Wednesday 03rd February marked an important date in the calendars of 11 families in the Peterborough area, as their youngsters graduated from recruit training to become fully fledged members of the Air Cadets.
After months of meticulous study, ice-breakers, team building and uniform preparation, the recruits paraded in front of proud family members, staff and fellow cadets to receive their First Class Cadet Classification badges.
Over the course of their training, the new recruits learnt many new skills including airmanship, leadership, history of the Royal Air Force, care of uniform and the discipline of drill. Through personal discipline, team work and positive attitude these youngsters, some as young as 12, saw the fruits of their labour through a parade to celebrate their graduation. The ‘passing out’ parade is a traditional parade which allows the family and friends of recruits to come see what their youngsters have been up to twice a week and celebrate their success with them.
Group Captain Richard Pratley MA BSC (Hons) RAF, Station Commander of Royal Air Force Wittering, attended as the reviewing officer and presented the cadets with their certificates and badges.
Flight Lieutenant Karen Barfield RAF VR(T), Commanding Officer of the squadron said “I am extremely proud of the cadets tonight, they were able to show their friends and family just how much they have achieved over the past few months. They are a credit to our squadron and truly do live by our motto; Aspire Achieve Excel.”