The torch of knowledge changes hands as the current Commander of the VCC, Lieutenant Colonel (VCC) Christopher Spratt steps down from his Command on 31 March 2024 after over 3 years of being in the position and 42 years with the organisation.  

The Royal Navy has appointed Lt Adam Hearn RN as the next Commander of the Volunteer Cadet Corps. He will take post on 01 April 2024. Lt Hearn RN is currently the Deputy Commander of the VCC.

He said: “I am delighted and honoured to be appointed as the next Commander of the Volunteer Cadet Corps. Watching our young people develop and ‘Meet the Challenge’ of modern life is truly inspiring but I know that the organisation would not enjoy its superb reputation without the determination and commitment of an excellent team of permanent staff at HQRNCF working with an amazing network of adult volunteers.  I have enormous respect and gratitude for everything that Colonel Chris has achieved for the VCC during his tenure, and I am looking forward to helping the organisation grow and march confidently into the future with my dedicated Senior Leadership team.”

Having joined the VCC as a service helper in the role of Commanding Officer of HMS Collingwood in September 2016, Lt Hearn quickly immersed himself into providing a better cadet experience for members of the VCC. Re-energising the team his unit experienced a great deal of success ranging from Field Gun champions, increased unit size and hosting many Portsmouth area competitions, as well as providing a good attendance for the first joint RNVCC Summer Camp.

During this period he was also appointed as the Chief Field Gun Officer to oversee all VCC Field Gun activities and grow this popular sporting activity within the organisation.

Planning and leading the successful Exercise Wight Waves, the Summer Camp in 2019 in the Isle of Wight, Lt Hearn became the natural successor as Executive Officer (Training) later that year. He was instrumental in revamping the VCC training syllabus, and created and developed an online learning portal for all staff and cadets to ensure all were being taught the same lessons across the organisation. This turned out to be a great success story that kept staff and cadets together during COVID lockdowns.

Lt Hearn was appointed as the Deputy Commander VCC on 1 January 2021. Having attended his commissioning course at the Britannia Royal Naval College in Dartmouth, he was commissioned as a Lieutenant Royal Navy in December 2021. 

Living in Gosport in Hampshire, Lt Hearn is married to Jan and they have two grown up children. Living so close to the coast he enjoys kayaking in his spare time, cycling and has completed three marathons to date. 

The entire Volunteer Cadet Corps wishes Lt Col Spratt well for the future.

In 1981, Lt Col (VCC) Chris Spratt’s parents saw the Portsmouth Division RMVCC Band march down Fratton Road and thought ‘our son should join them’ – to this day, he questions why (as he says he wasn’t that bad as a kid!). After 5 months of recruit training under the watchful eye of Second World War ex Royal Marines sniper Mick Coughlan, Lt Col Spratt passed out, being the fourth best recruit.

Col Spratt joined C Company and was soon propelled into the unit’s Mounted Display, with thoughts of riding a horse at the forthcoming Cadet Tattoo on the parade ground at Eastney Barracks but alas the ‘horses’ turned out to be fur covered wire frames on braces and was to jog around the arena in an intricate display to music.

Progressing through the ranks and as a Cadet Corporal, he joined the Drill Squad, a display of precision rifle drill without orders. Enjoying five years of public displays with them including Navy Days, D-Day 40 and various local shows. Passing the Senior Command Course in 1986 in first place, Col Spratt became the Company Sergeant Major of R Company. The VCC is very much a family affair and by this time Col Spratt’s parents became involved and recently retired!

Having been promoted to Cadet Colour Sergeant, his time as a cadet regrettably came to an end after 6 years in those days cadets had to leave aged 16. Having enjoyed several camps, participated in Cadet Tattoos, getting stuck into various activities and learning a lot of life skills, he was not ready to leave. Thankfully, Col Spratt was one of the only a handful of senior cadet to be invited to stay on as a Junior Instructor. 

Col Spratt has held nearly every position within the VCC, including Company Commander, Training Officer, Chief Instructor, Adjutant and latterly Commander VCC – indeed the very first VCC ex-cadet to go from the very bottom to the top in their unit and entire organisation. Col Spratt said “I have made some great lifelong friendships during my time and shared some truly amazing, indeed ‘hoofing’ experiences. The highlights have been to be parading at Buckingham Palace, participating in the Royal Tournament with our cadet Field Gun, organising more summer camps and weekend exercises than I can remember; paying respects at First World War battlefields and cemeteries around Ypres, meeting Bill Sparks – the last survivor of the Cockleshell Heroes and marching through the City of London in the Lord Mayor’s Show, but above all seeing so many of our young cadet flourish into reliable and dependable adults – our VCC aim”.

After joining Headquarters VCC he has tackled the challenging issues of establishing the VCC as a single service organisation complete with a new headquarters, setting up the VCC Training Centre, establishing a VCC wide cadet training syllabus, organisational expansion, and forming independent charities – all with commitment, energy and passion.

This week, Lt Col Spratt retires from the VCC after 42 years exemplary service to the organisation and during his many years as an adult volunteer and during his tenure as Commander VCC, Lt Col Spratt has seen thousands of young people develop and ‘Meet the Challenge’ of modern life and continues to be an ambassador for volunteering within the RN Cadet Forces. Being able to ‘Make a Difference’ to the young people is very much at the forefront of all VCC Cadet Force Adult Volunteers minds and it is a fundamental part of our future.

The entire Volunteer Cadet Corps wishes Lt Col Spratt well for the future.

On Thursday, several RM cadets from the VCC attended the Ceremony of the Dues at HM Tower of London alongside fellow cadets from the SCC and CCF. This was a unique Corps Family event and the start of RM360 celebrations. The cadets lined the route, witnesses the pageantry of the occasion and met the Constable of the Tower, Gen Sir Gordon Messenger KCB DSO* OBE ADC (a former senior RM officer).

These opportunities for our cadets will be with them and their families forever, and are just an example of the amazing memories being made as part of the Volunteer Cadet Corps. All this helps to contribute to developing these young people, fostering links between the Service and local communities, and preparing our cadets for their adult lives ahead.

It’s also good to see personnel from across all three Royal Navy Cadet Forces working together as one ‘Navy Cadets’ family; different histories, different titles, same mission!

Our thanks to the Royal Marines for inviting the cadets to be part of this special event.

Sat 20 Jan 2024, marked our first Volunteer Cadet Corps Cadet Naval Aviation Proficiency Course held jointly with the Sea Cadets.

Together, we delved into topics covering the History of the Fleet Air Arm, Principles of Flight, Radiotelegraphy, Metrology, Flight Deck Operations, and the exciting world of Aviation Careers. 

The first day our cadets were stationed on the iconic HMS BELFAST, allowing them a unique opportunity to “kip on a ship” and immerse themselves in the maritime life. 

Day two was equally epic, as we embarked on a visit to the Farnborough Air Sciences Museum. Cadets and Adult Volunteers had the chance to get hands-on with awe-inspiring aviation history, explore cockpit interiors, and immerse themselves in flight simulators. 

SLt (VCC) Gary Fletcher, Executive Officer (Training) said “In a remarkable collaboration – 1 Cadet Force, 2 RN Cadet Force Organisations, 17 cadets, and 6 staff members working seamlessly to create an educational experience that surpassed expectations. The synergy between Sea Cadets and the Volunteer Cadet Corps was evident as they shared knowledge, passion, and enthusiasm for aviation”

The impact was undeniable, with some cadets leaving the experience not only inspired but also googling the realm of aviation careers. The Farnborough Air Sciences Museum shop can attest to our cadets’ zeal, as they practically cleared the shelves of aviation magazines! 

On Friday 19 January, two new VCC First Sea Lord’s Cadets were appointed during an investiture ceremony in the historic surrounding’s of Lord Nelson’s flagship in Portsmouth. Joining cadets from the Sea Cadet Corps and Combined Cadet Force, the cadets accompanied by members of their families visited HMS VICTORY to meet Adm Sir Ben Key KCB CBE, First Sea Lord, and receive their certificates and badges.

Congratulations to Cdt WO1 (RSM) Harvey from Portsmouth RMVCC and Cdt CSgt Phoebe from Bands of RMVCC Gosport on your appointment!

After attending the event onboard HMS VICTORY, Lt Col (VCC) Chris Spratt, Commander VCC, said “the First Sea Lord’s Cadets are regarded as some of the very best cadets from their respective organisations and play a crucial role in shaping the future of the Corps.

It’s a unique opportunity to have their voices heard and to inspire others to follow in their footsteps.”

Throughout the year, the First Sea Lord’s Cadets attend a number of high-profile events, representing the Corps at official ceremonies, functions, formal parades and ship visits.

It also offers them a privileged insight into higher naval policy and work of senior Royal Navy serving officers.