Flight Lieutenant Brock Shortlisted for Women in Defence Award

In a year where we have faced unprecedented challenges it gives us great joy to share the tremendous success of Flt Lt Jade Brock RAFAC. Last month it was announced that she had been shortlisted for a Women in Defence Award in the Outstanding Contribution category. Jade is one of nine to be shortlisted in this category for women across the whole defence industry who have exceeded the expectations of their role, with Jade being the only women shortlisted from the cadet forces.

Jade has been nominated and recently shortlisted for this award for her work as Officer Commanding of 209 (West Bridgford) Squadron. In 2016, Jade took over the unit after the Squadron was consistently towards the bottom of the Wing’s rankings, with cadets an

d staff disinterested. Since then she has driven the unit forward with her energy, enthusiasm and tireless work, transforming the squadron into a class-leading unit offering a fantastic cadet experience. Ultimately culminating in being jointly awarded the Marshall Trophy for the most improved squadron in 2019 (across 960 squadrons). During this time 209’s cadet numbers have been at an all-time high, more the twice the Corps average, and staff morale has never been better.

Starting life as cadet at 1360 (Stapleford & Sandiacre) Squadron, Jade progressed to the rank of Cadet Warrant Officer before transitioning to become a volunteer member of staff at the age of 20. Initially she went into uniform as a Senior NCO, where she qualified as a Drill Instructor, alongside supporting the Wing Adult Development Team. Before, in 2015, deciding to commission as a Commissioned Officer with the vision of becoming a Commanding Officer of a squadron.

Since becoming 209 (West Bridgford) Squadron Officer Commanding, in 2016, Jade says she is proud of how far the squadron has come and that it is great to see the it is thriving from both a cadet and staff perspective. The staff team now boasts over 40 qualifications between them a huge increase from just 9 when she took over, helping to provide their impressive cadet experience. Also, Jade is impressed with how the civilian committee has developed providing a strong team to help fundraise for the cadets enabling purchasing of a squadron minibus, musical equipment and MTA kits. On being shortlisted for the award Jade has commented she is “so excited and shocked to not only be nominated, but now also shortlisted in the Outstanding Contribution category. Congratulations to all that have been shortlisted.”

“As a Wing, we are very proud of Jade’s achievements and its fantastic that these have now been recognised by her shortlisting in the Women in Defence Award for Outstanding Contribution. It is a testament to Jade’s commitment to RAF Air Cadets and her devotion to duty as an adult volunteer.” The finalists for the Women in Defence Awards will be announced at the end of October with the winners being announced on 24 March. “We wish her the best of luck in reaching the final and announcement of the winners on 24 March 2021”.