Antigua & Barbuda National Cadet Corp (ABNCC)
The Antigua & Barbuda National Cadet Corp (ABNCC) is a voluntary youth organization, sponsored by the Government & People of Antigua & Barbuda that acquires its membership from the Secondary Schools. While the main objective is to provide training and personal development to the youths through military and paramilitary activities, it also embrace community activities. Training is geared to inspire young men and women to become model citizens. Emphasis during training is often based on discipline, loyalty, leadership and good citizenry. This is often acquired through a completed training course of being an active member in the Corps.
The Cadet Corp is non denominational but it is desirable in principle that every cadet who belongs to a religious community should be a professing member. Military Christian Fellowships (MCF) is non denominational it is not a church. It does not take membership away from a church or chapel. On the contrary it allows for good news of Christ to impact the military. Military Christians are encouraged to give their very best in their duty and service for the glory of God. MCF also supports the Commanders intent.
By 2011, the cadet corps was comprised of 185 active members and fell under the direct command of Major Glyne V. Dunnah, a regular officer of the ABDF. He had supporting staff from both regular and reserve officers/soldiers occupying the positions of Deputy Commandant, Adjutant/Training Officer, Unit Commanders, Regimental Sergeant Major (RSM), Company Sergeant Major (CSM), Instructors and office administrator. The Commandant reports directly to the Chief of Staff of the ABDF Col. Trevor Thomas MBE. Some of the former commandants of the ABNCC are Major Herman Blackman, Lt. Col Ivor Walker and Lt. Donald Richards who served the ABNCC’s from inception in 1966 to present.
The Cadets form an extended arm of the Antigua Barbuda Defence Force (ABDF) and as such falls under the orbit of the Ministry of National Security. It often provided tactical support to the military when called upon to serve. It regularly assists organizations bearing national flags and the raising and lowering of the national flags. It also assists schools and other youth organizations in their preparation for youth rally and Independence Day parade. In addition to our assistance outreach program, it regularly assists authorized street events by way marshalling to ensure the safe usage of the public roads by the participants. The ABNCC is often used as a stepping stone for persons venturing into a military and paramilitary career.
The multi talent of the Cadets has led the administration vision to be divided into Land Force (regular cadets) and Maritime Cadets. The land force undergoes similar training in nature to that of a regular soldier in areas such as field craft, foot & weapon drills, map & compass, weapon training, rank & badges, basic first aid, protocol & etiquette, service writing, method of instructions and training seminars (talks).
The maritime cadets training are similar in nature which caters to their specific needs and in addition to some of the land force training find themselves being training in subject matter that is adapted for their area of expertise such as basic seamanship, nautical terminology, swimming, flags & signals, knots & splices, boat handling and life saving procedures at sea just to name a few. One basic ingredient that all must undergo is physical training commonly referred to as (PT). The Corp put plans in place to start a marching band. There are two (2) members of the Cadet force who serves proudly in the joint Defence Force & Police Force marching band on occasions such as Independence Day parade or at special functions.
|
NEWSLETTER
|
| Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list |
|
|
|
