Proud Cadet follows in his mother’s footsteps

For Nathan Cooke joining the RAF Air Cadets was never a question: Nathan’s mother was a cadet for 7 years and talked fondly of the opportunities it gave her. Read about his achievements.

Nathan says:

“I joined my local Air Cadet Squadron 2339 (Plymstock and Mountbatten) at the beginning of Year 8 and haven’t looked back since. My desire to become a Cadet was driven by my ambition to join the RAF as a pilot. The RAFACs have given me many opportunities to build on my personal skill set and experience.

I have been actively involved in several Adventure Training activities which have helped me to develop. I have enjoyed engaging in the Ten Tors Challenge on Dartmoor as it helped with both my team work and leadership skills. As well as this I have been progressing through the Duke of Edinburgh award schemes. I have completed both my bronze and silver awards.”

As a cadet Nathan, now 16 years, has risen through the ranks to Cadet Flight Sergeant and has been accepted on the Air Cadet Pilot Scholarship scheme.
In 2019 FS Cook applied for both Plymouth Mayor’s Cadet and Lord Lieutenant’s Cadet and was, following a selection process, chosen for both roles.

He says:

“I recognised that this would be a great opportunity to improve upon my confidence in public settings and my ability to socialise with people I wouldn’t usually be able to. I was honoured to be selected for both roles and have since taken part in public readings at church services and on the remembrance parade on Plymouth Hoe. I have also had the opportunity to meet royalty and political dignitaries including the Prime Minister.”

In September FS Cooke will start his A Levels in Maths, Physics and Biology, his long term plan remains to apply for the Royal Air Force.