Swapping stories, encouraging and sharing

Every year the Royal Regiment of Scotland hosts an activity weekend for cadets and veterans to mix and participate in outdoor pursuits, highlighting to both generations what they can offer each other; they often realise that they have more in common than first thought, changing perceptions.

Many veterans suffer from traumatic combat stress and become isolated. They have so much experience to offer yet they sometimes lack the confidence to share their war stories. During these weekends, cadets can encourage veterans to share their knowledge and experiences. Veterans feel more valued and cadets feel more prepared for the future. Army cadet Lynda Joyce (16) from Cumbernauld took part last summer.

Linda says:
“The aim of the weekend was for us to build the veterans' confidence, but in fact it was them who built mine. Both age groups learnt from each other, rather than it being a one-way experience. We all have shared goals and ambitions, the only difference being that most of the veterans have managed to achieve theirs and I still have to fulfil mine.”

“Although veterans are from a different generation, I realised they're not much different from modern day cadets. Most were very open about their experiences, and it was excellent to be able to interact with them. It was apparent that their time in the Armed Forces had lasting effects on them.”