Cadets at 2438 squadron had the chance to find out what life is really like for a soldier in the RAF regiment serving on the front line in Afghanistan.

Senior Aircraftsman Aaron Hegerty who is in 1 Squadron RAF Regiment and an ex cadet of 84 Squadron ATC visited 2438 Squadron, where his sister Flying Officer Tessa Hegerty is the Squadron's Adjutant. He gave a talk to the cadets about life in the RAF Regiment, from Basic Training through to operational deployment. What it was like to be filmed for the Channel 5 documentary 'Air Force Afghanistan . He then went into depth about his deployment to Afghanistan and the various roles and responsibilities he undertook whilst on patrol in Helmand Province . He also discussed what life was like for the Afghan people and described what it was like working in a desert environment

Aaron joined the RAF Regiment in April 2007. After spending 4 years as a cadet and getting to the rank of Sergeant, Aaron realised that he wanted to Join the Royal Air Force and serve his country. After 8 weeks of basic training Aaron was then posted to RAF Honnington to complete his trade training and become an RAF Regiment Airman.

The cadets also got an insight on some many other varied activities Aaron has undertaken as a serving soldier and the courses he has been on which include military vehicle driving courses and sniper training. The cadets also got to ask Aaron questions about life in the RAF Regiment and what it is like in Afghanistan .

The Cadets appreciated the insight in the RAF and the war in Afghanistan . Our older cadets found it interesting to learn about the differences between a commissioned officer and airmen, especially with several of the Cadets interested in joining the RAF Regiment.

Flight Lieutenant Nathan Adams, Officer Commanding 2438 Squadron said: 'We are very grateful to Aaron for coming down, whilst on leave, to talk to the Cadets. His talk gave a fascinating insight into current RAF operations and brought a real human perspective into what is actually happening on the ground in Afghanistan . Also his description of life in the RAF was very informative for the Cadets.'