A Cadet from Lothian & Borders Battalion enjoyed the trip of a lifetime last month when she travelled to India as part of the Youth Exchange Programme (YEP).
Cadet Company Sergeant Major (CSM) Ellen Brown, who was one of the senior Cadets that hosted members of India’s National Cadet Corps (NCC) when they visited Scotland in August 2023, spent two weeks in New Delhi along with nine other Army Cadets from across the UK.
The exchange visit included a packed itinerary of activities and events, which CSM Brown kindly shared with us in her own words:
‘To prepare for my trip to India, I followed the kit list and made sure I had everything I needed. Additional preparations included getting vaccinations and submitting a visa application.
‘We visited a lot of different places as part of the exchange, both in London and in India. Starting with London, we visited BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir – a Hindu Temple in the north-west of the city – and the Indian High Commission.
‘In New Delhi, we visited the Prime Minister’s Museum, India Gate and War Memorial, and the Prime Minister’s House. We also went to a Defence Minister’s Dinner, the President’s House, and the Qutb Minar, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in the Mehrauli area of South Delhi. Our wider sightseeing excursions included visiting Agra, where we saw Agra Fort and the Taj Mahal.
‘Along with all of these incredible visits, we attended the Republic Day Parade and marched in the Prime Minister’s Rally.
‘The highlight of the trip for me was meeting Cadets from all over the world. It was great to learn about many different countries and their cultures, as well as some new words in different languages. Everyone was so kind and welcoming, and I enjoyed trading different items with Cadets from across the world.
‘I learned a lot about the history of the National Cadet Corps and how it works; for example, we learned that there are many different NCC Directorates across India, each led by an Officer of Major General rank. It was also really interesting to see how much dance and music is integrated into the NCC curriculum.
‘There are many differences between NCC and Lothian & Borders activities: the NCC Cadets are all very active as fitness is a requirement for them. Our sponsor Cadet told us about the training that they have to do, and about the many camps and exciting training opportunities that they compete to earn a place in. I’d say that the NCC is very competitive and often the Cadets are ranked within their directorates, which is how they are chosen for these events.
‘I would definitely recommend this exchange program to other Cadets. It’s an amazing opportunity to get out of your comfort zone and meet people from all over the world. India is also a beautiful country with many incredible landmarks that you can visit while you are there, and share your experience within the ACF to the NCC Cadets. It is an eye-opening experience as to how other countries’ Cadet organisations function and work.’
Second Lieutenant Karen Gibb, a Cadet Force Adult Volunteer with Lothian & Borders, was more than happy to recommend CSM Brown as a candidate for the exchange, commenting:
‘The Scottish leg of the exchange in the summer of 2023 saw the hosting Cadets from Lothian & Borders Battalion and the visiting National Cadet Corps form lasting friendships through teaching each other about their different cultures and sharing personal experiences in life.
‘During the 2023 visit, Ellen showed true leadership in her ability to motivate the group in all activities whilst mentoring the NCC Cadets who had never left their country before. Whilst all of them were out of their comfort zones, Ellen was able to maintain resilience in the language and cultural barriers, allowing the group to communicate as well as they could by explaining everything as they went about their daily routines.
‘CSM Brown joined Lothian & Borders in May 2021. In that time, she has achieved 4-Star and is undertaking her Duke of Edinburgh Gold Award. She is the Senior Cadet of the Battalion’s Alma Company and continues to inspire her peers and Junior Cadets.
‘Ellen is due to leave the organisation in March 2025, and as she nears the end of her Cadet career, the opportunities she’s had have been rewarding for her, and no doubt the experiences will stay with her as she embarks on the next chapter in her life.’
