Suffolk Army Cadet appointed County Regimental Sergeant Major 1 APR 06

Cdt SSgt Mathew Porter, aged 18, from Beccles (R Anglian) Det, A Coy, Suffolk Army Cadet Force, has been appointed as the new County RSM from 1 Apr 06.

This great honour comes to an outstanding Beccles Four Star Cadet, the current County Top Shot with trophies for the Rifle, Section and Light Support Weapon Matches.

Matthew heard the surprise news on the last day of Annual Camp at Rollestone on Salisbury Plain at the County Parade.

He had earlier collected on behalf of Beccles Det, A Coy, the County trophy for the detachment with the highest percentage of cadets at camp, a majestic 92%, and the County Archive Competition 1st Prize Cheque of £65.

Earlier this year, Beccles Detachment contested the Old Comrades Shield where tests of Military Skills, Shooting, First Aid, Physical Training and Teamwork were assessed. Viking Section with Matthew as Section Commander were the winners.

It was Matthew who was selected to present a cheque to the value of £1500 on behalf of Suffolk ACF to the Chairman of the Sailors, Soldiers and Airman Families Association. £650 of that was raised by the Cadets and Adult Instructors from Beccles who spent a day bag packing at their local supermarket to raise the money.

Presently in the Upper VI Form at Sir John Leman High School, and a Cadet for 5 years, Matthew was selected to attend the prestigious UK National Cadet Leadership Course.

He has represented Suffolk ACF at Cross-Country Running, Combat Cadet, Rugby, Shooting and Soccer as well as gaining Regional Colours for Athletics.

Matthew intends to study Geographical Information Systems at university then attend The Royal Military Academy at Sandhurst prior to being commissioned into his County Regiment of the Regular Army, The Royal Anglian Regiment.

His Beccles Detachment Commander, Company Sergeant Major Instructor Mark Galley, said: ‘Matthew is an outstanding Cadet. This is a most well deserved award in recognition of his achievements and the example he sets. He will make a fine County RSM.'

SSgt Matthew Porter
of Beccles Det receives the County Archive Competition 1st Prize Cheque of £65

(Click here for a full picture with Col Paul Denny)

The RSMs badge

SSgt Matthew Porter
of Beccles Det with the Trophy for the Highest Attendance at Camp - 92%

Click here for a full picture with Col Paul Denny

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