07/10/2026
As day three of National Cadets Week begins, we are turning the spotlight onto our Adult Volunteers in RAFAC, highlighting everything they do from HQ to individual units.
Volunteers give back their time, energy, expertise and experience to support cadet units in all aspects from administrative duties through to parades, camps and experience flights. We want to shout out a big thank you to everyone who helps keep RAFAC running!
Today’s events will include:
Roundtable at PwC exploring the impact of Cadet Forces on employment and skills
National Cadet Force Adult Volunteer Appreciation Dinner to recognise and thank those who make such a difference.
Tuesday’s Recap. Cadets in the community
CWO Bethan and APO Mohsin outside Whitehall
Cadets took over Whitehall in London on Tuesday, starting off the day with a tour of No. 10 Downing Street, spending the day engaging with key government departments, senior MOD personnel, and defence leaders. CWO Bethan Holmes and APO Mohsin joined fellow cadets and CFAV from across the Cadet Forces. Throughout the day cadets and volunteers met senior staff including the Chief of the Defence Staff, Chief of the General Staff, Vice Chief of the Defence Staff and many other senior personnel.
Cadet Warrant Officer Bethan Holmes said:
“As cadets, we often see the impact of the organisation on our own squadrons and local communities, but this visit gave me a completely different perspective on how those experiences connect to the wider Defence community and the opportunities available beyond cadets.”
Acting Pilot Officer Mohsin said of the day:
“Having progressed from a shy 13-year-old Cadet to Cadet Warrant Officer and now a commissioned officer, I have seen first-hand the opportunities the RAF Air Cadets can provide… The Day was a valuable reminder of the lasting impact the Cadet Forces can have on young people and the importance of ensuring future generations continue to have the same opportunities to learn, develop and achieve.”
Day 3 – Volunteer Celebration
RAFAC is a large and diverse organisation, with nearly 300 permanent staff and more than 9,500 CFAV supporting over 46,000 cadets. The contribution made by volunteers reaches every part of the organisation.
From administration and first aid to planning camps, delivering training and running activities, CFAV give their time, expertise and energy to create opportunities for young people. We know many volunteers take on multiple roles, often behind the scenes, helping to shape the experience cadets receive every day.
Today is about recognising and thanking you, the people who make all of this possible.
Below, former cadets reflect on the impact that volunteers had on their lives.
Former cadet and now Head of Economics and Regulation at Gatwick Airport, James Lambert, shares his appreciation for the volunteers who supported him in the CCF:
“The level of commitment the volunteers gave was immense. It wasn’t just the two hours on a Friday afternoon. It was the conversations outside those hours… working around school timetables to take me and other cadets to places we’d never otherwise have been able to experience… If I could say one thing… it would simply be thank you. Looking back, I probably appreciate what they did even more now than I did at the time.”
Former cadet and now Assistant Headteacher, William Taylor, says his experiences as a cadet inspired him to become a volunteer himself and give something back to the organisation that helped shape him:
“You are opening up a whole new world for young people that they don't realise is there. Yes, it's tiring at times. Yes, it may be hard work at times. But as soon as you get them into an activity or into something physical, you see the value straight away, and that makes every hard effort worth it. It makes every late night worth it. It makes every bit of boring paperwork worth it.”
We also wanted to highlight a story shared by the North Region.
Flying Officer Kieran Bennett of 2460 (Pontefract) Squadron has inspired cadets through his resilience, determination and commitment to helping others. Kieran recently completed a flying scholarship with the Flying Scholarships for Disabled People (FSDP). Living with cerebral palsy, which affects the strength and coordination on his right side, he has also completed both a half marathon and a full marathon to raise funds for the charity.
His achievements were recognised with the prestigious Douglas Bader Trophy at the FSDP Annual Awards Ceremony.
As one nomination put it:
"Kieran is a much-valued member of the wing and always gets involved and stuck into all activities, regardless of his disability. He is a tremendous asset, role model and advocate."
Kieran's story is a reminder of the impact our volunteers have, not only through what they do, but through the example they set. By demonstrating resilience, determination and a willingness to challenge themselves, they inspire cadets to overcome obstacles, aim higher and believe in what they can achieve.
Looking ahead
Tomorrow's theme is First Aid: Cadets Save Lives, highlighting the practical skills and confidence cadets develop through first aid training, and the difference they can make when it matters most. We'll be sharing stories and activities from across the organisation, including an appearance by Sergeant Samuel Ellis on BBC Breakfast and further cadet coverage on Sky News.
The rest of the National Cadet Week schedule is:
Thursday: First Aid: Cadets Save Lives
Friday: Skills for Life
