The Brian Lara Promenade transformed into a living Cadet Village as several cadet battalions across the country united for the commemoration of the 116th anniversary of the Trinidad and Tobago Cadet Force.
Doubling as time machine, the TTCF transported visitors back to the origins of each battalion while simultaneously propelling them forward into a future imagined in crisp military uniforms, discipline, and service.
TTCF Major, Karen Woods listed some requirements for those interested in joining the service.
“The Cadet force is open to boys and girls who have attained the age of 12 years old. Alright? Once they complete their SAE examination, whatever school they pass for, and there’s a Cadet Unit, there will be an invitation to join, and they are free to join. And start their career with the Califorce, which will span for the next 5 years.”
Flight Sergeant Oneika Stoute, of the Maritime Battalion, offered an inspiring glimpse into what new Cadets can expect.
“So we specialise in naval operations as well as aviation operations, you’ll see things like ropes and flares, flight headsets out that’s basically what we train in.”
Sharing her own experiences Flight Sergeant Stoute shared the endless opportunities open to cadets.
“I’ve worked with the commonwealth games, I’ve had the opportunity to volunteer with them, there is a lot of volunteer experiences you can gather with the Trinidad and Tobago cadet force.”
From mastering mapping skills to honing their expertise in rifle training, Platoon Officer Avian Mark, representing the Infantry Division, revealed a wide range of training disciplines.
“So we have map reading, which is our map and compass we take them on hikes for them to put in play what they would’ve learned during our map and compass, we have the skillet arms class which deals with the rifle which is the Lee–Enfield rifle that we use during our training segments.”
Major Woods announced a lineup of upcoming activities set to follow Wednesday’s event.
“We expect to have a marathon, we also expect to set up a a financial literacy course with the central bank and the last activity we wan to have before the year end is a collaboration with most of the senior services.”
he Trinidad and Tobago Cadet Force was founded on May 1st, 1910.