Central & East Region Air Cadets

What an incredible experience for these cadets!

Our cadets are having a fantastic time at the Regional Athletics. The races are going well and medals presentations have started!

Congratulations to two Cadet Force Adult Volunteers from Central and East Region who have been recognised in the King's Birthday Honours List with Air Officer Commanding 22 Group Commendations.

Sqn Ldr James King: Squadron Leader King has delivered an exceptional transformation of adventure training across Essex Wing, turning a previously underperforming programme into a thriving, high-impact offer for cadets and volunteers. Balancing multiple roles alongside a full-time job and family commitments, he has enabled over 550 cadets to participate in paddlesport, overseen hundreds of Duke of Edinburgh’s Award expeditions, and revitalised activities such as mountain biking while developing a highly skilled and qualified instructor team. By embedding professional development and integrating training opportunities, he has created lasting capability, strengthened resilience, and broadened access to nationally recognised qualifications. His vision, leadership, and sustained commitment have not only expanded opportunity at scale but set a benchmark for excellence across the Wing and beyond.

Fg Off Bethany Lee: Flying Officer Lee has delivered a remarkable transformation of road marching within Essex Wing, revitalising an activity that had been absent for over 15 years and rapidly establishing it as a thriving, sustainable programme. Balancing multiple demanding roles alongside a full-time job, she has created 485 cadet participation opportunities through 18 events, overseen the award of over 140 badges in a single year, and developed 14 qualified Road Marching Team Leaders, empowering units to deliver training independently. From leading cadets at national events to enabling Essex Wing’s first Nijmegen team in over a decade, her vision, drive, and collaborative leadership have redefined opportunity for cadets and volunteers alike, setting a new benchmark for excellence and demonstrating the exceptional impact of dedicated volunteer service.

Group Captain Dave Boreham, Regional Commandant for Central and East Region said; "Congratulations to James and Beth on this fantastic achievement. We are immensely proud to have them as volunteers in the region and are grateful for their service and dedication in delivering the cadet experience to our young people and developing their fellow volunteers".

Calling all girls aged 13 to 18 who are curious about what a future in aerospace and defence could look like!!

We’re excited to invite you to a Girls in Aviation Day at the AirTanker Hub, RAF Brize Norton on Saturday 19 September and applications are now open!

On the day, you will:
✈️ Step inside a real aviation environment at the AirTanker Hub
✈️ Take part in hands-on activities and team challenges
✈️ Get closer to aircraft and explore how they work
✈️ Experience how flight planning and operations come together
✈️ See how different skills and interests link to real careers

Too many young people rule out careers before they have had the chance to see what they involve. Giving girls access to real environments and experiences helps change that.

Know someone who might be interested? Share this opportunity with them - https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/GIAD26

AirTanker looks forward to welcoming the next generation into aviation.

It’s easy to take for granted what we offer our cadets and staff for free! Here’s a reminder from East Midlands Reserve Forces & Cadets Association

🏃‍♂️🏃‍♀️ Tomorrow is Central & East Region Cadet’s Athletics Day! 🏅

We’re looking forward to welcoming cadets from across the region for our annual athletics competition - a fantastic day of teamwork, determination, and friendly rivalry.

Cadets will have the chance to compete, challenge themselves, and represent their units, but the day is about so much more than medals. It’s a great opportunity to meet new people, build friendships, and catch up with familiar faces from across the region.

Good luck to everyone taking part! Give it your all, support each other, and most importantly, enjoy the day! 💪🎽

🌟 Celebrating Outstanding Contributions Across Central and East Region 🌟


This month, we are proud to recognise several exceptional individuals and teams whose dedication, flexibility, and leadership have delivered meaningful impact for cadets and volunteers across the Region. Their efforts continue to raise standards and strengthen the cadet experience.


👏 Fg Off Jon Mills, Plt Off Dale Buck, A/Plt Off Eleanor Byworth & CI Joshua Blackburn

Wing Waendel Walk Team, Norfolk & Suffolk Wing

Thank you to the team who led, supported, and managed 12 cadets at this year’s Waendel Walk. Demonstrating strong leadership and adaptability, they successfully managed changing plans while maintaining morale across both marching days, ensuring an enjoyable and rewarding experience for all involved. Nominated by Flt Lt Alex Stapleton


👏 CI Jack Pateman

Space Instructor, 864 (Watton) Squadron, Norfolk & Suffolk Wing

CI Pateman has achieved 100% attainment of the Blue Space Award among enrolled cadets, ensuring all have gained a fundamental understanding of space through the syllabus. This outstanding result reflects his dedication to delivery and his support in empowering senior cadets to contribute. Nominated by Flt Lt Alex Stapleton


👏 Mrs Susan Elson & Mrs Linda White

Regional Permanent Staff, People Operations

Susan and Linda have delivered exceptional results, facilitating the appointment of over 150 new Civilian Instructors in just a few months. Their persistence and drive have accelerated onboarding and supported CFAVs at pace, while continuing to deliver high‑quality outputs across People Operations. Their teamwork and resilience are making a tangible difference to capability across the Region. Nominated by Mr Chris Cox

👏 Flt Lt Neil Day, Fg Off Sarah Spring, Plt Off Jennifer Ives, Sgt Emma Taylor, Sgt Nicole Scrupps and CI Shane Le-Good

Joint CCF & ATC Multi‑Activity Camp

Delivering a five‑day multi‑activity camp bringing together CCF units and 204 (Lincoln) Squadron, CI Le‑Good and the team provided a well‑run and inclusive experience. The integration of CCF and ATC cadets was a highlight, with multiple PTS awards achieved across the week. Nominated by Flt Lt Alex Bradshaw


👏 Sqn Ldr Ben Hayton

Deputy Executive Officer, Central and East Region CCF Wing

At short notice, the Deputy Executive Officer gave up their bank holiday weekend to support a camp, ensuring required staffing levels and enabling maximum cadet attendance. Their contribution directly supported the delivery of over a dozen shooting qualifications and the overall success of the camp. Nominated by Flt Lt Alex Bradshaw

👏 CI Ray Howes

Civilian Instructor, 2160 (Sleaford) Sqn

Although primarily supporting Range activities, CI Howes consistently goes above and beyond. Supporting weekend activities and camps with enthusiasm, reliability, and a positive attitude. A highly valued team member whose commitment is greatly appreciated. Nominated by Flt Lt Karen Turner


Thank you to everyone recognised here. Your professionalism, teamwork, and commitment continue to make a real difference across RAFAC.

Camp VIKING II - Gold Fieldcraft Course!

At late notice, we have approval to deliver a Gold Fieldcraft course as part of Camp Viking II, for cadets who meet the criteria!

The Gold Fieldcraft syllabus is designed to produce Cadet 2ICs. Cadets will receive training in the ex*****on and delivery of orders and will be capable of commanding a section of cadets in fieldcraft situations.

Cadets applying must meet both of the following criteria:
- Completed L98A2 Initial Weapons Training (WHTs can be provided).
- Completed and passed the Silver Fieldcraft Training and Assessment Package.

Cadets wishing to apply for a place on the Gold Fieldcraft Course should submit applications no later than 30 June, using the link in Cadet Portal.