Rochdale Army Cadets welcome visitors to their detachment

Detachment Commander SSI Debbie Callaghan, Captain Smurthwaite and Councillor Alan McCarthy

The Rochdale Detachment of the Greater Manchester Army Cadet Force (GMACF) welcomed visitors to their detachment on Thursday (22 January).

The detachment was visited by Councillor Alan McCarthy, the Lead Member for the Armed Forces at Rochdale Council, Caen Matthews, an Armed Forces Support Officer and Captain Smurthwaite and WO2 Darren Gilks from Four Lancs along with soldiers from the Machine Gun Platoon, Fourth Battalion the Duke of Lancaster’s regiment and the North West’s local Infantry Regiment.

During the visit, the cadets were put into groups and visited weapons stands where they were given a talk on the weapons used by the British Army, as well as being given the opportunity to hold the weapons and see how they work.

Councillor McCarthy addressed the cadets and congratulated them on receiving ‘Highly Competent’ ratings at each of their inspections over the last few years.

Sgt Rahees Ramzan, who received a “Highly Competent” on his recent Senior Cadet Instructor Cadre (SCIC), was also congratulated.

Speaking about his visit, Councillor McCarthy said: “I had a really enjoyable evening. It was great to observe the cadets running round from weapon-to-weapon, it was obvious that they thoroughly enjoyed it.”

Cadet Sgt Rahees Ramzan said: “It has got to be up there with one of the best parade nights in the five years I have been in the ACF and the fact that we got the chance to take control of the weapons was a privilege.”

Cadet Lance Corporal Nathaniel Tomasik agreed and added: “It was a very fun and educational night on what the Reserves do and what kind a gear they use and the best part of it was us being able to handle all of the weapons.”

Following on from the visit, GMACF Regimental Sergeant Major Quinn invited Councillor McCarthy and Caen Matthews to visit a weekend camp to see how the Senior Cadets train.