When I first joined Air Cadets, I thought leadership meant being the loudest voice or the strictest authority. I imagined commanders shouting orders with perfect confidence. But after five years and dozens of training nights, I realized leadership looks very different in the real world.
Leadership is consistency—showing up prepared, even when you’re tired.
It’s responsibility—being the one people can count on, even quietly.
It’s guidance—not telling people what to do, but helping them become capable on their own.
As a Flight Commander, I lead around thirty cadets every training night. Some are shy. Some are eager. Some struggle with discipline. But every one of them watches how I act, not just what I say. And that’s where I’ve learned the most: the moment I lead with steadiness, the whole group steadies too.
I’m proud of my time in Cadets—not because of the rank, but because of the people I’ve helped. It taught me that leadership isn’t about being in charge. It’s about being the person who lifts others up.