Colonel JVT: Former deputy chief medical officer given honorary rank by Army Cadet Force
Sir Jonathan Van-Tam MBE has been appointed an Honorary Colonel for Medical Support by the Army Cadet Force (ACF).
The former UK Deputy Chief Medical officer was a regular figure at the daily Downing Street briefings during the COVID-19 pandemic and became well-known for his creative analogies to explain the intricacies of the virus.
Major General Jonathan Swift OBE, Commander Cadets, highlighted that "Sir Jonathan is rightly well known for his high profile and vital role during the pandemic" – and expressed how "grateful" they are for him to accept the ACF role.
Sir Jonathan is also a former Army Cadet Force medical officer himself, having served for 12 years, for which he was awarded an MBE for his design of medical response equipment for cadets taking part in arduous activities.
In August, he received the David Attenborough Award and Lecture for his contribution at the regular televised Downing Street press conferences during the pandemic.
The Royal Society said he had played a "critical role in public engagement during the COVID-19 pandemic as UK deputy chief medical officer, through national and international media".
Honorary Colonels foster 'esprit de corps' and support their units and regiments' leadership teams without involvement in the daily running of the unit.
The appointment allows the individual to use the rank Colonel, and when acting in his capacity as Honorary Colonel, Sir Jonathan will be titled 'Colonel Sir Jonathan Van-Tam' – he will, however, be addressed as 'Colonel JVT'.
"Being an Army Cadet changes many young lives for the better"
Speaking after his appointment, Colonel JVT, said: "I am delighted to once again be associated with the ACF.
"It's a superb organisation, committed to happy, healthy, and active older children who can get a real taste of everything that is so positive about the Army – adventure, activity, challenge, self-discipline, self-reliance, leadership and camaraderie, in a safe and safeguarded environment.
"I genuinely believe that the experience of being an Army Cadet changes many young lives for the better, without any obligation to join the Army."
He went on: "I look forward to championing the vital and often hidden planning and assurance work of Army Cadet Medical Support Officers, who give their time freely to ensure that children, young people and adult volunteers are able to take part safely in the great activities that the ACF offers to them."
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