Blog Stardom for ex-CWO Marchant

25 October 2011

By RAF Halton MCO

The following is the first in a series of RAF Halton blogs that will follow Chris Marchant ex 1239 (Broxbourne and Hoddesdon) Sqn through his Recruit Training:

Local boy Chris Marchant is on the way to achieving his long standing dream of a career in the Royal Air Force.

Chris (20) from Hertford, started his long journey 6 years ago at the age of 14 when he joined the Air Training Corps (ATC). Struggling at school, Chris soon noticed a difference in himself and began to thrive on the structure and discipline he found in the ATC. He rose rapidly through the rank structure achieving the highest rank of Cadet Warrant Officer. Passing numerous exams and participating in leadership courses, adventurous training, flying and sport, Chris soon realised that a career in the RAF was for him.

At the age of 15 he applied to study at Wellbeck College, although he realised that he had been ill advised as this path did not suit his aspirations. Undeterred Chris continued with his cadet life, taking part in the highlight of his cadet career; a sailing trip to Antigua, which simply reinforced his desire to join the RAF. He applied to join the Service as an Airspace Battle Manager but to his disappointment there were no positions available. The Strategic Defence Spending Review was to further limit his options.

In the mean time he started work as a landscape gardener and having reached the maximum age in the ATC became a Civilian Instructor at his Squadron, giving back to the new generation of cadets so much of what he had gained himself. Not content to rest on his laurels Chris was also a Special Constable for Hertfordshire Constabulary, giving upwards of 16 hours per month to support the local police force.

A subsequent visit to the Armed Forces Career Office highlighted the option of joining as a Senior Non-Commissioned Officer (SNCO) in Air Traffic Control. Having finally found the right job Chris applied, underwent rigorous aptitude testing and interviews, and was accepted in July of this year.

Chris attended the Pre-Recruit Training Course at RAF Halton and is now awaiting confirmation of his start date for the full Recruit Training Course. His aspirations for the future are focussed at this stage on passing all of his training courses; however his dream of becoming a commissioned officer is firmly set.