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19th July 2007

Leading by Example

Three Air Cadets from 134 (Bedford) Squadron are celebrating the successful completion of two of the toughest leadership courses available to the cadet forces within the United Kingdom.

Sergeant Sean Denham (16 yrs) and Corporal Adam Smith (16 yrs) attended the Air Cadet Leadership Course held at Royal Air Force Cranwell. Lincolnshire, from 7th to 14th July 2007.

43 Air Cadets from all over the country attended the Course which is a physically and mentally demanding activity designed to develop and test a wide range of leadership skills.

Under constant assessment Sergeant Denham and Corporal Smith undertook an arduous mile and a half run, securing 1st and 4th places as well as participating in numerous initiative exercises, room and uniform inspections and an energy-sapping mile long log race.

At the end of the week their efforts were suitably recognised by the Directing Staff. Sergeant Denham received one of only three distinctions awarded during the week and was declared the ‘Best Cadet’ of the course as well as being a member of the best flight.

Corporal Smith gained a merit, again one of only seven awarded during the weeklong course.

From the 8th to 14th July 2007, Sergeant Michael Every (17 yrs) became the first cadet from 134 (Bedford) Squadron in recent history to gain a place on the joint forces Cadet Leadership Course held at the Cadet Training Centre, at Frimley Park, Surrey.

This prestigious course, hosted by the Army involves 120 cadets specially selected from all of the cadet forces. (Sea Cadets, Army Cadets, Air Cadets and Combined Cadet Force).

With 5 am starts and midnight finishes Sergeant Every was put through a series of demanding and testing scenarios which included, obstacle courses, a march and shoot, orienteering, raft building, initiative exercises and two day field exercise involving reconnaissance patrols and ambush drills.

Sergeant Every at the conclusion of the week achieved a merit and said of the week, “It was the best experience I have ever had in the Air Cadets, I cannot wait to pass on what I have learnt to the cadets back at the squadron”.

There are nine cadet non-commissioned officers at Bedford Squadron of which five have successfully completed leadership courses making the team one of the most professional cadet leadership teams in the Country.

Warrant Officer Taylor said of the recent course results, “The motto of the Air cadets is Venture Adventure and what an adventure these guys have experienced during their courses. They have made us all very proud of them and demonstrated all that is best in young people today. They are a credit to themselves and the Squadron”.