Lieutenant Matt Ireland RA (left), former; Officer of Long Eaton Air Cadets, Directing Staff and graduate of the Junior Leaders Course, and Cadet Flight Sergeant Damien Simpson (right).
Cadet Flight Sergeant Damien Simpson, aged 18, recently completed the Air Cadet Junior Leaders Course. This course is a physically and mentally challenging course, and requires real commitment and determination. The course runs from September to April, involving 9 weekends of assessed training and a 10 day, high intensity practical test.
Over the duration of the course their skills and knowledge were developed in leadership theory, practical leadership, instructional technique, navigation, physical training, Fieldcraft and air power, as well as completing an Institute of Leadership and Management Level 3 qualification in Leadership and Management. On completion of the course Flight Sergeant Simpson was awarded his maroon lanyard, to signify him as a Qualified Junior Leader when in his blue uniform, and his DZ flash, to signify him as a Qualified Junior Leader when in greens.
Flight Sergeant Simpson, thoroughly enjoyed the course and found it one of the most challenging and rewarding course he has done during his time in the Air Cadets. He now looks to bring what he has learnt back to the Squadron to share his experiences with the Cadets and hopefully inspire some of them to follow in his footsteps. Simpson said “The course over the last 8 months has been the most physically and mentally challenging course I have ever done, but has been one of the best experiences of my life so far. It has given me many skills that I will be able to use later on in life no matter whether I go into the military or a civilian job.”
The Officer Commanding of 2195 (Long Eaton) Squadron, Flight Lieutenant Stepanian, said “As a Squadron we are incredibly proud of his achievement, in passing the Junior Leaders course. This achievement shows a strength of character that makes Flight Sergeant Simpson a credit to the Squadron. He is a role model to the younger cadets and will utilise his skills gained on the course to further develop the cadets”.