On Thursday the 4 th February 2010 ex Cadet Steven Forrest visited 2028 Squadron. The evening turned out to be an interesting and beneficial experience for both the Cadets and Staff.

Steven Forrest is now a Lance Corporal in the Royal Military Police and took the invitation from the Squadron Commander to inspect the Cadets on first parade. He arrived in uniform with his pace stick and proceeded to mark each Cadet on their turnout and hygiene; quite an experience for both the older and new Cadets! What they did not know was that he had prepared a special Certificate for the best turnout and had also brought along a prize!

After the Inspection he took the Cadets for drill, again unknown to them, he is a qualified drill instructor and their standards very quickly improved under his guidance.

After break L/Corporal Forrest gave everyone a talk on his work as a military police officer and a real insight into the experiences he has had in his role in various postings from London to Aldershot . As soon as he invited questions they came thick and fast and unfortunately time ran out, clearly he had made a real impact on everyone present.

On final parade he presented the winning cadet with a signed certificate of excellence and an insulated flask which can be used on
D of E or Adventure training. The certificate contained a phrase which everyone has taken on board - Exemplo Ducemus – ‘ By example we lead .'

L/Cpl Forrest told the Cadets, “If I picked you up for anything during the inspection, done be disheartened by it, I had to work hard to pick stuff up. Just remember the pointers for next time. I will be seeing you again and I will be getting you to a standard worthy of walking away with the drill trophy.”

Flight Lieutenant Moreton, the Squadron Commander said after final parade, “It is always great to see ex cadets visit the Squadron and to see how well they have done in their chosen career. In the case of L/Cpl Forrest his visit has inspired so many of the Cadets to consider a military career and he has promised to come back again. As for the inspection and drill, I think once they got over the shock they thoroughly enjoyed every minute of it, the improvement was fantastic.”