This week, we had the pleasure of formally welcoming our newest cadets into the 2286 (Coventry Arden) Squadron family at their Enrollment Ceremony. After completing their initial training, the cadets of Intake 24/03 stood proudly in front of family, friends, and fellow cadets to make the Air Cadet Promise, officially marking their place in the RAF Air Cadets.
A Big Milestone
Enrollment is a special moment in any cadet’s journey. Before reaching this stage, every new recruit completes their first phase of training, covering everything from drill and uniform standards to the basics of aviation and the RAF. The final hurdle before enrollment is Test Night, where cadets take both a written exam and a drill assessment to demonstrate what they’ve learned.
With those challenges behind them, Tuesday night was about celebration and recognition. The cadets gathered on parade, joined by their families, and were welcomed by Flt Lt Julie Seymour RAFAC, Officer Commanding 2286 Squadron, and Mrs. Nicola O’Connell, Squadron Chairperson. Together, they witnessed Intake 24/03 take the Air Cadet Promise—a pledge that remains almost unchanged from 1941 and one that every cadet and almost every member of staff on Team 2286 has made themselves.
Flt Lt Julie Seymour RAFAC spoke about the significance of the evening:
"Enrollment night is always a special moment for our cadets, but it’s made even more meaningful when we can celebrate with their families. Seeing these young people take the next step in their RAFAC journey is something we’re incredibly proud of, and I look forward to watching them grow into confident and capable cadets."
Celebrating Success
Once the promise was made, it was time to recognise achievement. The Top in Cadre Award, presented to the cadet with the highest combined score across the written and drill tests, was awarded to Cdt Alice Kobylak—a fantastic achievement!
Then, one by one, each cadet was flighted—moving from Hawk Flight into their main Squadron flights, Atlas and Voyager. This moment is always filled with excitement as cadets take their place in their new flights, ready to take on the next chapter of their RAFAC experience.
To mark the occasion, we took an official intake photo, featuring Flt Lt Julie Seymour RAFAC, CWO Tom O’Connell (Squadron Cadet Senior NCO), and Sgt Kynan French (Intake Mentor) alongside our newest cadets. This photo will now join the Squadron’s records, celebrating this milestone for years to come.
Inspired to Join?
If you’re aged 12–17 and looking for adventure, skills, and lifelong friendships, why not take the next step? We’d love to welcome you to 2286 Squadron.
📧 Email the OC: oc.2286@rafac.mod.gov.uk📞 Call us: 024 7659 2286 (parade nights only)📅 Book onto an Open Evening via our events section
➡️ Check out the full photo gallery below!
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