I’ve been a CCF RAF cadet for 4 years at Elizabeth College in Guernsey, joining in September 2022. During this time, I’ve managed to participate in a huge variety of competitions and activities I would’ve never thought I’d succeed in.
The first activity I did with the cadets was an Air Experience Flying (AEF) flight at MOD Boscombe Down, and then I grew a want to push myself more. I’ve been on a gliding scholarship, Gold Leadership Courses, and even learnt to play the bagpipes with the RAFAC Pipes and Drums band, which took me to Edinburgh Castle and Horseguards Military Musical Spectacular, giving me memories and friends I’ll never forget.
Joining the Air Cadets was the greatest decision I’ve made so far, giving me huge amounts of confidence and pushing me out of my comfort zone. This let me rise through the ranks and make it to both Section and CCF commander at my school.
My Highlight
Going to the Royal Air Squadron Trophy Competition (RAST) at RAF Halton and spending a weekend with the squad of 14 we had taken over. I’d had the pleasure of commanding them on the competition day, as well as teaching and leading them in the preparation for it, and I was immensely proud of how far they’d come, making me realise that I’d managed to have a proper, positive impact on their confidence and self-esteem.
The position and person I was able to become from joining the Air Cadets gave me the view to grasp how much of a positive impact I’d made on myself, as well as the positive impact I’d made on others. It made me massively appreciative of my friends and fellow cadets who had helped me along the way, covering and teaching me topics I wasn’t as knowledgeable in, making me not just a better cadet, but also a better person along the way.