A 16 year-old Coleg Gwent student has been chosen for the prestigious position of Lord Lieutenant’s Cadet for her achievements in the Army Cadet Force (AFC).
A-Level student Allana Reid has been chosen to assist the Lord Lieutenant of Gwent Simon Boyle on official engagements for a year. Lord Lieutenants are The Queen’s representatives in every county of the UK.
Allana joined Gwent and Powys Army Cadet Force in 2007, starting in the Pen Y Rheol detachment before transferring to Blackwood.
Her swift rise through the Cadet ranks, passing her Army Proficiency Certificates (APCs) to become a Cadet Sergeant, and optional leadership qualification Senior Cadet Instructor Cadre, have been exceptional achievements for her age.
Allana is preparing to meet The Queen at one of her first official engagements with the Lord Lieutenant during April.
“I’m so honoured to be awarded the post, I didn’t even expect to be considered at my age,” said Senior Cadet Allana, 16, from Fleur-de-Lys. “I’m really looking forward to representing Gwent’s Cadets in my new role.”
Allana is no stranger to life in the military. Growing up on army bases in Cyprus, Scotland and Wales, and following in the footsteps of her father and grandfather – both in the forces – sparked her interest in the Army Cadet Force.
Coleg Gwent Crosskeys Campus Director Jen Jenkins, said: “We were all delighted and proud to learn of Allana’s success, and wish her well for her year in the role of Lord-Lieutenant’s Cadet.”