Rock Solid Friendships and New Horizons in Gibraltar
26 November 2025
26 November 2025
With support from ACCT UK, cadets from Greater Manchester Army Cadet Force (GMACF) experienced a once‑in‑a‑lifetime overseas adventure in Gibraltar. The trip combined military training, adventurous activities, and cultural experiences that inspired confidence, strengthened friendships, and deepened an international alliance.
GMACF’s formal alliance with the Royal Gibraltar Regiment Army Cadet Force (RGACF) dates back to 2019. This year marked the second visit by Manchester cadets to Gibraltar. The trip reinforced the affiliation and gave young people extraordinary opportunities to train, explore, and grow.
The expedition was a year in the making. It was planned in partnership with colleagues from Gibraltar’s three armed services, the National Museum, the Government of Gibraltar, and the RGACF, led by Major Jurie Williamson.
Before their departure, cadets raised nearly £2,000 through a sponsored swim. Collectively, they covered the 14-kilometre distance from Gibraltar to Morocco. This team effort showcased their commitment, teamwork, and determination before even boarding the plane.
After settling at Devil’s Tower Camp, cadets joined Royal Gibraltar Regiment instructors at the Buffadero Training Facility. They practised live firing on the 25‑metre range and worked through building‑clearance drills. The realism and discipline of the training left a lasting impression.
The group also visited The Convent, the official residence of the Governor of Gibraltar, where they were welcomed by Lieutenant General Sir Ben Bathurst, KCVO CBE. Meeting the Governor was a proud moment for the cadets, symbolising friendship between the two communities.
Military training was followed by a round‑robin of thrilling activities. Cadets joined the Royal Navy Gibraltar Squadron, explored patrol vessels, and sped across the bay on powerboats crewed by expert sailors. They tested their balance during paddleboarding sessions (some more successfully than others!) and even took their first breaths underwater during SCUBA diving lessons with Royal Navy BSAC instructors.
History and culture played a huge part in the experience. One team toured the Northern Defences with a local guide, uncovering tunnels and fortifications carved into the rock. Another explored the Gibraltar Museum with its Director, Philip Smith, who led them through galleries telling stories of the territory’s long and fascinating past.
Meanwhile, a third group scaled the Rock of Gibraltar. They visited St Michael’s Cave, the Skywalk, the Windsor Suspension Bridge, and the Great Siege and WW2 Tunnels. At a monument to the fallen, cadets laid a wreath on behalf of GMACF, paying respects to those who served before them.
Evenings brought further adventure. Cadets dived again under supervision, visited the Military Heritage Centre at Princess Caroline’s Battery, and met the RAF Air Cadets to try state‑of‑the‑art flight simulators.
The final day saw an unforgettable subterranean exercise in the Maida Vale Tunnels. Here, cadets practised blank‑firing tunnel clearances under pressure. The exercise was demanding but hugely rewarding, combining physical challenge with teamwork and communication.
Cadet RSM Ionescu reflected proudly: “I never thought I could finish my time in cadets with an experience like this… First trip to Gibraltar, training in FIBUA and tunnel fighting, adventure training, powerboating, The Rock, SCUBA diving and friends, what a week!”
For Cadet Sgt Jones, the experience was doubly special…
“If I had been told I would have a week like this in cadets when I started, I wouldn’t have believed them… I’ve done so many things with a great group of friends, all because of the Cadets.”
Many cadets experienced “firsts” during the week… First flight, first time abroad, first time diving, and first live‑firing exercise. Each one built resilience, independence, and confidence.
Staff and parents followed the journey through daily social‑media updates, leaving heartfelt messages such as… “This is amazing and will stay with them forever.” Another wrote, “A huge THANK YOU to all staff members who have given up their free time and annual leave to make this amazing trip happen.”
Grants and fundraising enabled access to activities that strengthened leadership, teamwork, and global understanding, all key elements of the cadet experience.
Captain Jamie Curley, who led the expedition, praised the role of donors and supporters. ACCT UK’s help, combined with contributions from the REME Charity and local fundraising, “enabled cadets to embark on an adventure of a lifetime in Gibraltar.”
This was an experience that shaped confidence, built international friendship, and inspired every young person who attended to aim higher. The alliance between Greater Manchester and Royal Gibraltar Cadets stands stronger than ever. Proof that with teamwork, courage, and the right support, young people can achieve extraordinary things.