Air Cdre Al Lewis, RAFAC Commandant has confirmed the appointment of Wg Cdr Ben Wakefield into the role of Senior Volunteer in the rank of acting Gp Capt. This follows a competitive selection process and Gp Capt Wakefield will succeed Gp Capt Andy Pass with effect from 14 November 2025.
Air Cdre Lewis said “My thanks to Gp Capt Pass, for his service as the first Senior Volunteer Advisor, bringing the voice of the volunteer to the RAFAC Senior Leadership Team. I’m very much looking forward to working with Gp Capt Wakefield as we focus on the Strategic Defence Review (SDR) directives and developing our cadet and volunteer offerings.”
Gp Capt Pass will take a short break before returning to RAFAC duties. Gp Capt Pass was presented with a framed Group Captain’s command pennant at the RAFAC Annual Honours and Awards Ceremony as a token of appreciation from the organisation for serving as our first Senior Volunteer and first Cadet Forces Adult Volunteer to be promoted to the rank of Group Captain.
Following his appointment, Gp Capt Wakefield said,
“I am delighted to have been appointed as the next RAFAC Senior Volunteer, as we look to meet the SDR 30 by 30 expansion, the volunteer voice is essential and I look forward to representing CFAV views both to the RAFAC Senior Leadership Team and wider Ministry of Defence working groups.
Having played a major part in several CFAV-focused programmes in recent years, including Volunteer Portal, RAFAC Learn and RAFAC Join, I am excited to build on existing engagement and work with volunteers. I want to help ensure that policies, systems and processes evolve to reduce the burden of administrative overheads and that our valuable time is spent delivering training and opportunities for cadets and volunteers.
My thanks to Gp Capt Pass for his service and the excellent work he has already done in promoting volunteer voice.”
Group Captain Wakefield
RAFAC Senior Volunteer