The Air Cadet Organisation Web Site

A MESSAGE FROM THE COMMANDANT

"There has never been a better time to be an Air Cadet"

I have been the Commandant of the Air Cadet Organisation for just under two months and thought it appropriate to update you on my thoughts for the future of this great organisation. My role as the Commandant embraces a wide range of responsibilities. I am tasked to lead the Air Training Corps, the Combined Cadet Force (Air), the Volunteer Gliding Squadrons and the Air Cadet Central Gliding School. These separate, but interdependent, organisations consist of a total of over 40,000 cadets and some 10,500 volunteers – all in all, the Air Cadet Organisation is larger than the Royal Air Force.

The support for Youth Organisations is unprecedented. The government, industry, learned organisations, guilds, charitable groups, non-political groups and the Ministry of Defence are all behind the Air Cadet Organisation. Everyone knows that the Air Cadets makes a significant contribution to society at a fraction of the cost of many other government institutions. The value of this investment in Youth is matched by the personal rewards our many volunteers receive from their contribution to the Air Cadet Organisation.

From here I want to achieve 5 things:

A continual growth of the Air Cadet Organisation both in the community and schools.

A commitment to give every Air Cadet the opportunity to fly in an aircraft and a glider. This is what makes the Air Cadets special.

A commitment to value our many volunteers; their efforts deserve due recognition.

A commitment to value the small but dedicated staff who form the framework of the Air Cadet Organisation. Many of our staff work in isolation and hold key positions throughout the organisation. Their expertise is vital and must be nurtured.

A programme of activities that is both fun and rewarding for our cadets and volunteers. Only by doing this will we attract the right people for the right reasons.

I count myself lucky to be leading a strong team rich in talent and experience. Whether you are an MOD employee, a volunteer, on a civilian committee or a cadet, you should all take pride in calling yourself part of this great Organisation.

The Air Training Corps, the Combined Cadet Force (Air), the Volunteer Gliding Squadrons and the Air Cadet Central Gliding School all make the Air Cadet Organisation what it is. Our Chief of Air Staff, Sir Glenn Torpy, was a cadet in the Air Training Corps and Combined Cadet Force and knows how valuable we all are.

Thank you for making my first few weeks so instructive. I look forward to watching the Air Cadet Organisation flourish during my 3 years as your Commandant.

Ian Stewart
Commandant Air Cadet Organisation

Date Last Updated : Wednesday, July 23, 2008 4:55 PM

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