2011 has disappeared in the blink of an eye and I can scarcely believe that I am sending my second Christmas message to you. I don’t need to tell you that it has been a year of great challenges and uncertainty, mostly beyond our control, but of which we have felt the consequences. The year started with a Strategic Defence and Security Review which, combined with a global economic crisis, has had an eye-watering effect across Defence. The impact on us included tough financial constraints, greater competition for the use the Defence Training Estate, fewer Civil Servants to manage activity and support volunteers, and less opportunity to engage with the regular Royal Air Force, while it draws down in size and shape.
Despite these challenges, you have excelled to mark our 70th anniversary in fantastic style. Across the country, you have taken the theme of ‘engagement’ to new heights, and I have been very privileged to have participated in some wonderful activities up and down the country throughout the year. That the cadets in both ATC and CCF(RAF) continue to have such a positive experience is so much down to the enthusiasm and dedication of our volunteers. If you are a volunteer I am humbled by your efforts. Quite simply, without you the Air Cadet Organisation wouldn’t exist. So, a huge thank you. If you are a cadet, well you never fail to amaze me with your accomplishments and achievements – you are without doubt the cream of British youth.
Next year promises to be another roller coaster ride full of challenges but I will do my best to keep us on the rails and move towards a place where the peaks and dips (uncertainty and difficulties!) are less formidable! What I am certain of is that with your support, we will continue to live up to CAS’ description of us as “the best uniformed youth organisation in the world” and that we will have a lot of fun along the way.
I wish you, your families and your ‘uniformed families’ a very happy Christmas and a fantastic New Year.
Air Commodore Barbara Cooper