To mark Portsmouth Armed Forces Day, we're handing the spotlight to one of our own, Louis Colpitts, who shares his experience as a volunteer and what this day means to him personally.
My time with the Volunteer Cadet Corps has been both rewarding and transformative. Having spent nine years as a cadet, I joined the organisation as an Adult Volunteer at the age of 18 and have since dedicated more than 15 years to supporting the cadet movement and its mission to inspire, develop and empower young people. Throughout that journey, I have had the opportunity to progress through a variety of leadership roles, gaining valuable experience while helping to shape opportunities for future generations of cadets.
Throughout my volunteering with the Cadet Forces, I have had the privilege of supporting young people through a wide range of training, development and leadership opportunities, helping them build confidence, resilience and skills for life. I have also been proud to strengthen connections across the wider Armed Forces community, working alongside serving personnel, veterans, reservists, volunteers and partner organisations to create meaningful opportunities for cadets.
In my current role as Deputy Commander, I provide strategic oversight of the organisation's operations at a national level, ensuring the effective delivery of all key functions. This includes responsibility for areas such as finance, communications, safeguarding, training, governance and organisational transformation and development, working closely with fellow volunteers across the country to support the safe and effective delivery of cadet activities.
The experiences, challenges and achievements gained throughout my time with the VCC have been invaluable. From my early days as a cadet to serving in a national leadership role, I have witnessed first-hand the life-changing impact that cadet organisations can have on young people. The skills, knowledge, and leadership experience I have gained through the Cadet Forces have also significantly complemented my professional career, providing opportunities to develop in areas such as leadership, strategic planning, governance, communication and people management. Most importantly, I remain immensely proud of the positive impact the VCC continues to have, helping young people realise their potential while strengthening their connection to their communities and the wider Armed Forces family.
Thank you to Louis, our incredible armed forces, and to every volunteer who gives their time to make days like today so special 🌟
