Exercise TECHNICAL RESOLVE 25 marked the successful revival of the REME Cadet Camp, first delivered between 2018 and 2020 under ASM John Farish. Paused during the pandemic and subsequent workforce pressures, the camp made a welcome return in August 2025 thanks to a new partnership between ASM John Farish and Major Owen Larsen, both long-time champions of Cadet engagement through REME activities.

This year’s camp was hosted at Mons Barracks, Aldershot, by the Irish Guards Light Aid Detachment (LAD). Taking advantage of the Guards’ summer leave period, the programme welcomed 20 REME-capbadged Cadets from two London District CCF contingents: 10 from Royal Russell School under Capt Nathaniel Quick, and 10 from Avanti House under Lt Charl Weyers.

Aims and Learning Objectives

The purpose of Exercise TECHNICAL RESOLVE 25 was clear: to provide Cadets with a life-changing experience during the most influential years of their early adulthood. The camp sought to inspire and nurture those with an interest in technical problem-solving, engineering and military life.

The learning objectives were threefold:

• To highlight how STEM skills translate into both Defence and civilian technical careers.
• To foster an active, resilient, and problem-solving mindset.
• To raise awareness of REME and wider Army roles, opportunities, and career pathways.

Hands-On Engineering

The Cadets were divided into four groups of five, each mentored by a REME Vehicle Mechanic Class 1. Over the course of the week, the Cadets worked step by step through the process of replacing a clutch plate on an Army Land Rover. Under supervision, they led much of the hands-on work themselves, with their mentors guiding technique and explaining principles in classroom sessions.

Some groups surpassed expectations, completing a full engine removal, clutch replacement, reinstallation, and successful start-up in under two days—breaking the previous Cadet record. This accelerated progress meant additional projects were sourced, allowing the Cadets to contribute even more to the Irish Guards’ vehicle maintenance output.

By the end of the week, the Cadets had completed six engine lifts, two clutch replacements, two brake system overhauls, and two wheel bearing changes—an impressive tally for a short camp.

Beyond the Workshop

The Aldershot setting also enabled a diverse range of additional activities. Cadets enjoyed an Irish Guards camp walkaround and mascot meet, a visit to the 9 REME Battalion Metalsmiths and Recovery Mechanics, and an introduction to RLC Bomb Disposal vehicles and robots. Senior visits included Lt Col Mark Teesdale (SO1 Cadets Training, Regional Command) and Col Anthony Denison (Colonel Cadets, London District).

The highlight for many came at the end of the week, when Col REME Iain Wallace presented each Cadet with their Hammer & Pincer Cadet badge — a proud moment marking their achievement and commitment.

Thanks and Acknowledgements

Exercise TECHNICAL RESOLVE 25 would not have been possible without the support of Regional Command and London District Cadet Branch, and the hospitality of the Irish Guards LAD. Special thanks go to the REME Vehicle Mechanic mentors—Cpl Jordan Cook, Cpl Jack Holmes, Cpl Lee Oliver, Cfn Eamon Kearns, LCpl Stuart Gainsford, and LCpl Dean Spooner—whose expertise and mentorship ensured the Cadets gained maximum benefit from this unique opportunity.

Exercise TECHNICAL RESOLVE 25 was more than just a camp; it was an investment in the future of technical leadership, instilling confidence, skills and pride in the next generation of REME Cadets.