Central & East Region Air Cadets

05/02/2026

Here is a message from our Commandant Air Cadets on our 85th anniversary

05/02/2026

Happy 85th anniversary! Great job by our Region’s Band.

02/02/2026

Last weekend 12 CFAV from Norfolk and Suffolk, South and East Midlands and Trent Wings undertook and passed the Archery Instructor Course. They are now able to use this new skill for the benefit of the Cadets on their squadrons or CCF contingents. This is the most inclusive sport we are able to offer cadets with in the RAFAC. If you would like to undertake this course then please see below and contact the Region’s Sports Officer.

The Archery GB Instructor Award is the industry’s leading training course for archery. The course is designed for learners with little or no prior experience of archery. The course is held over two days and includes a practical assessment as well as a written test.

The Archery GB Instructors Award course includes:
-How to shoot arrows
-Preparing and delivering archery sessions
-How to select appropriate equipment
-Setting up a range
-How to ensure safety on the range

13/01/2026

We would like to welcome Warrant Officer Tabs Robelou as our new Regional Music Officer.

WO Robelou has been involved in the RAF Air Cadets since 2002, starting off as a CI and then took the step into uniform in 2006. She progressed through the SNCO ranks and was promoted into the rank of WO in 2014.

Tabs has been involved in music since 2014, in Beds and Cambs and more recently Herts Wing as Music Officer from 2024. As well as her Wing Music, she’s been engaged in the Region band supporting in the library, adjutant roles and management for music weekends.

Outside of cadets Tabs enjoys doing crochet and crafts. She has recently gone on her first cruise and is currently planning the next one.

Tabs can’t wait to get herself involved in her new role and looks forward to joining the Regional team.

10/01/2026

Wishing you all a very Happy New Year!

I hope you managed to enjoy a well-deserved rest and recuperation over the festive break.

As we step into 2026, I am genuinely excited about what the year will bring for us as a Region. I am confident that we can maintain the momentum from 2025 and continue creating fantastic opportunities for our cadets and staff. Last year was incredibly successful, and I want to express my sincere thanks for your significant contributions and dedication in making that happen.

2025 saw a tangible shift toward greater cohesion and collective output, with Region fully integrating as ‘one team’ incorporating a Regional HQ, the 6 ATC Wings, and the new Regional CCF Wing. A key enabler for this approach has been the introduction of the Regional Output Directive, aligned with the National Output Directive. Each Wing is now generating Delivery Plans that feed into the Regional Plan, enabling a coordinated and planned Regional ‘In-Year Delivery Programme.’ This is overseen by our new Regional and Wing Operations Officers and will lead into a fully planned and integrated 26/27 Regional Delivery Plan from September, driven by our Training Officers. This collective effort will help build instructor specialisation and reduce postcode lottery, ensuring the broadest PTS opportunities for the greatest number of cadets.

Building on the success of the inaugural Camp VIKING 25, our first Regional PTS-focused Multi-Activity Camp (MAC), planning for Camp VIKING 26 is well underway. We aim to deliver an even more exciting event for 500 cadets and 200 staff at Longmoor, including Gold Leadership (National course pilot), Gold First Aid, Gold/Silver Music, Ceremonial/DTC(I), Gold & Silver Fieldcraft, Shooting, Gold Road Marching, AT, and Drones. To make this possible, we need your help to generate Bronze and Silver opportunities to prepare cadets for Camp VIKING. Essex Wing’s recent PTS-focused MAC at RAF Wittering is a great example of success in this area and a model for others to follow in 2026.

It is not just about PTS but generating the range of fulfilling, rewarding and developmental opportunities that help inspire and shape our young people. However, we do need to grow our instructor cohort accordingly and invest in our staff. Instructor training was buoyant in 2025 but let’s aim to enhance in 2026 noting the expansion of space and cyber and the introduction of drones to name a few. Therefore, please engage, through your respective CoC, with respective Wing and Region Staff Officers if you are interested in becoming qualified.

The Strategic Defence Review intent to grow cadet forces by 30% by 2030 will also be a key priority this year. More detailed planning and engagement will come from RAFAC HQ, and we will establish Regional focus groups to ensure your expertise shapes the way forward.

Finally, 2025 was a fantastic year for recognition through Honours and Awards and cadet competitions. Many of our outstanding staff and cadets were formally acknowledged, and I look forward to even more in 2026. Please continue to nominate those who deserve recognition through your leadership teams. Can we achieve the best ATC Sqn in RAFAC in 2026 by winning the Lees Trophy 3 years in a row!!

Thank you again for your support, commitment, and dedication in making so much happen for our cadets. I wish you all the very best for 2026 and look forward to seeing you throughout the year.


Dave Boreham

Gp Capt Dave Boreham| Regional Commandant

08/01/2026

🌟 Wonderwall Nomination – December 🌟

Flt Lt Karen Turner - Officer Commanding, 2160 (Sleaford) Squadron, Trent Wing

Karen always goes the extra mile – patiently teaching staff their admin, supporting local community events, and keeping the squadron visible. Despite challenging building works, they ensured smooth parade nights and supported growing cadet numbers with minimal disruption. A true example of resilience and dedication!

💡 Know someone who’s gone above and beyond? Made the impossible possible?
👉 Visit the Region Personnel and Business Support SharePoint page and nominate them for the Wonderwall today!

20/12/2025

Cadets over 16.5 years old and holding a Master classification* are invited to bid for a place on the Region’s next GOLD FIRST AID course.

The closing date for bids is 12 January so time is tight. Please email your staff to apply.

* Other criteria applies.

18/12/2025

18/12/2025

Central & East Region will be delivering another exciting multi-activity camp in 2026, and to help with our planning we are looking for willing CFAV and Service Instructors who are keen to help!

Camp VIKING II will offer Shooting, Fieldcraft, Music, Ceremonial, First Aid and Adventure Training activities to cadets in the Region, with more to be confirmed.

The Camp Exec Team are seeking instructors to assist with these areas, and well as volunteers to help with the essential Support functions of the camp - this includes drivers, media, first aiders and more!

If you would like to be involved, please see the Calling Notice email.

Details of how cadets and other interested CFAV can apply for the camp will be shared at the end of Jan 26.

18/12/2025

Some exciting news to follow later. Here’s a little hint!

14/12/2025

Another great asset for our region