New Army Cadet Unit To Open In East Cowes

A new Army Cadet detachment is set to open in East Cowes — marking a welcome return after several years without a local unit.

Hampshire and Isle of Wight Army Cadet Force has confirmed the new group, known as “6 Troop, East Cowes”, will form part of Gallipoli Company.

It will join existing Island detachments in Newport, Ryde, Sandown, Godshill and Freshwater, strengthening the Army Cadet presence across the Isle of Wight.

Lieutenant S. Brown says the new troop will offer young people valuable life skills:

“Plans for 6 Troop East Cowes represent an exciting opportunity to bring new skills and experiences to young people in the area.

“Whatever your future plans, the Army Cadet Force offers opportunities for personal development, including first aid, navigation, teamwork, communication and resilience.

“In recent years, cadets from the Island have also completed Duke of Edinburgh’s Award programmes and gone on to join the Armed Forces, Ambulance Service and Police, as well as succeeding in many other careers.”

The new detachment will meet on Thursday evenings between 7pm and 9pm at Holy Cross Primary School in East Cowes.

It will be run by experienced Cadet Force Adult Volunteers from across the Island.

The first parade night is scheduled for Thursday 30 April, with recruitment already underway.

A series of recruitment and information events will also be held in Kings Square, near Waitrose in East Cowes, on:

• Saturday 28 March

• Saturday 11 April

• Saturday 18 April

• Saturday 16 May

• Saturday 23 May

The Army Cadet Force is open to young people aged 12 to 18 and is a national youth organisation supported by the Ministry of Defence.

More information, or how to sign up, can be found at ArmyCadets.com.