There’s good banter on there so it’s looking positive.
Also this:-
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Yeah saw that, love to see it.
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My first dealings with him was a Wing Field Day, he was there in ones being escorted round by a CWO, some of the senior staff turned up looking to do some brown nosing and he was halfway up a mobile climbing wall in No1’s.
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Heard from some friends who were there that he made an excellent impression at RIAT this year - including helping with the campsite build and getting stuck in as a support staff member!
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I too have heard that. he really got stuck in, with photos to prove it too. wasn’t there as a VIP to be applauded and shown the red carpet, he was a RAFAC Staff member there to take part.
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What a contrast to TK at RIAT!
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and to be fair every other CAC that has visited.
Dawn (and Carol) were mobbed by the Cadets for attention, but basically given the VIP treatment with tour and escort etc.
as were much of the previous attending CACs that I recall attending. Friday, being the Gala dinner evening, was when the “top brass” showed up at RIAT ahead of their “top hat and tails”, “Sunday best” dinner that evening, and they’d drop by to pay a visit to the Camp to be seen.
RC and WgOCs who made the journey were much the same, I have not known anyone part of the organisation (CFAV or permanent staff) visit RIAT “to take a look” (ie not already part of the camp contingent/working party) and not treat it as a “section visit” happy to be shown around and hidden from reality.
It’s almost like he was trying very hard!
To be fair I’ve not had many dealings with him but always found him easy to deal with and straightforward. And he wasn’t afraid to hear dissenting or difficult opinions.
He could be an interesting combination with his COS - another straight talking person.
I love the fact Aunty Dawn commented as well, advising how happy she was, i note she didn’t do the same for TK.
The stark differences in the engagement on the announcement posts on FB are eyewatering
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That’s not a suprise since people know who he is.
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TK at RIAT - who……. Didn’t even come into the cadet camp site when we were there 2 years ago…
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Here’s hoping for some positive change.
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We might find out on Wednesday…
Good riddance
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Im still pretty convinced the outgoing Comdt has done all the difficult decisions that should have been done over the last 10 years. Just in such a small space of time and as a result is the bad cop in this situation.
The way of doing it may not have been everyone cup of tea, but its a poison chalice role. Apparently the only way you can be a good comdt is by proritising selfies over operational management.
Im optimistic to see how the new Comdt can increase moral withing the CFAV as he has been at the coal face and it simply has to be the no 1 priority…No CFAV = No RAFAC and retention and moral is grim at the moment
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See, while I think that it’s absolutely true that Tone has pushed the buttons that a solid handful of CAC’s have kicked into the long grass - and that the moral courage required to do that must be significant - his appalling grasp of communication, his dreadful people/leadership skills, his tone deaf approach and total failure of understanding of how to manage and motivate volunteers, pretty much wipes that out.
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Shame no welcome message for the new CAC in the latest weekly brief, considering he is now in post. Just a one-liner would have been great - especially for those not on social media.
Give him more than a day…
He’s hosting a whole organisation town hall on Wednesday, already booked in. Totally seems fair enough to wait till then.
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And hosting an in person conference is a good step. Providing, of course, no VA, travel expenses or service accommodation is used. If i can’t get it for training cadets I hope it’s not being given for a conference 
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Well, it’s a good start with more communication in 24 hours than TK managed in 4 years.
Statement from the new Commandant
To the entire Air Cadet family – cadets, volunteers, permanent staff, and all those who support us,
I am deeply honoured to have assumed the role of Commandant of the Royal Air Force Air Cadets. This is an organisation that has been close to my heart for many years, and I am excited by the challenges that lie ahead and the opportunities we have to shape the future. You are all part of any future evolutions.
The past year has not been without its trials. We’ve faced disruptions and uncertainties, yet I have been consistently inspired by the resilience and spirit of our cadets and the unwavering commitment and talent of our adult volunteers and staff. You’ve all shown remarkable adaptability, continuing to provide invaluable experiences and support to our young people.
To our cadets: you are the heart of this organisation. Your passion, enthusiasm, and dedication are an inspiration. Keep striving for excellence, embracing new challenges, and reaching for the skies. You are the future leaders of our nation, and we are immensely proud of each and every one of you.
To our adult volunteers: your selfless service is the bedrock of the Air Cadets. The time, energy, and expertise you generously give make a profound difference in the lives of our cadets. Your commitment is truly remarkable, and we are deeply grateful for everything you do. Your continued support is vital to me.
To our permanent staff: your professionalism and dedication ensure the smooth running of this vast organisation. Your hard work behind the scenes enables us to deliver exceptional experiences for our cadets. Thank you for your tireless efforts.
And to all those who support us, from parents and guardians to civilian committees and partners: your contributions are invaluable. We could not achieve what we do without your ongoing support and belief in our mission.
As we look to the future, we have ambitious plans to evolve and grow, ensuring the Air Cadets remains a relevant and exciting opportunity for young people across the UK. We will continue to focus on providing inspiring experiences, developing leadership skills, and ensuring a love and appreciation of all things aviation and the RAF remains at our core.
I am excited to work alongside each of you to achieve these goals. Together, we will pragmatically navigate any challenges that come our way, with positivity, and continue to provide an exceptional experience for our cadets.
Thank you for your dedication and support.
Yours sincerely,
Air Commodore Al Lewis Commandant RAF Air Cadets
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