Two Elgin-based Army Cadets are promoted
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TWO members of the Army Cadets in Elgin have been promoted on the back of hard work during lockdown.
Cadet Corporal Bethany Young (17) and Staff Sergeant Instructor Graeme Wells (29) from the 1st Battalion The Highlanders’ Elgin Detachment have been promoted for their efforts in keeping local cadets engaged during the coronavirus pandemic and upon the detachment’s return to face-to-face training.
Cpl Young, from Forres, has been promoted to Cadet Sergeant. Bethany has been a member of the Army Cadet Force since September 2016.
For the majority of her cadet career, she has been part of Forres Detachment. However, due to Forres Drill Hall being closed for refurbishment she has temporary transferred to Elgin along with other cadets of Forres.
Last year Bethany was appointed as Lord Lieutenant’s Cadet of Moray, which saw her attend events alongside Seymour Monro, Moray's Lord Lieutenant.
Sgt Young was presented with her third stripe by Moray Company Commander Major Raymond Cameron during the Elgin Christmas lights switch-on event in November, which the cadets were helping out at.
SSI Wells, who was promoted to Sergeant Major Instructor, has been a member of the Army Cadets since June 2011 – having joined the organisation after finishing his time as a cadet.
Although Graeme was a cadet of Elgin Detachment, he started his ACF Career as an adult in Forres.
At the beginning of 2017, he transferred back to Elgin before being appointed as Detachment Commander, a position he still currently holds.
As well as being the Detachment Commander for Elgin, SMI Wells is also the Public Relations Officer for the battalion.
On his promotion, Graeme said: “I am absolutely delighted as this was very unexpected.
"When I joined as a cadet in 2004 I did think I’d join back as a volunteer, but I did not think that I'd be a etachment Commander let alone reaching the rank of SMI.
"I’m just glad to be part of an organisation that tries to make a different in young people’s lives.”
