From Army Cadet to Master Cadet

Colour Sergeant Rahees Ramzan

Colour Sergeant Rahees Ramzan has become the first army cadet in Rochdale to become a Master Cadet in a few years.

He proudly passed a week-long Master Cadet Course at Frimley Park Cadet Training Centre and was awarded the achievement certificate.

The award is the highest honour that can be achieved as an army cadet, and the 17-year-old from Rochdale gave his all to accomplish it. In just three and a half years of being in the army cadets, he has gone from cadet to the ranking of Colour Sergeant.

He will be officially presented a badge to wear with pride, by Colonel Mike Glover at an upcoming special ceremony.

CSgt Ramzan kept a log of his daily tasks and challenges involved with the Master Cadet Course. This included his journey travelling from Manchester Piccadilly to Surrey, and his training such as assault courses, inspections and general daily routines and duties.

Delighted with CSgt Ramzan’s achievement, CSgt Debbie Callaghan told Rochdale Online: “Rahees is a fantastic role model and a credit to the community.

“He absolutely excels himself and gives over 100% in everything he does. He helps and shares knowledge with others. It’s not an easy course to go on sometimes, but he has tried his hardest and his award is well-deserved.

“We wish we could have more young people involved with us. We support each individual and aim to encourage them to excel in their strengths, just like with Rahees. We have cases of new cadets who join being shy and quiet at the beginning, and within six months the team building and the command tasks we do really boosts their confidence.”

The detachment is based in Rochdale at Sparth Community Centre on Norman Road and runs evening groups on Mondays and Thursdays 7:15pm until 9:30pm and is open for 12- 18 year olds.