One of them is Rebecca Taylor, an emergency medical technician, who is also a uniformed instructor with 306 Squadron, RAF Air Cadets.

Rebecca’s connection to the cadets began through her daughter, who joined the squadron in 2023.

“Watching her enjoy the activities, opportunities and camaraderie of the cadet community reminded me of how much I enjoyed my own time in the Armed Forces, both as a regular and a reservist.”

When her daughter asked whether she would consider using the skills and experience she had gained over the years to support the squadron, Rebecca was keen to get involved. She started out as a civilian instructor before becoming a uniformed instructor earlier this year.

Her experience with NWAS has also given her skills she can bring to her volunteering.

“I support first aid training alongside my daughter, who is also a qualified instructor. I’ve also had the opportunity to train as a mountain biking instructor and road marching team leader, and I’m almost finished my lowland leadership training.”

The training means Rebecca can support a range of cadet activities, including Duke of Edinburgh and initial expedition training.

Balancing volunteering with shift work hasn’t always been easy, but Rebecca says the support she has received from NWAS has made a real difference.

“It hasn’t been easy juggling shift work with volunteering, but NWAS have been really supportive in allowing me time off where possible.”

For Rebecca, being part of the cadet community has brought plenty of opportunities, but it’s the people and seeing young cadets develop that have made the biggest impression.

“I’ve met some amazing people, had fantastic opportunities, and felt the humbling experience of being super proud of someone else’s children.”

And her advice to anyone considering getting involved is simple:

“These cadets work hard and play hard. It’s such a fantastic environment and I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend joining the cadet family, for young people or adults alike.”