Have you ever thought how your Air Cadet training may impact on your career choices? For three former cadets of 2160 Sleaford squadron it also created a lifelong bond of friendship. L/Cpl Philip Balicki takes up the story.
In a display of the tri-service cooperation, three ex-cadets from 2160 Sleaford Squadron ATC are pictured together. From left to right, S/Lt Daniel Balicki RN, LCpl Philip Balicki (RSigs), Acting P.O. Will Fovargue RAF (VR) celebrating S/Lt Balicki's graduation from the Britannia Royal Naval College Dartmouth with formal drinks. All three friends previously attended 2160 Sleaford Squadron ATC where S/Lt Balicki rose to the rank of Sergeant before leaving to focus on academic studies whilst LCpl Balicki and P.O. Fovargue reached the rank of Flight Sergeant.
The Balicki brothers both joined 2160 Sqn in early 2013 whilst Will Fovargue later joined during mid-2013. During their time in Cadets they attend the Royal International Air Tattoo, Air Cadet Leadership Course, Waddington Air Show, undertook Flight Staff cadet duties at 7 AEF and participated in multiple adventure training serials. Daniel eventually left the ATC during 2017 to focus on his studies prior to applying for a commission in the Royal Navy. As a Warfare Officer he has served on HMS Richmond and is currently undergoing a hold over post in Portsmouth Naval Base.
Will left cadets during 2018 in order to go to university to study Aeronautical Engineering, whilst at University he joined East Midlands University Air Squadron and is a key personality within the unit. He is currently applying to commission into the Royal Air Force as a Pilot. Philip also left cadets in the autumn of 2018 in order to attend basic training in the British Army. He is currently in the Royal Signals at 256 (JFHQ) Signal Squadron; after being recommended, he is also in the process of applying for a commission within the British Army. Everyone at 2160 wishes all three of them every success in their chosen careers and hopes their friendship lasts a lifetime.
Note:- This event took place, and the subsequent photograph was taken, before the current Covid-19 restrictions were in force.
From MCO 2160 Sqn / Photo P Balicki