My name is Liam Murphy and I am the Squadron Sergeant Major for the 2512 Kings Own Calgary Regiment Cadet Corps, Cochrane’s local army cadet corps, second in command of over 20 people.
I’ve been to France, Belgium and Holland. I have gone on three multi-day expeditions, survived alone for 24 hours and even met a member of the Royal Family, and I’m not an international adventurer or spy.
The cadet program is for youth ages 12 to 18, and focuses on building leadership and team-building skills, while having fun and learning other skills such as marksmanship, map and compass, survival, drill and expedition techniques.
You also gain self-discipline and learn how to be a team member, and soon after, responsibility as a team leader.
I have been in cadets for five years now; I am 16 years old and already am in command of 20 cadets with a wide range of ages and capabilities.
I also have responsibilities to make sure that the people under my command are well organized and efficient as well as safe in any situation.
For me, the cadet program has provided opportunities that I never thought I would have had, a big one being going to Europe and seeing where our soldiers fought and died.
As well as opportunities to test skills I have learned through the cadet program by applying them, such as marksmanship competitions, survival scenarios, multi-day expeditions and large parades, and being able to get out in the community and assist the town of Cochrane. Cadets has also given me responsibility that a lot of people my age never get, as well as the discipline to handle that responsibility, and the knowledge of how to use it properly.
Personally, I went for the adventure and expedition courses that cadets has to offer.
I have been to Vernon, B.C., where I did a five-day expedition that involved hiking, canoeing and mountain biking; I have been on two, three-day expeditions, where cadets hiked through the Rockies; and I have also been left alone for 24 hours with nothing but a small survival kit to make shelter with and live off of.
But even with adventure being my main appeal, I have also been to shooting competitions, where I put my marksmanship skills against other cadets.
Even in my first year of the cadet program, I was allowed to be part of the parade for the royal visit in Calgary, where I met Prince Charles.
If you are between the ages of 12 and 18, and you are looking for something else with leadership, team building and the opportunity to do some really interesting stuff, then come by and check out our corps on Tuesday nights at 6 p.m. at the Cochrane Legion.
I hope to see you there.
