Sussex Cadets Take to the Skies – ‘A’ Company’s Parachuting Expedition Tests Resilience and Spirit
In the summer of 2025, cadets aged 16 and 17 from ‘A’ Company, Sussex Army Cadet Force, embarked on a remarkable expedition designed to push them beyond the ordinary boundaries of training. The aim of the venture was to provide a unique and challenging adventurous training opportunity in line with the Army Cadet Force’s charter – offering young people the chance to develop confidence, courage, and teamwork through an experience unlike any other.
The expedition’s focus was parachuting – an ambitious activity that represented both a physical and mental challenge for the cadets. Over an initial two scheduled days, participants were set to complete the jump phase of their training, an achievement that would mark a significant milestone in their personal development and cadet journey.
However, the British summer had other plans. Adverse weather conditions grounded all flights for cadets over the entire duration of the scheduled jump period, forcing the cancellation of the live parachute jumps, a further two days were subsequently arranged but poor weather once again prevented the final jump phase. Despite the disappointment, the cadets’ response spoke volumes about their character. Rather than allowing frustration to take hold, they demonstrated maturity, patience, and a collective determination to make the most of their time.
Throughout the expedition, cadets continued to learn about parachuting techniques, safety procedures, and the discipline required to operate in an unpredictable environment. They engaged in ground-based training, team-building activities, and leadership exercises that ensured the experience remained valuable and rewarding, even without the anticipated jumps.
Cadet Company Sergeant Major F reflected on the experience, saying:
“It was a fantastic opportunity to learn something new and push ourselves well beyond our comfort zones. Even though we couldn’t jump this time, we gained so much from the training and from working together through the challenges.”
In a show of flexibility and commitment, arrangements have been made for cadets to complete their jump phase directly through the facilitator (Army Parachute Association) at a later date. This ensures that every participant will have the opportunity to fulfil the expedition’s aim, regardless of scheduling or age limitations.
The expedition has had a lasting impact on both the cadets and A Company as a whole. It reinforced the importance of adaptability and perseverance, key qualities that sit at the heart of the ACF ethos. Leaders noted how the cadets’ conduct throughout the two attendances exemplified the organisation’s values and standards, maintaining the highest levels of behaviour and teamwork even in the face of disappointment.
While the weather may have kept the cadets on the ground, their attitude, enthusiasm, and commitment have ensured that the spirit of adventure stayed firmly aloft. The Sussex cadets proved that true growth often comes not from success alone, but from how one responds to the challenges along the way. We look forward to all of our cadets completing their jumps in the coming months, and remain exceptionally grateful to the Ulysses Trust and SERFCA who helped subsidise this trip ensuring that the trip remained as affordable as possible, ensuring that cadets didn’t miss out.