hope to be able to improve the Cadet Voice and Sea Cadets Experience in my area and at a national level, giving back to cadets and volunteers who have helped me to get to where I am now.
“I am most looking forward to meeting people from a range of backgrounds and environments. I hope that I will be able to better facilitate the needs of as many cadets as possible.”
Top tip
“Make the most of your time in the Corps, it’s one of the most rewarding things you’ll ever do.”
LC Maisie, South West Area
Maisie joined Sea Cadets in August 2016. She takes up all opportunities, including a recent voyage on
TS Royalist. Maisie is a Lord-Lieutenant’s Cadet for Dyfed and has greeted members of the royal family. She is studying for a diploma in Uniformed Protective Services and aims to be a Warfare Officer in the Royal Navy.
What does Sea Cadets mean to you?
“Sea Cadets means so much to me. It has provided me with unique opportunities, while helping me develop as a person. It has taught me respect, loyalty, and self-discipline. It has allowed me to work effectively within a team, help others develop and overcome various challenges through hard work, dedication, and resilience.”
What’s your highlight from being a sea cadet?
“My highlight to date was my appointment as a Lord Lieutenant’s Cadet. This role has afforded me opportunities to attend national events and to meet members of the royal family, including King Charles III and HRH The Princess Royal, who was keen to learn about my role within Sea Cadets.”
How do you feel about taking on the role of First Sea Lord’s Cadet?
“I am excited and honoured. However, I also feel a degree of trepidation due to the importance of this prestigious position in ensuring that cadet voices are heard by the right people. I am most looking forward to meeting my fellow cadets and assuming responsibility for ensuring that their views are collated and progressed. I love to meet new people and strive to be a positive role model for others.”
Top tip
“Don’t be afraid to push yourself and embrace every opportunity afforded to you.”
More Fun
Your photos: Getting out on the water
This issue we share some of your photos from enjoying time taking part in waterborne activities this summer. Did your unit make it in?
