The Diocese of Salisbury is celebrating the recognition of Alan Jeans, Archdeacon of Sarum, who has been promoted to Chaplain to the Forces Class 2, the highest ranking padre in the Army Cadet Force’s history.
Alan, who has served voluntarily in the Army Cadets since 2002, was the first to be appointed as National Lead Chaplain in 2023. This role was introduced as part of the Army Cadets' growing commitment to wellbeing, which now runs as a golden thread through all aspects of cadet life. Under the leadership of Colonel Pat O’Meara, the wellbeing team has made remarkable progress across the pillars of healthy minds, medical support, diversity and inclusion, and chaplaincy.
Bishop Stephen Lake, Bishop of Salisbury, said, "It is wonderful that Alan’s passion for service has been recognised. The Diocese of Salisbury is home to many serving army personnel and working in partnership, as Alan has modelled, we seek to support all those who serve. Our vision is that by Making Jesus Known, all may flourish and grow, and our close working relationship with the army has already led to service personnel coming forwards to explore ordination, and others sharing their personal stories of faith.”
Chaplains have long been a vital part of the Army Cadets, offering holistic, person-centred support to cadets and adult volunteers of all faiths and backgrounds. They provide pastoral care, spiritual support and moral guidance at every level of the organisation.
Padre Alan’s promotion follows a recommendation from Commander Cadets, General James Senior, in recognition of the impact he has had in shaping the organisation’s approach to wellbeing and in strengthening the chaplaincy’s national role.
Reflecting on the work of the chaplains, Alan said, “Padres are central to the Army Cadet Force, supporting everyone from the newest recruit to the Colonel.”
There are currently 87 chaplains serving over 76,000 cadets and 11,000 adult volunteers across the UK, with hopes to expand the team to better reflect the diversity of the Army Cadets community and provide wider wellbeing support.
To find out more about becoming an Army Cadets chaplain and serving your local community, visit https://armycadets.com/who-we-are/chaplaincy-in-the-army-cadets/
Archdeacon Alan will retire this July after 36 years of ministry in the Diocese of Salisbury and having served as Archdeacon of Sarum for 22 years. There will be a special Cathedral Eucharist at 5:30pm on Thursday 3 July to mark the occasion which all are welcome to attend.