Grimsby RAF Air Cadet adult instructor, Flight Sergeant (FS) Matthew Bown, was this week celebrating after completing what he described as his ‘most gruelling challenge to date.’
FS Bown spent a week at the RAF College Cranwell, Lincolnshire, learning the drills and discipline of marching with arms, receiving a certificate at the end to confirm his new qualification.
FS Bown, who is known by cadets and staff at 195 (Grimsby) Squadron for having a concise knowledge of RAF Air Cadet drill and discipline regulations, said: “The arms course was the most difficult that I have ever undertaken – by far my most gruelling challenge to date.
“We see the RAF Regiment and other military personnel on television marching with arms, and I have always wanted to learn about the procedures around marching with a weapon, so I applied for the course.
“I’m so thrilled that I passed – it was very tough, but I and the other course attendees kept each other’s morale up.”
Flight Leuitenant Terance Shird, Officer Commanding 195 Squadron, said: “F/Sgt Bown is the authority on drill and discipline on the Squadron, and so by completing this very tough course, he has enhanced his skill set more so.
“I look forward to seeing his new knowledge in action in forthcoming parades.”