From military roots to inspiring future generations: Rachel Mlynek's Army Cadet Force journey

For Rachel Mlynek, becoming an Adult Instructor with the Army Cadet Force (ACF) was more than taking up a new volunteer role. It was an opportunity to reconnect with a community that has shaped her family for generations while helping young people develop the confidence and skills to succeed.

Although Rachel has only been an instructor for nine months, the experience has already transformed her perspective, strengthened her confidence and reaffirmed the importance of creating opportunities for young people.

A lifelong connection to the military community

Rachel's connection to the military started long before she joined the Army Cadet Force.

Growing up in an Army family, military life was a constant presence throughout her childhood. Her father served in the Royal Regiment of Fusiliers for more than 20 years, while her mother was a member of the Signals Reserves. Her family's military heritage stretches back even further, with grandparents who served in the Army Catering Corps, Queen Alexandra's Royal Army Nursing Corps and the 1st Independent Polish Parachute Brigade during the Second World War.

"I've always been surrounded by military life," Rachel explains. "It's been part of my family's story for generations."

As a child, she experienced the unique sense of community that comes with military life and developed a strong respect for service, resilience and teamwork.

Becoming an Army Cadet Force instructor felt like a natural extension of that connection.

"I wanted to give something back while using my own experiences and skills to support young people."

Building confidence together

One of the things Rachel enjoys most about volunteering is seeing young people discover what they are capable of achieving.

"There is something incredibly rewarding about watching a cadet arrive feeling shy and unsure of themselves and then seeing how much they grow in confidence over time."

The Army Cadet Force offers opportunities to learn leadership, teamwork, first aid, navigation, fieldcraft and sporting skills, but Rachel believes the biggest transformations happen in young people's self-belief.

"They learn to step outside their comfort zones, try new things and develop resilience. Those are skills that stay with them long after they leave the cadets."

As a relatively new instructor, Rachel has also found herself learning and growing alongside the cadets.

Whether delivering physical training sessions, undertaking instructor qualifications or leading activities for groups of young people, she has been challenged to develop new skills and push herself in ways she never expected.

"The cadets are learning and you're learning too. It's very much a shared journey."

Creating a place where young people belong

Rachel believes cadet organisations have an important role to play in supporting young people's wellbeing.

The Army Cadet Force provides a structured, inclusive environment where every young person is encouraged to participate, develop friendships and feel valued.

"It's a place where everyone has a voice," she says. "Whether you're the quietest cadet in the room or the most confident, you're treated with the same respect."

Through teamwork, shared experiences and strong safeguarding practices, cadets are encouraged to support one another and develop positive relationships.

"In today's world, having a place where young people can build confidence, develop resilience and feel part of something positive is incredibly important."

Preparing young people for the workplace

Rachel believes the skills developed through the cadets are highly valuable in education, employment and future careers.

"Cadets learn communication, teamwork, accountability, problem-solving and leadership without always realising they're developing those skills."

Through activities that require collaboration, decision-making and personal responsibility, young people build qualities that employers actively seek.

"They learn the importance of reliability, turning up prepared, supporting other people and working towards shared goals."

Rachel was also delighted by Sodexo's announcement of 25 new apprenticeship opportunities for Army Cadets.

"It recognises the value of the cadet experience and creates exciting opportunities for young people to turn the skills they've developed into future careers."

Volunteering that changes lives, including your own

Rachel is passionate about encouraging others to consider volunteering with the cadets.

"You don't need a military background and you certainly don't need to be an expert in military skills," she says.

"There are so many different ways you can contribute and so many experiences from your own life that can help young people."

For Rachel, volunteering has brought its own personal benefits.

Since becoming an instructor, she has gained confidence, developed new leadership skills and become more comfortable handling challenging situations. She believes those experiences have also helped her professionally, supporting her transition into a new role at Sodexo and helping her overcome feelings of imposter syndrome.

"If I can stand in front of a group of teenagers and lead a session, it definitely gives me confidence to tackle difficult conversations in the workplace."

She has also built new friendships and discovered skills she never expected to develop.

"I never imagined I'd be learning things like rifle handling, obstacle course supervision or delivering training sessions, but that's part of what makes it so rewarding."

Why National Cadet Week matters

For Rachel, National Cadet Week is about recognising both the young people and the volunteers who make cadet organisations so special.

"It celebrates the opportunities the cadet forces provide and the positive difference they make to communities across the country."

The week also offers an opportunity to highlight the value of volunteering and encourage more people to get involved.

Rachel particularly welcomes Sodexo's enhanced support for Cadet Force Adult Volunteers, including additional paid leave.

As a working parent, she understands the challenges of balancing volunteering, work and family commitments.

"Knowing that Sodexo supports volunteers in this way is hugely encouraging. It makes it easier to commit to training, camps and activities without having to choose between volunteering and family time."

Although Rachel's journey as an instructor is only just beginning, she is already convinced of the positive impact cadet organisations have on both young people and adult volunteers.

"The Army Cadet Force is about so much more than uniforms and military skills. It's about giving young people opportunities, helping them grow in confidence and showing them that they are capable of achieving more than they realise."