 Cpl Chantal Edwardes of 1289 (Stratford Upon Avon) Sqn recently went on a junior leaders course at RAF Cranwell.
On the first day the cadets had to do a timed 1.5 mile run to qualify for the course. This was like a walk in the park compared to the 27km jog later that day. Throughout the course they had a minimal amount of sleep, however because they were constantly occupied with activities such as log runs the lack of sleep did not matter. The log run was a competition with other flights on the course, it involved running with a 14ft pine pole carried between the team. This was particularly difficult because the log was slippery and the course was very wet.
The point of all the tough physical activity was to tire the cadets out so that the leadership tasks became harder. It is easy to lead a team when the conditions are good. However, when it is pouring down with rain, and your team is tired and hungry, it becomes increasingly hard to motivate them to complete a task. Under these conditions, true leadership experience is gained, valuable lessons for life, service or civilian.
The highlight of the week was graduating in front of College Hall Officers Mess at the Royal Air Force College Cranwell. This is the parade ground where all RAF Officers graduate from their 30 week initial officer training, before receiving the Queens Commission.
She later said: " It was one of the toughest, but best things that she had done with the ATC, so far. On the course she was challenged mentally and physically from the moment she arrived. The weather made it difficult because it rained everyday, however morale remained high, and everyone in the group became very close during the week."
Cpl Edwardes has gained much better leadership skills from the course, which she intends to put to use at the Squadron, passing on the lessons learned and her experiences to the younger cadets.
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