During Armed Forces Week we celebrate and recognise the vital contributions of the Armed Forces community to our society.
We had the opportunity to speak to Staff Sergeant Instructor (SSI) Matthew Roberts, a Detachment Commander with Staffordshire and West Midlands (North Sector) Army Cadet Force (ACF), to learn more about the positive impact volunteering has had – both on the young people he supports and on his own personal development.
Why did you decide to become a volunteer with the ACF?
I decided to volunteer as an instructor as I was a Cadet myself when I was younger. I had behaviour issues, and my therapist suggested I give the Cadets a try. It helped me in many ways so I decided that when I was able to, I would join as a volunteer and try to have the same impact on others, that helped me.
Tell us about being a volunteer – what types of things do you do on parade nights, at county events and annual camp?
Being a Detachment Commander I do all the jobs associated with the role – but I try to make it as fun as possible. I attend as many camps as I can (probably too many!) but I really enjoy what I do.
I’m also a Skill at Arms Instructor so having fun in lessons is sometimes hard as it’s a serious subject, but I think I manage to make all my lessons enjoyable.
Describe the most enjoyable aspect of your role
The part I enjoy about my role as a Detachment Commander is meeting new people, learning about them and trying to make them better people before they leave us. My aim is to give the Cadets the life skills that will stick with them for a long time.
The part I enjoy most about my role as a Skill at Arms Instructor is teaching the Cadets how to use a rifle. Seeing the joy in them when they tell me about being on the range – and in some cases getting a marksman badge – it makes all the stress worthwhile.
If you had to pick your best volunteering highlight or memory to date, what would it be?
On annual camp 2024 I met a Cadet that had eating issues. She only ever ate cheese sandwiches or toasties and would often cry in the cookhouse. By the end of the camp she was eating a variety of food that was on offer and was no longer scared to try new things.
Now when I see her on camps she will always come over and tell me about the new foods she has tried; it is my greatest achievement as she is only young. My partner had similar issues that we managed to overcome but not till mid 20s and she regrets not trying new things, so it makes me happy to help.
What’s the best thing you’ve learnt whilst being a volunteer?
Patience is the best thing I have learnt. Everyone has it in them to do something, it just takes more time with some than others – as long as I have the patience to let them learn at their own speed, everyone wins.
How have the skills you’ve learned whilst volunteering helped you in your day job?
At work I help to deliver training to new people, and developing teaching techniques with the Army Cadets has definitely helped this.
What three words would you use to sum up your fellow Cadet Force Adult Volunteers – and why?
Inspirational, dedicated and passionate. All the people I have the pleasure of working with have the same values and we all work towards the same goal to make the youth of today a better part of society, and develop life skills that they will never forget.
Why would you recommend volunteering with the ACF to others?
Though it can be stressful and tiring and can take up a lot of time, it is the most rewarding and satisfying thing I have ever done. I have learnt many new skills that help in day to day life and I plan on staying with the ACF for many years.
Could you be the next volunteer with the Cadet Forces in our region? Check out our Cadet Force Adult Volunteers webpage to learn more about taking the next step.
Published 20/06/25
