David Kidney's speech for the opening of cadet training centre – Sun 22 Nov 2009

OUR ARMED FORCES

It is a pleasure to be invited to give the keynote address at the official opening of this new Cadet Training Centre.

I look around this audience and naturally enough I see many of you are in military uniforms. I, on the other hand, represent our civil society, and on behalf of the Stafford and surrounding communities I want to express our support for this military base here in Stafford and for all our Armed Forces.

As a Parliamentarian and a Minister of the Crown I am deeply conscious that it is the first responsibility of any government to ensure the safety and security of our country. I know that the men and women of our Armed Forces must be sufficient in numbers, well trained and properly equipped in order to defend us.

I know, too, that whether that defence is on land, in the air or at sea, whether it is close to home or a long way off, it is in good hands. Our professional Services are the best in the world at what they do.

This Stafford community knows only too well the worry and stress felt by all of us who care about the safety of those who are on active service.

Right now, there are personnel from this base serving in Afghanistan. Others have returned from tours of service there while more are preparing for service there soon.

And as we know only too well, some of the brave people we send abroad to defend our nation are killed. Some are severely injured.

We share the grief of the bereaved, we stand by our injured soldiers, sailors and aircrews. We support the families of those killed and injured and we respect our veterans. We salute the courage of all those who risk their lives to keep us secure, and their families who back them.

CADET TRAINING

In many cases, young people who join our cadet forces later go on to sign up for service in our Armed Forces. I think this is a welcome sign of the benefit so many young people gain from the training and team spirit they pick up in the cadets.

But I stress today that we who are gathered here today celebrate the advantages that all young people gain from their time in the cadets whether or not they go on to serve in our Armed Forces.

The skills-training for cadets is second to none. It leads to nationally recognised qualifications that will be of value for any future chosen working life.

The discipline and self-discipline that all cadets learn brings an order into their lives that lasts forever – and in a world of many competing pressures this is a valuable asset.

The teamwork and the friendships formed during their cadet years will create an ability to get on with people in any setting in later life. It’s at the heart of the “can do” attitude that our Armed Forces as whole exhibit so very effectively.

In all, the skills and values that are instilled in our young people during their time in the cadets will make them great citizens.

Employers look out for such service on the CVs they inspect when
they are deciding who to employ.

Friends and neighbours are glad to have the company of such good people.

I’m certain that our politics can only benefit from MPs and Councillors who were once active cadets.

And that is why our Armed Forces are also delighted when cadets make that decision to join the professional Services if that’s what they want.

OPENING OF THESE FACILITIES

Here in Stafford we have been proud to host a military base for over 60 years. Today it is a fine example of co-operation between the Services. It is so successful that it looks set to grow in size and capacity under Operation Borona as more of our Forces return to the UK from bases currently in Germany.

This cadet training centre is an example of the growing confidence we all have in the long-term future of our station.

The station commander has listened to requests for improved facilities for our cadet forces. He has identified existing and unused buildings on this site that could be made into a shared ACF and ATC facility.

And today we see the result of the work undertaken by all the interested groups to create something special for our young cadets.

I’m delighted that Army and Air Cadets alike will train on this new site.

They will also have the pleasure of the company of the Corps of Drums from the ACF. The Stafford College ACF, which is a Public Services course based detachment, will also train here. And the Stafford Wing ATC is also establishing an Aerospace and Technology Centre in the building.

I owned up at the beginning of my speech to being a politician. So I can only take the hit when you rightly press me on the issue of funding. A recent MoD announcement has caused a problem for army cadets in particular and today I assure you that I am on the case, seeking a solution as quickly as possible.

Most of the funding for the terrific facilities we are viewing today has come from local and regional budgets and we have also received great support in kind from our Armed Forces supporters with the provision of fittings, weapon chests and carpets.

With the current and significant financial pressure on the Defence Training Estate which is reducing the camps availability for cadets, the £95K may prove to be money well spent.

Cadet Forces are increasingly becoming collocated on a number of sites across the country and across the West Midlands Region, but few have gone so far as we are going here in actually sharing training facilities.

In our scheme, the intention is to share as much as possible training space and facilities between the cadet forces.

The Army recruiters are also based on Site 4 and it is hoped that the ACF and ATC can share their facilities too and vice versa.

THANKS TO THOSE WHO HELP

Facilities are very important for any organisation. But as we all know, the most valuable asset of an organisation is its people.

In our cadets, we have great young people who join up in good numbers and take to their training and tasks with energy and drive.

That they are able to train and to learn new skills at all is entirely down to the commitment of their leaders and tutors. This mostly adult force is most certainly a force for good in our society.

Often giving huge time commitments to their charges and providing support and direction at personal financial cost, they draw back to the margins when the thanks and congratulations are being handed out.

But not today, for I most definitely put them centre stage in saying a very big thank you to you all and let you know that you are greatly appreciated by us all.

Nor should we overlook the contribution to successful cadet operations that the parents of these young people make. Your quiet encouragement and support, your appreciation of the added value that the cadet experience will give your children in their later lives and your chauffeuring skills make all the difference to the successful outcome.

I have said already that the station commander has personally made a difference to the quality of the cadet training. I thank you, Colonel Turner, and all those serving under your command at MoD Stafford who make the cadets so welcome, for your continuing support.

FINALLY

Today is the day for the official opening of these excellent training facilities.

I am honoured to have been asked to perform the official ceremony.

The pleasure I shall enjoy in unveiling the official plaque is in my anticipation of all the days and evenings ahead when young people will gather here to learn skills, form bonds and develop as good citizens because of the work that many of you here today have long worked for.

Through this official opening, a new phase in the engagement of our young people and in the development of their talent, skill and great British determination begins.

I now declare our new cadet training centre open ………..