Press Release

7th May 2008

Beyond the Corps

Back in January 2008, Corporal Adam Smith left the Squadron to enroll as a Junior Soldier at the Army Foundation Collage, Harrogate. He has recently come back from training to pass on some of his newly learned skills to the cadets. He is adamant that his time on the squadron has helped him with his chosen career. Adam takes up the story....

I joined 134 Bedford Squadron Air Cadets in 2004 at the age of 13. I joined the air cadets because I thought it would be good fun and the organisation would help me to choose which one of the three armed forces I would later join. I also thought the skills and knowledge I would learn, would aid me in the future, as I had wanted to serve in the armed forces from an early age. During my time at cadets I reached the rank of Corporal. Throughout my 3 years at 134 Squadron I learned many skills, from being in a flight on a drill square during a parade to being in the middle of a field 'cammed up' on a night exercise. I finally decided that it was the Army that I wanted to join and that I wanted to be part of The Household Cavalry, The Lifeguards. I wanted to join this regiment because they are highly regarded to by everyone around the world when on ceremonial duty, looking immaculate everywhere they go, but also have an exciting operational role in Scimitars which act as Formation Reconnaissance units. 

The Household Calvary

When I reached the age of 15 I heard about the Army Foundation College (AFC) Harrogate which is a college for 16-17 yr olds who want to join the army.  Intakes come from a broad number of regiments. I attended the selection process which consisted of a series of interviews, tests and physical challenges and passed gaining a place at the AFC. My start date was the 6th of January 2008. At the college we learn drill, field craft, skill at arms, first aid and many other skills including a variety of academic courses leading to GNVQs and IT qualifications. This all goes on to train you to be a soldier ready to join your chosen regiment and ready for your Phase 2 training. 

LCpl Adam Smith

Being in the Air Cadets was definitely a big help in giving me a strong foundation for attending the AFC and will help all the way throughout my career. Where I am at the moment, the self discipline I learnt in the Air Cadets has made sure that my turnout is immaculate everywhere I go or whatever I do. This came from all the inspections and all the lessons I had from other more senior cadets in personal admin. But then being at the AFC it goes one step further because we have locker inspections which have to be immaculate with everything ironed, some items folded on the shelves, boots clean in the bottom of the locker, no mud on your Bergen or webbing, mess tins/ mug/knife, fork & spoon clean and no dust anywhere in or on your locker. When I was being taught all the field craft and skill at arms elements of the course, I already had an advantage because I already knew quite a lot of the skills being taught, but there was still room for improvement.

Adams room at the AFC

The Air Cadets gave me a brilliant head start and through being taught a variety of good skills to a high standard has recently helped me be promoted to a Junior Lance Corporal, which means I am in charge of my Section and have a greater responsibility within the AFC. 

So for anyone who is thinking of joining the Air Cadets, it is a great chance to learn many new skills which will help you during your career either in the forces, if you choose this route, or even help in different ways in Civvie Street.