A group of RAF cadets have graduated – marking a significant occasion for the local community – ahead of an open day in September to encourage more young people to join.

201 Overseas (Guernsey) Squadron of the RAF Air Cadets held a ceremony last week to mark the graduation of its largest ever intake of cadets.

The intake has completed 10 months of initial training.

They joined in October 2024 and their training has consisted of learning the basics about the RAF, the Air Cadets, cadet life (including uniform care and foot drill) and foundational skills and knowledge to support their future training.

The squadron was inspected by guests Sir Geoffrey and Lady Rowland before their parents, at last week’s ceremony.

Sir Geoffrey awarded each graduating cadet with their First Class Cadet badge.

This badge is the first step of the cadets’ training and further badges are available as cadets complete other courses as well as undertaking further syllabus training.

The squadron also recognised the ability and potential of two cadets with promotions. Sir Geoffrey finished off the presentations by presenting Corporal rank slides to Corporal Dylan Broughton and Corporal Chloe Hodgson. Sir Geoffrey and Lady Rowland then took the time to talk with the cadets and parents.

Flight Lieutenant Matt Stewart, the Squadron’s Commanding Officer, said: “It is a real privilege to watch our young people grow from when they first join us and we are immensely proud of our cadets’ achievements to date.”

Core skills that all cadets learn include first aid, navigation and leadership. Cadets also get the opportunity to attend camps in the UK and go flying, organised by the RAF.

Leadership potential is also recognised with promotions with the ranks of Corporal, Sergeant and Flight Sergeant available for the most promising cadets. These Non-Commissioned Officers will take responsibility for a ‘flight’ of cadets or, for the more senior, the whole squadron and act as a crucial interface between the staff and cadets.

The squadron is now looking to recruit its next intake for October 2025. The RAF Air Cadets is open to all young people aged between 12 (and in school Year 8) and 17 and cadet service can be extended until a cadet’s 20th birthday.

Civilian Instructor Kurt Carré, the Squadron’s Adjutant, said: “Having started my career with this squadron when I was 13 and the local unit was barely 18 months old, I’m incredibly proud to see how far we have come. In 2023 we celebrated our 10th anniversary and have tripled in size in that time. I would recommend the cadet experience to anyone.”

Anybody interested in joining can email adj.201os@rafac.mod.gov.uk for more information and to arrange a visit.

The squadron will be holding an open evening in September for potential recruits.