The sword is ready for passing to a new commander of the 2618 Rocky Mountain Rangers cadet corps.
For the past three years Capt. Marguerite Parsons has been the chief officer of the Prince George youth group's army division (there are also local navy and air corps) but her term will end with the month and Lt. Wally McCue is set for the promotion.
Parsons has been involved in the cadets movement for the past 18 years, first as a parent volunteer. As time went on, and more of her children joined the military-modelled youth development organization, so too did her duties.
"Being the commanding officer has been an incredible learning experience for me, as well as the cadets," said Parsons. "It has been challenging, it has been fun, there were times you wonder why you do it, but when you see what all these young people can accomplish it makes all the other stuff worth it."
McCue has been involved in the cadet movement since he was in their ranks as a youth in Victoria. He graduated from there to the Canadian Scottish Regiment's reserve unit, then to municipal policing, and then to the Royal Canadian Mounted Police. His final posting before retirement was Prince George and, as he had done at other times in his police career, he soon took up instructing the cadets.
"I feel challenged and somewhat reserved about being the commanding officer, but I have a good skill set to bring to the table and Marguerite has built a lot for me to go on," he told The Citizen. "I have lots of new ideas but I am not the type to ram that through. I tend to lead by consensus."
One of the directions he wants to deepen for the local youth is more infantry training, including bush craft and physical fitness. He would also like to see more community exposure for the corps.
The cadets are free for any youth who wants to join. The structure is one of the Canadian military but there is only ceremonial connection to the Canadian Forces for the young people involved, the purpose is general development of character, leadership skills, team-building, and personal goals.
The main activities of the Rocky Mountain Rangers cadet corps is military drill, first aid, band, marksmanship, biathlon, orienteering and other transferable skills. Each cadet is given a basic instruction in these activities and individuals have the opportunity to strive in any of those areas at their own choosing.
May 18 is the Rocky Mountain Rangers annual review, then on May 25 the annual dinner formal. Awards are presented at both these events, and it will also mark the transition of command from Parsons to McCue.
