On the 30th June 2012 Pilot Officer Paul Carter of 1024 Squadron Air Training Corps Isle of Wight received his Queen’s Commission as a member of the RAF reserve forces.
Ruth Carter writes… This is quite an achievement and worthy of sharing with Islanders.
As the picture shows: Paul graduated at RAF Officer Training College Cramwell in Lincolnshire.
Paul says ‘It is a great achievement and I am immensely proud to now hold the queen’s commission.’ Paul who works full time as the manager of an Island outdoor activity centre added ‘I would encourage all young people to try the opportunities and fun the ATC offers.
Pilot Officer Paul Carter from 1024 squadron Air Cadets Ryde; started his career as an air cadet aged 13 in Gosport. He remained in the cadets for ten years making the most of the flying, drill; adventure training and social opportunities the Air Training Corp offered and still does.
Pilot Officer Carter returned some 10 years later initially as an adult instructor before becoming an adult Sergeant when he decided to transfer to the Royal Air Force Reserve (Training Branch). He has undergone Officer and Aircrew selection Centre training. The initial officer’s course was completed on 30th June 2012 when Pilot Officer Carter successfully received his Queens commission.
In order to achieve this Paul attended the Officer and Aircrew Selection Centre at RAF Cranwell initially in March this year. He was one of the first people within the Corps to attend as part of the Air Corp to do this. He had to undergo selection board interviews, demonstrate his knowledge of the RAF and show his skills as a leader, his aptitude towards conducting the role of being an officer and presenting himself and his uniform appropriately.
Paul adds: My involvement (with ATC) has also enabled me to achieve a successful working career and live life to the full. Spending time at 1024 Air Cadets Ryde, has also meant I can give my time to local young people in the same way I was fortunate to experience as a young person.
1024 SQN meets on Monday and Friday nights. We have grown significantly over the last 6 months and are still looking for more young people to join us.
Full details can be found at www.atciow.webs.com 1024 Air Training Corps website.
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