Combined Cadet Force (ID 1123)

• Capt. Guy
  Contingent Commander
  Capt. Guy

  By day, Captain Guy is a Science Teacher at Moor End Academy with 25 years teaching experience. He has been a Cadet Force Adult Volunteer (CFAV) since 2018 in both the CCF at a previous school and with Yorkshire North & West Army Cadet Force. Capt. Guy’s cadet experience began as a teenager where he rose to the rank of Cadet Colour Sergeant, attending the National Cadet Leadership Course and instructing younger cadets. He is vastly experienced, having been the Officer Commanding a school CCF Army Section and the Admin Officer on cadet camps. His passion is shooting and is qualified to run ranges which is an integral part of the cadet experience. He is convinced of the personal development benefits to young people and has seen first hand how being a cadet improves the life chances of young people whatever their background and is excited and proud to lead the Cadets at Moor End Academy

• Sjt L Deacon
  Cadet Training Team
  Sjt L Deacon

  Serjeant Leigh Deacon is the specialist instructor assigned to Moor End Academy CCF from the British Army Cadet Training Team. Sjt Deacon brings a wealth of experience having joined the British Army in 1991 travelling the world on active service and training exercises in Canada, USA, Brunei, Malaysia, Jamaica, The Falkland Islands, Northern Ireland, Afghanistan, Bosnia, and Kosovo.

  After 24 years and reaching the rank of Colour Serjeant, Sjt Deacon joined the Cadet Training Team in 2015. He is passionate about seeing young cadets grow and develop as individuals and believes the change in people as a result of their time in the cadets is immeasurable. He has previously worked with Capt. Guy and is excited about the potential development of the pupils at Moor End Academy.

  Outside of his job with the Cadet Training Team, Sjt Deacon has been married for 26 years and has two grown up children; a boy and a girl. He describes himself as easy going, relaxed and reliable…a really nice guy.

• C Sgt. Byrne
  School Staff Instructor
  C Sgt. Byrne

  Colour Sergeant James Byrne is excited to take up the appointment as School Staff Instructor at Moor End Academy CCF. His role is to facilitate everything to do with the cadets, arrange training, look after the clothing and equipment, and finally be a guiding aide for the Contingent Commander and the other CFAVs, working alongside the Serjeant from the Cadet Training Team.

  C/Sgt Byrne has been an adult volunteer with the Army Cadet Force for 10 years including 7 years as the Detachment Commander at Spen Valley and he has little thought of moving elsewhere. Before becoming an adult volunteer with the ACF, I was a cadet myself for 6 years reaching the rank of cadet corporal and the senior cadet in his Cadet Company in 2011-2012. Between his time as a cadet and as an adult volunteer there are very few areas of the cadet experience that he hasn't done, instructed, or led on.

  What he loves about being involved in the cadet forces is being instrumental in the journey of a cadet from being incredibly nervous and shy at 12 year old and developing them into the best they can be and seeing them grow and blossom into adulthood, and when they finally leave at 18 as a fully rounded productive adult ready to take on the world.

  His proudest achievement so far has been doing just that; taking a Year 8 cadet who “wouldn’t say boo to a goose” all the way to the very top as Cadet Sergeant Major, winning the Champion Cadet in 2023 as the best Cadet in North and West Yorkshire.

  I aim to bring my passion for the cadet forces to the new CCF unit and help develop it and mould those young people who are brave enough to put on the uniform and push themselves through cadet force training and support them and bring my knowledge and experience to any who would want to learn from me.

  beyond the cadet forces which has pretty much taken over my life I am a massive nerd and a lover of sci-fi and Fantasy and can often be found reading or singing along to some form of animated musical or other.

• SI Conway
  Non-Commissioned Officer
  SI Conway

  I became a Cadet Force Adult Volunteer (CFAV) because I am passionate about the life-changing opportunities the cadet force offers young people within our community. Having witnessed the success and impact of the programme at myself and Captain Guy's previous school, I was inspired by the confidence, discipline, and broad range of skills it instilled in students. I wanted to help bring that same experience to our academy. Becoming a CFAV has pushed me out of my comfort zone, offering personal growth as well as professional development. Through this role, I’ve not only supported the cadets but have also enhanced my own skillset—most notably becoming a qualified GB Archery Instructor. I look forward to continuing this rewarding journey and helping to shape confident, capable young people through the cadet force.

• SI Langfield
  Non-Commissioned Officer
  SI Langfield

  I decided to become a CFAV to give young people in our community opportunities that may not otherwise be available to them as well as life skills that will help them to develop into the best versions of themselves possible.

  Since we started this year I have already seen our cadets blossom, gaining confidence, discipline, leadership and teamwork skills, and pushing themselves to achieve things they thought impossible before.

  As a CFAV I have had the opportunity to gain qualifications such as becoming an archery instructor that I can not only use to work with our cadets but also young people outside of school. This role has also given me a stronger connection to the young people as well as the community.

• SI Eagleton
  Non-Commissioned Officer
  SI Eagleton

  I became a Cadet Force Adult Volunteer (CFAV) because, after spending over a decade working within the community, I understand first-hand how vital opportunities like this are in shaping young people’s futures. I am deeply passionate about ensuring children and young adults have every chance to develop their skills, confidence, and resilience. This role allows me to contribute directly to their growth by providing positive guidance and support.

  Additionally, I wanted to push myself beyond my comfort zone, embracing new challenges that foster both personal development and a stronger connection to the community. Volunteering with the Combined Cadet Force is a rewarding way to give back while helping to inspire the next generation to achieve their potential. I have done things this year that I never imagined I would do!

• PI Ashcroft
  Non-Commissioned Officer
  PI Ashcroft

  I became a CFAV because I’m passionate about supporting young people in developing confidence, leadership, and resilience. The CCF offers a unique environment where pupils can challenge themselves, learn new skills, and grow both individually and as part of a team.

  Since joining, I’ve learned a great deal about military structure, outdoor leadership, and the importance of teamwork and discipline. It’s been incredibly rewarding to see cadets step out of their comfort zones and achieve things they didn’t think possible.

  My goal is to help pupils gain valuable life skills, build strong friendships, and develop a sense of pride and responsibility. I’m also looking forward to continuing my own learning journey—growing as a leader and mentor alongside the cadets.

• PI Shah
  Non-Commissioned Officer
  PI Shah