The legacy of the RAF Air Cadet Junior Leaders

This is the story of the RAF Air Cadet Junior Leader Course. A tough uncompromising 8 month course I led its founding back in 1999 for 17 year olds. Over 1,500 people have since been through it. I worked with very experienced staff and brilliant students. It was a profound honour to lead this programme in the early days. It is a story of common purpose, giving back and overcoming ingrained thinking on the art of the possible.

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Its history

As the Junior Leaders celebrates its 25th anniversary, it stands as a testament to innovation in leadership development within the Royal Air Force Air Cadets and beyond. The inception of this course in 1999 was driven by a pressing need: the cadets of my local squadron had completed the full syllabus by the age of sixteen and were left seeking new challenges. Recognising their exceptional potential and contribution to my squadron’s rise from 23rd in Manchester to 2nd in the national rankings within just three years, it became clear that a new path was necessary to engage these bright and focused individuals further. Thus, the Junior Leaders was born.

The genesis of the course occurred during a 90-minute BA flight from Manchester to Billund, Denmark, while I was immersed in the software industry. That flight became a pivotal moment, allowing me to envision a transformational leadership course that would not only meet the expectations of these young people, but also equip them with skills relevant to both military and civilian life. The goal was to create a rigorous, intellectually stimulating course that mirrored the challenges of the real world.

Over the course of its 25 year history, the Junior Leaders has evolved to accommodate new environments, adapting to the shifts in societal expectations and the changing landscape of recruitment for business, the RAF, Royal Marines and the Army. It was Initially designed for a small group of exceptional cadets, it now attracts participants from across the UK, with numbers swelling to 80 students per course. This expansion reflected both the programme’s success and its growing reputation as a preeminent leadership course.

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So what is it?

The structure of the programme consisted of eight weekends culminating in a eight-day field exercise during Easter. This rigorous schedule demanded a high level of commitment from participants, who often travelled huge distances each weekend from all corners of the UK to engage in the intensive training. The programme placed a strong emphasis on physical endurance, academic rigour, and practical leadership skills. Participants are thrust into challenging scenarios that require public speaking, planning, and situational awareness while living in the field, in all sorts of weather, cultivating resilience, courage and adaptability.

The transformation that occurs during these weekends is remarkable. The first four weekends establish foundational skills, but the training accelerated significantly after Christmas, culminating in scenarios where participants may find themselves in charge for extended period, and some even taking on leadership roles for up to 24 hours. This immersive experience not only fostered enormous individual growth, but also prepared them for the rigour of the high performance workplace. Under Steve Williams’s leadership (2005-2016) the course expanded further and improved, his utterly incredible contribution should be noted and recognised. Thank you Steve.

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The results

In an era where leadership is both a necessity and a skill cultivated through experience and education, the impact of specialised training programmes cannot be overstated. Among these initiatives, the Junior Leaders stands out as a beacon of excellence in management & officer recruitment and wider leadership development. The impressive track record of its graduates, many of whom have ascended to notable positions in the military, aviation, finance, and consultancy, underscores the transformative power of this program.

The statistics speak for themselves: a significant percentage of graduates have successfully transitioned into roles as Officers in the UK’s elite Special Forces, Fighter pilots, Multi-engine pilots, Helicopter pilots, Royal Marines Officers, Army Officers, Engineers, and managers/directors in British Airways, the Lloyds Insurance Market, Software businesses and various Big 4 Management Consultancy firms. Outside of the work environment two have climbed Mt Everest and one has even climbed the tallest mountain on each continent. Each of these individuals has not only excelled in their fields but has also attributed part of their success to the foundational training they received at the age of 17 or 18. This early exposure to leadership principles, teamwork, and resilience has equipped them with the skills necessary to navigate the complexities of their respective careers and life challenges.

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Reflecting on its impact

As we reflect on the legacy of the Junior Leaders, it is evident that it has produced a magnificent collection of individuals who have not only achieved personal success, but have also made significant contributions back into society. Their commitment to giving back is a testament to the values instilled in them during their training and frankly their families too. They embody the spirit of authentic & servant leadership, that is not merely about personal gain but about uplifting others and driving positive change back within their communities.

It was a profound honour to collaborate with the dedicated staff whilst I led the course with between 1999 and 2005. They have tirelessly contributed to the success of the Junior Leader course. Their unwavering commitment and exceptional guidance have shaped countless lives, and they deserve recognition for their outstanding contributions. The graduates themselves are an inspiring group of individuals who continue to motivate me today with their achievements. They are, without a doubt, remarkable humans who have forged paths of success while maintaining a deep sense of responsibility towards others.

As it draws to a close in its present format and morphs into a new course following a strategic RAF Air Cadet review I hope the spirit of the original Junior Leaders remains for another 25 years. As we as a country absolutely need robust, courageous and resilient leaders coming through to take our nation forward.