This is the fourth edition of our interviews with cadets on the squadron, revealing more about the activities that are available to them, and the useful experiences that have helped to develop their personalities.

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The interviewee for this edition is recently promoted Corporal (now Sergeant) Ella Bolton:

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How long have you been a cadet?

I joined cadets in November 2016 and have been a cadet for just over a year and a half.

What made you want to become an Air Cadet?

I wanted to become an air cadet as I had heard about the type of activities that FS Allison had taken part in and wanted to have similar opportunities, whilst having fun. From the first evening that I came realised why she enjoyed it so much, I particularly liked the positive attitude of cadets, and the activities that we did on parade nights such as comms (radio communications).

You have just been promoted to corporal, can you give one piece of advice to a younger cadet who is thinking of applying for promotion at some point in the future?

I think it would be to be yourself and try and take as many leadership opportunities as possible, to learn from others who have already been promoted and to identify and work on your weaknesses.

What is the best activity you have ever taken part in? 

I would say that the best activity that I have taken part in was the youth muster at RAF Benson. I got the opportunity to fly in a chinook, and we did lots of different events throughout the day such as looking around the hanger and going in some of the vehicles and doing the it’s a knockout competition. We got to experience many new things that I would not have got elsewhere. It was a great day. 

Do you find that things you have done with the squadron/Wing have helped you in your life away from the squadron?

The leadership skills and confidence have that I have gained have helped me in my life away from the squadron and because of this I have done many things that I would not have done or signed up for before I joined cadets. For example, the confidence I have gained has helped me in my gradings at Jiu Jitsu and teaching lower belts at Jitsu. As well as this, the added organisation and communication, I feel have really helped me in my school and family life.

 

How do you think being a cadet will help you in later life?

I think that the qualities that I have gained, and the experiences that I have had will help in later life, for example, I feel that cadets has developed my people skills and communication skills, which are important in general. As well as this, the opportunities have helped me to consider more career choices, than before.

If you were to give one piece of advice to a twelve or thirteen-year-old who was thinking of joining the RAF Air Cadets what would it be? 

Don’t hesitate to sign up for activities, make the most of your time as an air cadet and don’t be afraid to make mistakes.