Once again, the festive period approaches rapidly after what has been another outstanding, albeit at times challenging, year for the Region. The Region’s cadet and staff numbers remain buoyant across both the ATC and CCF (RAF) Sections, with over 8,700 cadets and 2,000 volunteers. We have also seen a slight increase in the number of volunteers over the summer. Farewell, thank you, and good luck to all those who have left the Region this year or are about to leave, and a warm welcome to all the new members of staff joining us. Congratulations to the newly commissioned officers and SNCOs who have been successful at Regional and Wing Boards, respectively. We have seen many SNCOs succeed at Wing Boards, and for the officers, I have personally had the honour of endorsing over 50 new Cadet Forces Commissions in the last 12 months, averaging an intake of four new officers per month.
The Civil Service recruitment control measures that have been in place for 2024 have certainly been a considerable challenge for the permanent staff team within the Region. As staff have retired or left the Region and Wing HQs, we have not been able to replace them, which has steadily led to risks in delivery output due to the loss of business resilience, depth, and skills. Through some superb collaboration and innovation between the Region’s permanent staff and the Wing and CCF senior leaders, new efficient and coherent ways of working have been implemented, focusing on priority outputs with great success so far. We have managed to maintain output with minimal impact, and I cannot thank the permanent staff and volunteer team enough for your patience, understanding, and teamwork in keeping activities safe. I am confident that we will soon be able to commence much-needed recruitment as we move into 2025.
The Region has had a fantastic 12 months in recognising its staff and cadets through both the Honours & Awards process and national competitions. This has included one 4 star CAS Commendation, nine 2 star AOC 22 Gp Commendations, and success in winning the Dacre (Sword), Lees Trophy, the Royal Air Sqn Trophy, and the Quinton Memorial Trophy. My congratulations to all those recognised – well done indeed!
As we move into 2025, we have even greater opportunities ahead, including a new Regional Multi-Activity Camp in August and we are poised to host and co-ordinate a national STEM Camp at RAF Wittering in May. I am extremely confident that the Region can continue to grow stronger through teamwork. It was fantastic to receive our new Region Badge, and the new motto, Together we rise, both of which are indicative of and so apt for what Central & East Region strives to achieve: seeing the ATC and CCF (RAF) work together in partnership to create opportunities for all our cadets and staff through a collaborative approach.
My sincere thanks for all that you do for RAFAC and the Region. I wish you all a fabulous festive period. Please take the opportunity, where possible, to enjoy a well-deserved break over the holiday season and return recharged for 2025.
Group Captain Dave Boreham, Regional Commandant.