Ascent staff support Air Cadets

Ascent Ops Schedulers Simon Jose and Chloe Taylor, from RNAS Culdrose, reflect on their work as Cadet Force Adult Volunteers (CFAV), as we mark Armed Forces Week 2024.

Flt Lt Simon Jose RAFAC has been an RAF Air Cadet volunteer for 17 years and Fg Off Chloe Taylor RAFAC for 11 – a combined 28 years of experience of working with young people. Help from Ascent with Volunteering Days, CFAV leave policy, and transferable skills, enable them to share their expertise and insight with their teams, while maintaining their day jobs!

Simon is based at 1900 (West Cornwall) and became Officer Commanding at his Squadron in January 2021, with responsibility for its effective running and management of personnel.

He has been involved in a wide range of activities during his time within the cadets. Highlights include involvement in the National Armed Forces Day Parade 2024, which was hosted in Falmouth, Cornwall. He also helps deliver military skills training to cadets at various skill levels – including the delivery of advanced fieldcraft training with blank ammunition and pyrotechnics in complex battle exercises, which young people love to get involved with.

“The most enjoyable and rewarding aspect of being a volunteer is the great joy that is shared by being part of this family. The values within both the Air Cadets and Ascent align with my passion to ensure that we work and live in a respectful working environment,” says Simon.

Chloe is currently the Officer Commanding of 77 (Redruth) Squadron, which is where she started out as a cadet. She organises a multitude of different training activities for her cadets, ranging from first aid to aviation studies, and tries to include an external visit or visitor – such as the Police or Fire Service – each quarter, to keep the training interesting and fun.

Chloe admits there is a lot of paperwork involved in her work with the cadets, and is very proud that 77 (Redruth) Squadron was a runner up in their Wing’s competition ‘Falcon Trophy’ in 2023.

“My favourite thing about being a part of the Royal Air Force Air Cadets is the feeling of pride that I get after every parade night, or activity that we do. It’s great to see the cadets grow, and to be a part of their achievements makes me feel really proud,” she says.

All images: Crown Copyright