Squadron Leader Jess Carolan, Chief of Staff Operations for Bedfordshire & Cambridgeshire Wing ATC, recently received a prestigious Commander British Forces Cyprus 2 Star Commendation for her hard work across the Royal Air Force Air Cadets and the Army Cadet Force. The commendation was presented at the RAF Honington Annual Awards Presentation Ceremony by AVM David Murray, Deputy Lieutenant for Suffolk.
Whilst accompanying her husband on a three-year posting to RAF Akrotiri, Flt Lt (subsequently promoted to Sqn Ldr on taking up her current role) Carolan could have taken a break from RAFAC and enjoyed life in the sun, however she chose to continue her association with RAFAC. This led to her, and her husband Joe, joining 1 (Overseas) Squadron ATC based on RAF Akrotiri, helping to develop the squadron, and its Detached Flight at Ayios Nikolaos, into a force to be reckoned with and offering opportunities across the PTS. Due to the isolated nature of Cyprus, she organised for the squadron to return to the UK for a summer camps in 2023 and 2024, visiting RIAT, gaining AEF opportunities for all the cadets.
Whilst taking a career break from her full-time UK job, she chose to take on the role of a locally employed civilian working on behalf of British Forces Cyprus' ACF detachments. This offered a different prospective to RAFAC but ran both RAFAC and ACF in parallel.
The citation covers Sqn Ldr Carolan's time within Beds & Cambs Wing prior to the posting to Cyprus, with her time volunteering with RAFAC and working for the ACF whilst in Cyprus. The citation reads:
Flt Lt Jessica Carolan has been a beacon of inspiration and mentorship, shaping the lives of countless cadets across the Air Cadets and Army Cadets with unwavering dedication and exceptional organisational skills. Her journey began as a Civilian Instructor in 2013, transitioning to a commissioned officer in 2014, where she embarked on a remarkable career marked by outstanding achievements and transformative leadership.
Carolan's tenure at 2331 (St Ives) Squadron stands as a testament to her exceptional leadership abilities. At just 23 years old, she accepted the challenge of command under challenging circumstances, rebuilding the Squadron and propelling it to new heights within the Bedfordshire and Cambridgeshire Wing. Her visionary leadership led to numerous victories in various fields, including first aid, sports, target shooting, and field weekends, showcasing her ability to inspire and motivate cadets to excel. Under Carolan's guidance, cadets at 2331 (St Ives) Squadron flourished, climbing the progressive training syllabus and achieving remarkable success, including winning the Best Squadron in the Wing and Region. Her dedication and commitment to the cadets' development have been instrumental in shaping them into top performers within the Air Cadets, earning the Squadron a well-deserved reputation for excellence.
Carolan's impact extended beyond her Squadron, as she organised and led various training programs, enabling cadets from local squadrons to gain numerous qualifications and valuable experiences. Her efforts in coordinating half-term training weeks and liaising with cadet staff and RAF Stations exemplify her commitment to providing cadets with the best opportunities for growth and development. As the Training Officer for Bedfordshire and Cambridgeshire Wing's annual Easter Camp, Carolan demonstrated exceptional organisational skills and leadership, managing a complex training programme involving multiple squadrons and cadets. Her dedication to ensuring a smooth and successful camp experience for over 300 cadets and CFAVs reflects her unwavering commitment to the cadet community.
Carolan's contributions to the Cadet Forces extended to her role as Wing Road Marching Officer, where she trained and guided hundreds of cadets through challenging military skills, including the gruelling 100-mile walk in Holland. Her commitment to developing cadets' skills and fostering a culture of excellence has been instrumental in their personal growth and achievements.
In addition to her roles within the Air Cadets, Carolan's dedication to youth development led her to join the Army Cadet Force as the Cadet Administration Officer for units based in Cyprus becoming a Captain, assigned to the Gwent & Powys Army Cadet Force. Her efforts in revitalising a dormant detachment, transforming it into a thriving hub of youth development, and organising joint military skills weekends for Army and Air Cadets demonstrate her exceptional leadership and commitment to empowering young individuals.
Carolan's impact on the cadet community has been profound, touching the lives of thousands of cadets and instilling in them values of discipline, leadership, and resilience. Her exemplary character, unwavering dedication, and transformative leadership have left an indelible mark on the Cadet Forces, enriching the lives of cadets and contributing significantly to their personal and professional development.
In recognition of her outstanding contributions, exemplary leadership, and profound impact on the development of young people, Flt Lt Jessica Carolan is a true role model and a deserving recipient of this prestigious award. Her exceptional service to the community and her unwavering dedication to nurturing the next generation of leaders exemplify the highest ideals of the Cadet Forces.