I joined as a CI in 1983, I have been in now for 30+ years. I still go out on overnight exercise and sleep in a basha. I qualified as a Skill at arms instructor last year after having been an RCO on No8, L98 and L81 for years.

I have been on four Squadrons, one as OC for 10 years and had two "Hats on" interviews at Wing and survived.

I do this for selfish reasons, I enjoy it, I get a buzz seeing cadets progress. I also know that if I hadn't joined my skills would have gone to waste and I wouldn't use them any more. I have never been a cadet but I have taught the syllabus and passed on my mil knowledge and experience to many cadets, which makes me very proud, of them.