IN THE AIR, AND ON AIR – Part 2

The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award

Ana from No 613 Squadron, AAFC at RAAF Edinburgh has been a cadet for just a year and half. But in that time she has already passed a swim test, qualified in firearms safety with the .22 rifle, flown a light aircraft (under supervision) – and completed the Bronze level of the Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award.

Many activities offered by the AAFC are both challenging and competitive. By comparison, participants in the Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award only ever compete with one person – themselves.

From being in the air, Ana recently went ‘on air’ to tell ‘Service Voices’ how the AAFC challenges her, and how she challenges herself to do better.

In Adelaide on Anzac Day, Leading Cadet Ana had the privilege of carrying the Banner at the head of the Royal Australian Air Force contingent of veterans.

Earlier this year, Ana was among a small group of Air Force Cadets from No 6 Wing who had the privilege of forming a Royal Guard of Honour for His Royal Highness Prince Edward, Earl of Wessex, who was in Australia for the Commonwealth Games. During his visit to Adelaide he presented badges and certificates to Gold Award participants in the Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award.

The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award was founded in 1956 by HRH Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh. In 2017 the Earl of Wessex assumed many public-engagement duties from his father, and one of them is Patron of the Duke of Edinburgh’s Awards.

The Australian Air Force Cadets (AAFC) is a youth development organisation set in a military and aviation environment, administered and actively supported by the Royal Australian Air Force. The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award operates in more than 130 countries and territories across the globe, helping 14-24 year olds to become committed, responsible and fulfilled citizens of the world.

No 6 Wing Public Affairs & Communication Officer, Flying Officer (AAFC) Paul Rosenzweig said, “In her interview with Service Voices, Ana explained how her cadet service was a perfect fit with the Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award”.

Producer of ‘Service Voices’ radio program Helen Meyer said, “It’s refreshing to hear a 15 year old being able to tell us where she wants to go with her life… what she wants to do with it”.

Ana’s interview can be found here:

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