Armed Forces Day 2022 | Army Cadets Captain recognised for remarkable commitment

Captain Kim Smith

Captain Kim Smith, fNewport, is currently studying for her PhD in Cyber Security at University of South Wales (USW). She has been awarded the Lord Lieutenant's Certificate of Merit for twenty years of volunteering with the Armed Cadets Forces (ACF).

With three master’s degrees, amongst other qualifications, already under her belt, Kim is no stranger to education. She also lectures part-time on the Cyber Security courses and Computing courses at USW. However, her commitment to working with young people does not end there.

Since 2003, Kim has worked tirelessly with the ACF, starting as a detachment instructor on the Isle of Wight and now a commissioned officer at Captain rank in South Wales. She said:

“It all began when I used to be a scout leader and I was looking for something else to do. I wanted to give my time to help others. Voluntary work is very important to me.

“I came across the local ACF. Helping and supporting young people appealed to me. I had served over four years in the Territorial Army in the past and I have a keen interest in the military because my Great Grandfather fought in the First World War.”

The Army Cadet Forces teaches life skills to young people aged 12 to 18 years old.

“We teach the cadets how to look after themselves and their kit, how to cook for themselves, communication skills, social skills, and much more,” said Kim.

“They have a lot of fun too. They get to do all kinds of adventure training, charity events, swimming, travel, camps etc. It is so rewarding to see them grow up and leave the ACF, a confident individual, aged 18.”

Kim has worked with thousands of children over the years. She is heavily involved in the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, is an Area Training Officer, and is an integral member of the band. She started out playing the cymbals but, age 56, decided to learn how to read music and to play an instrument starting with the Tuba but now plays the baritone saxophone.

“I always thought I was tone deaf,” she said.

“But it turns out, I am just a late developer and found I actually have musical ability. I have always been one to challenge myself and continue to learn.”

Kim has been invited to take a contingent of cadets to South Africa, along with the other two Welsh ACF Counties. She said:

“This is an amazing opportunity. The cadets will go on safari, work with local schools, a trip down the Tugela River, and trek the Survivor and Zulu trail.”

The nomination for her award arose because she was asked to step in and run one of the annual, week-long camps.

“It was so wonderful to get back to the camps, after Covid. The nature of this role involved long hours - a 6am start, and a 10pm finish. There was a lot of paperwork and I felt if I didn’t do it right away, it could be weeks of work after camp ended.

“One of the higher ranking officers kept seeing me in the office late at night. Later, he called me and said he was putting me forward for the award.

“The Lord Lieutenant acts as the Queen’s personal representative in a county, so it was a huge honour to win this award and to be acknowledged for the work I have done.”

Marking Armed Forces Day is of upmost important to Kim.

“I think it's an opportunity for everybody to realise and respect what the armed forces do for us as individuals,” she said.

“Armed forces give us our freedom.”