"What you learn will stay with you for life"

As we celebrate the 80th anniversary of the RAF Air Cadets, Air Commodore Paul Rose MBE, Head of Helicopters 3 within Defence Equipment and Support, looks back at where his interest in the RAF all began.

My family background was quite cool – my grandfather was in the Royal Navy, with one of his brothers in the Army and the other having served in the Royal Air Force. Growing up in Kent, I had an avid interest in the RAF from a young age having seen the ATC band lead the local carnival, with the Battle of Britain's Spitfire and Hurricane displaying overhead.

Although I couldn't become a pilot due to my eyesight, the opportunity to join the RAF Air Cadets is open to all, so I proudly signed up with 2230 Sqn in Sittingbourne.

Although I knew I wanted to join the RAF, I didn't know exactly what I wanted to do. But as an air cadet, I learnt so many grounding ideals at a young age, which allowed me to explore avenues I didn't know existed. I was taught about confidence, pride and respect, about self-discipline, teamwork and leadership. These qualities are vital for moving through life, whatever path you take, and the air cadets provided an enjoyable yet encouraging platform for me. Learning what it means to be a leader but also a follower is so important and I’m grateful I was privy to this so early on in life.

In my final years with the air cadets, I was selected for a sixth form scholarship from the Royal Air Force before then applying for university sponsorship. I gladly accepted, heading off to the University of Bath to study Aeronautical Engineering. Upon graduation, I headed straight to RAF Cranwell to begin my Initial Officer Training.

So far, my career has been nothing short of an extraordinary whirlwind, from a specialist engineering officer on an aerial delivery trials unit, to being the Chief Engineer and In-Service Leader for the Chinook Delivery Team. While sometimes challenging, my career has been filled with numerous hugely enjoyable and immensely rewarding experiences, some of which have defined my approach to life.

One of my proudest moments was taking command as the Senior Engineering Officer on the Merlin Force at RAF Benson. I oversaw a doubling in size of the force, managing the extraction of aircraft from Operation TELIC in Iraq and then leading the advance party for the deployment of the Merlin Force into Afghanistan in support of Operation HERRICK. For what was an incredible experience, I was appointed an MBE in the 2009 New Years' Honours List – a moment that will stay with me for life. Those moments, though, are defined by the team - the people with whom I worked at RAF Benson were truly inspiring. We could not have achieved all of the incredible things we delivered without every individual playing their part and for that I will be forever grateful.

For me, the air cadet organisation is vitally important to the future of the Service – they are the next generation of the RAF. Even for those that don't continue on with a military career, what you learn will stay with you for life. Being an air cadet also affords you a greater understanding of the military, providing a connection to the Armed Forces that many across the country do not get to experience – that empathy is important, allowing one to assess and approach situations with emotional intelligence.

While I relished my time in the air cadets, I unfortunately haven't been able to keep in touch with a lot of the great friends I made all those years ago. Everyone was fantastic, particularly the adult volunteers who gave so much of their time and energy for the benefit of others. I look back with nothing but very fond memories on a time that instilled incredible qualities that have stayed with me for life.

Air Commodore Rose is Director of Representative Rugby for the RAF Rugby Union, proud supporters of the RAF Benevolent Fund.