Have you ever wondered what it's like to fly a powered aeroplane? Fly a loop or barrel roll? Perhaps fly a glider, or spend a week on an RAF Station? The Royal Air Force Air Cadets offers all this and more, and it's there for the taking if you choose to grasp all that's on offer. We are an organisation that embraces the "why not?" and encourages our Cadets to take small steps outside their comfort zone to explore and discover new talents and aptitudes they thought they never had. This is why we are here, and my role is to enable and facilitate precisely that.

It is both my privilege and pleasure to introduce myself as Officer Commanding 136 Chipping Norton Squadron, Royal Air Force Air Cadets. As an ex-Air Training Corps Cadet, I was smitten with this magnificent organisation from the start. The values, ethos and aims of the RAFAC exemplify the very essence of good Citizenship, Leadership, Teamwork, Respect and Self Discipline. With a core focus on Air, Space, and Cyber, the RAFAC provides exciting opportunities for young people to help develop towards a career not only within our Armed Forces, but within industry and the modern workplace. There is much to learn, new skills to grasp, and friends to make. The progressive and engaging on-Squadron syllabus of learning makes for a busy but rewarding learning journey, whilst gaining new skills, badges and accreditations. The growth of STEM, not only within defence, but also within Industry sectors, has also brought about a growing offer both on Squadrons, and the wider organisation, so it is vital we look to engage equally motivated staff to inspire and provide engaging and insightful learning. There are opportunities for the Cadets to lead and seek promotion, either as a Corporal, Sergeant, Flight Sergeant or Warrant Officer. All our Cadets are potential young leaders, and we aim to inspire everyone to bring their ideas forwards, to challenge the Status Quo, and to help each Cadet find their own voice.

Our aims are:

• To promote and encourage among young men and women a practical interest in aviation and the Royal Air Force.

• To provide training which will be useful both in the Services and civilian life.

• To foster the spirit of adventure.

• To develop qualities of leadership and good citizenship.

As the Royal Air Force today adapts to its current defence challenges, so too does it endeavour to educate our Cadet Force that nourishes it. It is an exciting time to be a part of this innovative and vibrant organisation, and I look forward to nurturing our next generation that aspire to contribute to the security of the United Kingdom's Air and Space domains.

Venture Adventure!