Air Force cadet invitation

Australian Air Force Cadets are on the hunt for new members for their squadron in Horsham.

The youth development organisation is designed for people aged between 13 and 17 years.

Number 422 Squadron Horsham is taking enrolments for the start of semester two.

The squadron will have a recruitment information night at Horsham Army Reserve depot between 7pm and 8pm on Monday.

Horsham Leading Aircraftsman Ethan Jolley said there was a need for more cadets so activities and parade nights could run smoothly.

“I was a shy and timid 13-yearold when I first joined cadets, but the program partially made me who I am today,” he said.

“I was school captain at St Brigid’s College in Horsham in 2017, where I would regularly talk in front of people. This would not be possible if it wasn’t for the guidance and training that cadets offered.”

Fellow cadets David Roberts and Kaden Driller also spoke glowingly about the cadets program.

“If it wasn’t for cadets I would never have achieved my dream of getting a pilot’s licence,” Mr Roberts said.

Mr Driller said the best part of cadets had been getting out in the bush and camping under the stars.

“I loved learning about camouflage and concealment and working with others to achieve a common goal,” he said.

Mr Jolley said being involved in cadets enabled participants to experience a wide variety of activities ranging from flying, camping and shooting while developing life skills such as leadership, initiative, self-reliance and resilience.

“It is preparing teenagers for everyday life and for entering the workforce, giving the cadets good time-management skills, organisation, discipline and having pride in one’s appearance,” he said.