218 Rotherham Squadron Royal Air Force Air Cadets

29/10/2026

28/10/2026

27/10/2026

✈️ MEET OUR STAFF ✈️

Flying Officer Smedley

My RAFAC journey began back in 2002, when I joined as a shy young cadet at 218 (Rotherham) Squadron. During my time as a cadet, I grew in confidence, attended a number of camps, enjoyed several hours of flying and progressed through the ranks to Cadet Sergeant.

In 2007, I left cadets to join the Royal Air Force, initially training as a Weapons Technician before transferring to the RAF Regiment as a trainee Gunner.

After leaving the RAF in 2011, it wasn’t long before I found my way back to where it all started! In 2012, I returned to 218 Squadron as a Civilian Instructor, wanting to give something back to the organisation that had given me so much as a cadet.

I became an Adult Sergeant in 2013 and continued developing within RAFAC, gaining qualifications including Range Conducting Officer (RCO) and Skill at Arms Instructor (SAAI). I later progressed to Flight Sergeant before deciding to take the next step and apply for a commission.

In December 2023, I successfully gained my commission as an RAFAC Officer.

Today, I continue to support 218 (Rotherham) Squadron as our Squadron Adjutant and Fieldcraft Officer, helping to provide the next generation of cadets with the same opportunities, experiences and memories that RAFAC gave me all those years ago.

27/10/2026

Another brilliant day today! Keep an eye out for updates and we will be back with a full post at the end of the tour.

25/10/2026

✈️JUNIOR CADETS✈️

A couple of months ago, we welcomed our newest group of cadets to 218 (Rotherham) Squadron — and they’ve certainly been busy since joining us!

Our Junior Cadets have been working their way through the early stages of their Progressive Training Syllabus, learning the foundations of life within the RAF Air Cadets and getting involved in everything squadron life has to offer.

From learning the basics of drill and uniform, to developing their knowledge, confidence and teamwork, they’ve already made a brilliant start to their cadet journey.

For many, joining the RAF Air Cadets means stepping outside their comfort zone, meeting new people and trying something completely new — and it’s been great to see our newest cadets settling into 218 and becoming part of the Squadron.

We’re looking forward to seeing what they achieve as they continue their training and begin taking advantage of the many opportunities available through the RAF Air Cadets. ✈️

20/10/2026

✈️ MEET OUR STAFF ✈️

Civillian Instructor Bennett

My RAFAC journey began in 2000, when I joined as a cadet after several of my school friends had already joined and I was considering a future career in the military.

Over six years, I progressed to Cadet Flight Sergeant and threw myself into Squadron life. I attended numerous camps, achieved my Silver Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, became a proficient marksman and represented the Squadron in shooting competitions.

Drill was a huge part of my cadet experience. I was selected for the Drill Squad before I’d even enrolled, later becoming the team’s Drill Instructor and leading them to two second-place finishes and a joint first place at Wing Drill Competitions — making sure the trophy came home to 218!

I’m also incredibly proud to have served as the Squadron Standard Bearer, representing 218 at Lord Mayor’s, Battle of Britain and Remembrance parades.

After ageing out in 2006, I decided I wasn’t quite ready to leave 218 behind and returned as a Civilian Instructor.

Today, I’m proud to be the longest-serving current member of staff at 218 Squadron — and possibly the longest-serving CI in the Squadron’s history!

18/10/2026

🎖️ Promotion at 218 Squadron 🎖️

Squadron Leader French presented the awards this evening as part of the Annual Formal Inspection.

A huge congratulations to Corporal Clark and Corporal Cooper on receiving their well-deserved promotion!

This promotion reflects the dedication, commitment, leadership and hard work you have consistently shown both on squadron and throughout your cadet journey. Your efforts have not gone unnoticed, and you should be incredibly proud of your achievements.

Everyone at 218 Rotherham Squadron would like to congratulate you on your promotion.

Keep up the fantastic work — we can’t wait to see what you achieve next! 👏✈️

15/10/2026

✈️GLIDING✈️

A few weeks ago, Sergent Needham, Corporal Jones and Cadet Lee headed down to 644 Volunteer Gliding Squadron at RAF Syerston!

Each cadet completed two winch-launched flights, completing their Gliding Induction Flights. They even had the opportunity to take control and fly the glider themselves!

Back on the ground, they got stuck in helping with launching and recovering the aircraft, experiencing the teamwork that goes into a day of gliding.

Thank you 644 Volunteer Gliding Squadron for having us and all you do to make these opportunities happen!

13/10/2026

✈️MEET OUR STAFF✈️

Sergeant Webb

I joined 218 (Rotherham) Squadron in April 2011 and, throughout my time as a cadet, progressed to the rank of Cadet Warrant Officer (CWO) before aging out in April 2017. I remained with 218 Squadron as a Civilian Instructor for a further seven years before being appointed as an Adult Sergeant in March 2024.

Outside of the RAF Air Cadets, I am a Farrier and enjoy leading an active lifestyle. During my time in the RAFAC, I have taken part in countless events, activities and camps. One of my proudest achievements as a cadet was leading our Drill Team to victory at the National Drill Competition, where we finished first out of more than 1,000 squadrons.

One of my main roles within the RAFAC is as a Road Marching Team Leader. Having taken part in the Nijmegen Marches as a cadet, road marching is something I have continued to pursue and remain incredibly passionate about. To me, being able to lead cadets towards achieving such a demanding and prestigious qualification is one of, if not the, most rewarding and proudest aspects of being a CFAV.

It was also through the RAFAC that I discovered my passion for Adventure Training. That passion has inspired me to take on increasingly ambitious challenges, both during my cadet career and in my personal life. It began with the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award and has since grown into completing ultramarathons, climbing in the Himalayas of Nepal, and, later this year, attempting to row 3,000 miles unsupported across the Atlantic Ocean, to name just a few.

I hope my adventures inspire cadets to embrace their own spirit of adventure and encourage them to step outside their comfort zones. Most importantly, I want them to realise that what first seems impossible can, with determination and perseverance, become entirely possible.