Brigadier Tom Beckett, Commander 20th Armoured Brigade, inspected the cadre which had tested the potential NCOs in all aspects of fitness, combat leadership management, and how to be a section commander.
Addressing the parade, Brig Beckett said: “In military service there’s generally the right way and the wrong way.  As future leaders it’s up to you to make the sure that those under your command do the right thing.
“You will get a little more pay and respect, but for those privileges you take on more responsibilities.  They are the defining thing of being a NCO and you are now part of the chain of command.”

The “Cornish Cane” – named in memory of Cpl Matthew Cornish who died in Iraq during Op TELIC 8 in 2006 – was awarded for the first time to top student 19-year-old LCpl James Hopkins from 5 RIFLES, who also had the honour of commanding the parade. 
LCpl Hopkins, himself an Op TELIC 8 veteran, added: “It’s been hard work spending 6 weeks mostly in the field, but I think my sniper background helped.”
The cadre officer, Capt Dhan Gurung, added: “We chose the top student on the basis of his all-round performance.  He was an exemplary winner in comparison with his peers.”
The colourful parade saw 5 RIFLES wearing their new caps, badges and buttons for the first time since the Regiment’s formation last year, including the unique ‘Backbadge’, an honour originally awarded to the 28th of Foot for fighting ‘back to back’ at the battle of Alexandria in 1801.
Appropriately the military music was provided by the Band of the Parachute Regiment as Brig Beckett took the salute wearing his distinctive maroon beret.  In his speech he made a point of thanking the band as well as the many wives and girlfriends who had come to view the ceremony.
He told the parade: “The sacrifices the families go through don’t go unnoticed.  But it’s clear to me that away from the comforts of home we can be sure that you all have the qualities of a NCO.
“Your Battalion will help you in your new role.  You have been selected for promotion because they’ve realised you have leadership ability.”