The first National Cadet Week will take place next week and an open day will be held in Stornoway to showcase everything the Army Cadets have to offer, both to young people and adult volunteers.

From celebrating volunteers and making a difference in local communities to showcasing lifesaving skills and opening units to the public, National Cadet Week from October 5 to 11 will be a week dedicated to celebrating everything the cadet movement has to offer.

It is the first National Cadet Week, bringing cadet forces across the country together to inspire, recruit and celebrate.

With around 137,000 cadets across the five MOD-sponsored cadet forces, the week is an opportunity for units to open their doors, tell their stories and demonstrate the difference cadets make to young people, families and communities.

Representatives from the Western Isles Company, Army Cadet Force, will hold an open session at the Army Reserve Centre on Church Street in Stornoway on launch day, Monday 5 October at 7.30pm.

The Western Isles Company has three Detachments at Benbecula, Harris and Stornoway.

The Army Cadet Syllabus strives to prepare young people for success that lasts a lifetime. It is a structured programme designed to provide cadets with various skills essential for personal development. It offers young people an opportunity to learn new skills including communication and information skills, community engagement, drill, turnout and military knowledge, fieldcraft, first aid, navigation and expeditions, weapon handling and shooting.

During syllabus progression cadets are given additional opportunities to learn teaching skills which enables them to instruct juniors in a number of key subjects.

Adventure training opportunities include hill walking, mountain biking and rock climbing with senior cadets offered places on courses at the Cadet Centre for Adventurous Training.

There are currently 28,000 serving Cadet Force Adult Volunteers, all enthusiastic and committed to lead, guide and inspire our cadets, however lots more are required to ensure the continuity of each Detachment.

Joining the Army Cadets as an Adult Volunteer is a great way to meet like-minded people and have fun. In return for time and effort, volunteers will get the chance to learn new skills, gain new qualifications and help develop their leadership potential.

Anyone interested in joining as a cadet or a volunteer is invited to come along to the Army Reserve Centre on 5 October to see is on offer in the community.

Alternatively, visit the Army Cadet website https://armycadets.com/