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Loughborough Sea Cadets have taken a pioneering step by introducing advanced wargaming simulation software—the same kind used by defence forces worldwide—into their training programme. This innovation is giving young people a safe and supervised environment to develop essential skills in leadership, teamwork, problem-solving, and decision-making.

The cadets now use three cutting-edge platforms:

• Command: Modern Operations (Matrix Games) – offering a strategic “big picture” view where cadets plan and coordinate complex missions.
• Virtual Battlespace 4 (VBS) (BISimulations) – an immersive 3D simulator, including virtual reality (VR), where cadets work together in realistic team-based challenges.
• SeaPower (MicroProse) – exploring the capabilities of modern naval operations and how technology shapes decision-making.

Through these simulations, cadets take on different roles within a team—such as managing a main vessel, conducting aerial searches, or operating small boats—while adapting to rapidly changing situations. In one “man overboard” exercise, for example, cadets must coordinate ship manoeuvres, helicopter search patterns, and a speedboat rescue, building communication and collaboration under pressure.

Cadets are already seeing the benefits:

• Petty Officer Cadet Izzy said: “This software provides great leadership opportunities as well as learning opportunities, as we can drill down and find out about various ships’ capabilities and how they affect their use.”
• Ordinary Cadet Copson said: “This makes our training more engaging.”
• Cadet Sharp said: “This gives us a greater insight into what planning is really like, giving me a great head start in my future career.”

Sub-Lieutenant (SCC) Paul Browning RNR, Commanding Officer of Loughborough Sea Cadets, added: “This is more than just gaming—it’s leadership in action. Our cadets are learning how to work together, think critically, and adapt under pressure, all in a safe and supervised environment.”

Loughborough Sea Cadets would like to thank Bohemia Interactive Simulations, Matrix Games, and MicroProse for generously providing licences, making this innovative training opportunity possible.

To expand this exciting opportunity to more cadets, the unit is appealing for donations of laptops or PCs capable of running the software, helping more young people benefit from this unique and forward-looking programme.

If you can help, or wish to talk to us, please reach out to us directly on:

admin@tsvenomous.co.uk

Cadet Achieves Historic Gold Wings Success

Loughborough Sea Cadets are celebrating a proud milestone as Cadet Charlie has been awarded his Gold Wings – the highest aviation qualification within the Sea Cadet Corps. This remarkable achievement is also a first in the history of our unit.

Gold Wings represent the pinnacle of cadet aviation training, requiring dedication, skill, and exceptional performance. Charlie not only gained his qualification, but also achieved top of his class, making his success even more impressive.

This achievement highlights the extraordinary opportunities available through the Sea Cadets, where young people can take on unique challenges, develop specialist skills, and achieve nationally recognised awards.

We are incredibly proud of Charlie for his commitment, hard work, and trailblazing success. He has set an inspiring example for future cadets to follow.

Loughborough Sea Cadets are celebrating an incredible series of achievements this month, with cadets successfully completing a variety of challenging qualifications.

Leading Cadet Issy has proudly passed her Petty Officer Cadet selection board, making history as the first cadet in over nine years at the unit to achieve this milestone.  Issy's determination and success have set a fantastic example to the whole unit.

Congratulations also go to Able Cadet Holly, who has completed Powerboating Levels 1 and 2, which teach cadets the essentials of manoeuvring both displacement and planing craft. These qualifications give young people confidence on the water, allowing them to take control of vessels safely and effectively.

Able Cadet Megan has passed the Advanced Marine Engineering – Mechanical qualification, demonstrating an impressive depth of technical understanding. This achievement equips her with skills in engine maintenance, fault finding, and problem solving – all essential for keeping vessels safe and operational.

On land, Cadet Sam has successfully completed Basic Campcraft and Basic Mountain Biking. These qualifications build confidence in outdoor skills, from setting up camp to navigating varied terrain, teaching resilience, self-reliance, and teamwork in adventurous settings.

Finally, a further round of congratulations goes to Ordinary Cadet Holly, who has also passed Powerboating Levels 1 and 2, joining her peers in learning how to handle and operate powerboats across a range of environments.

Each of these qualifications represents not only new technical abilities but also a growth in confidence, responsibility, and leadership among our cadets. We are incredibly proud of their dedication, the hard work they have put in, and the inspiration they provide to others in the unit. Their achievements showcase the wide variety of opportunities Sea Cadets offers, both on the water and on land, and highlight the bright future that awaits these young people as they continue to progress.

Local cadets demonstrated exceptional performance at The Security Institute's annual careers event, highlighted by a memorable meeting with Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal and victory in the coveted Intruder Award competition.

The event, designed to showcase various career opportunities within the security sector, provided cadets with invaluable insights into potential career paths ranging from high-tech security equipment manufacturing to protective security services. Her Royal Highness spent considerable time engaging with the cadets, asking thoughtful questions about how the event had opened their eyes to new career possibilities within the security industry.

In a particularly impressive display of investigative skills, the cadets' team—dubbed the "Sterling Sleuths"—triumphed over all other competitors to win the prestigious Intruder Award Trophy. The challenge required teams to identify an intruder using a series of clues scattered throughout the venue, testing both analytical thinking and collaborative problem-solving abilities.

The Security Institute day successfully achieved its objective of educating young people about the diverse roles and career opportunities available within the security profession. The Security Institute, established in 1999, is the UK's largest professional membership organisation for security professionals, with over 4,300 members globally. The organisation works closely with government, public institutions, and private companies to influence positive change within the industry whilst raising professional standards and integrity across all security disciplines.

The event provided cadets with exposure to various aspects of the security sector, from cutting-edge technology solutions to traditional protective services, offering them a comprehensive overview of potential career pathways in this growing field.