Page 13 - GM Wing 2020 Yearbook

Can you tell us the highlight of your RAFAC career and perhaps elaborate on why
your choice was so special to you?

This is probably one of the toughest questions – I have so many amazing memories but
there are 2 which really stand out:

The first is when I attended the Leadership Course at Frimley Park in the Summer of
1996. It was the hardest course I’d ever done both physically and mentally. It was like
boot camp – we ran everywhere, had the most basic ablutions, carried out ‘leads’ on
limited sleep .You had to be 16yrs old to attend and they treated you like the young
adults you were. Not everybody passed and some asked to go home half way through
so to achieve my certificate on completion of the course was a very proud moment and taught me skills that have
remained with me to this day.

The second was the adventurous training camp I went to in Prague – going overseas was exciting in itself but the
day we were taken up this hill, carrying our parachutes and, solo paragliding from the top to the bottom is
something that will stay with me forever!
Can you explain what advantages your RAFAC career gave you when you decided to join the RAF particularly
during your time at RAFC Cranwell?

I was 18 years old when I joined the Royal Air Force. I started Initial Officer Training at RAF College Cranwell in
October 1998 and, in truth, was extremely excited but nervous about my impending journey. There is absolutely
no doubt that many of my experiences in the Air Cadets significantly assisted me. Practically I already knew how
to iron my uniform, bull my shoes and prepare for inspections. I understood the rank structure and had a
grounding of weapons handling and basic air power. On a more personal level I had the self-belief and self-
discipline needed to get me through and I credit the Air Cadets for this.

Is there any advice you would like to give to the current
generation of cadets?

Take every opportunity you have to partake in the variety of
activities available. There are few organizations which enable
young people from every background to experience these
amazing things. Part of growing up is to learn about yourself
so push yourself and test your limits you’ll be amazed at what
you can achieve. The experiences and skills you can gain from
the Air Cadets are invaluable and will set you up for whatever
the future holds – belief in yourself and have confidence. Be
part of that amazing team of individuals and be proud to be
the young ambassadors of the Royal Air Force that you are,
when you are out and about in
uniform!