Aim: To provide an otherwise unobtainable opportunity for cadets to experience parachuting and to develop their self-confidence within an adventurous setting.
“An example of determination to achieve a goal”
Over the weekend of 8th – 10th March 2024, 16 cadets arrived at Netheravon Airfield home to the Army Parachuting Association, to conduct training for a 4,000 ft static line parachute jump. Parachuting was new to all the cadets in attendance, none of them having had the opportunity to be involved in such an adventurous activity previously.
The APA instructors were meticulous with the training the cadets received and the cadets learned multiple new skills. After completing their training and proving their understanding and knowledge by way of a written test (requiring a 100% pass rate), the eager and excited cadets were required to wait for their names to be listed on the flight manifest.
Due to the inclement weather conditions, the cadets patiently waited and waited, however, the weather and wind speed got the better of the event, and the jump had to be postponed. Disheartened, but with the desire to return the cadets had to return to Essex without the jump under their belts. The main questions on the bus journey revolving around when they could come back to achieve their goal! Several eager cadets arranged their own subsequent visits to Netheravon with family members in support with the aim of completing the jump, but, again, the weather gods were not favourable, and these additional visits resulted in no jumps being completed.
The next available opportunity was on Sunday 21st July, a one-day venture. The cadets, full of high spirits boarded the transport at their home locations in Essex, keen as could be to achieve their jumps. Once at the airfield, the instructors took charge and provided refresher training and, again, the cadets had to wait whilst the gusting wind subsided. The wait continued into the late afternoon, when the Chief instructor broke the news that all jumps were suspended due to the high winds. As could be expected, our cadets experienced mixed emotions at this point, disappointment, frustration, etc, but there was a greater air of determination to return and get the jump completed in the near future.
Following Annual Camp, we were able to secure a booking slot, and the cadets made the now familiar journey down the A303 to Netheravon over the weekend of 31st August – 1st September. Refresher training completed on the Saturday afternoon for those who required it, and good weather suggested for Sunday, an early night on the airfield campsite was sought with excitement in the air. Final pre jump training was completed on Sunday morning with other cadet force groups who were also at the airfield for the static line jump. Training completed, with all cadets achieving a thumbs up, the anticipation grew as the cadets sat and waited for their names to be added to the flight manifests.
At last, their names were displayed, kit was issued, fitted and checked and the final flight briefing by the chief instructor completed in the waiting area. The aircraft taxied to the collection point and cadets jubilant that it was their turn, but also nervous and anxious, made their way to the boarding point. We breathed a sigh of relief as the aircraft took off, knowing that the cadets’ tenacity had paid off and they were soon to finally achieve their goal – the first static line parachute jump.
With the aircraft circling at 4,000 ft, cadets exited the side door and canopies deployed, an amazing sight to see. All but one cadet exited the aircraft and experienced the view only a parachutist would see from that height. One cadet was unable to overcome his anxiety at the time and returned to the ground in the aircraft determined to beat his fears in the future and return to compete his jump. As the cadets landed on the field, all without injury, just with a sense of achievement and pride in themselves, they bound back to the rally point and excitedly spoke of their experiences.
Cadet testimonies:
“Although it took 6 months to do it, it was worth it. I would do it again 100%, the skills you learn are forever in your mind as are the memories. Yet again, another reason to join the Army Cadets.”
Cdt L Cpl L, 17 years of age
“We were able to complete a refresher and jump, and it was incredible. The adrenalin makes the nerves disappear when you’re hanging out the plane ready to jump.”
SI F, 18 years of age
“Stepping out of the plane for a static line jump, the rush of the wind and the thrill of freefall made the long wait worth it, turning that moment into an unforgettable experience for all of us.”
SI B, 18 years of age
“It was disappointing that we did not jump the first or second tome we travelled to Netheravon. But, the jump was well worth the wait. It didn’t register with me how high the jump was until I was sitting in the doorway 4,000ft up. There is no way to prepare for that situation, the only way I can describe it is as a leap of faith. Those brief moments in free fall were some of the scariest in my life.”
Cdt Cpl A, 17 years of age
“After going down to Netheravon multiple time and leaving disappointed it was amazing when we got to do the jump. We were all excited to be getting the parachutes on and in position on the plane I wasn’t too nervous. When I exited the plane, I immediately forgot what to do, then the parachute deployed and I went through the procedures.”
Cadet Cpl S, 17 years of age
“Unfortunately I didn’t jump because of anxiety, but I plan on doing it in the future and next time I will definitely jump. I still had an amazing time doing the training. And had fun with the other cadets, all the instructors were amazing.”
L Cpl J, 17 years of age
“Had a lot of fun and enjoyed the whole event despite the weather. It was well worth the effort and the time spent. I am definitely more interested in parachuting now that I have overcome my fears and want to continue with this as a hobby.”
L Cpl M, 17 years of age
The buzz and atmosphere within the group was contagious and it was great to see their smiling faces, knowing that they had greatly improved their personal self confidence and self-esteem.
From the outset, completion of the event would be governed by the weather conditions. With the disappointment of two failed events due to inclement weather, there was at no point, any suggestion by any cadet that they would give up. Their resilience to complete the jump was infectious and was supported by the ACF instructors who also had a strong desire for the cadets to complete their jumps and achieve their aim. Without the support and grant generously provided by the Ulysses Trust, this event would have been unachievable for most of the cadets who reside in areas which could be classed as financially deprived. The grant has provided a once in a lifetime opportunity for many of the attendees.
I would like offer my personal gratitude and thanks for such a generous grant. Being in attendance and seeing the impact the completion of this event has had on the individual people has been amazing and further confirmation of the great work and opportunities the cadet forces can offer.
