Former 340 Squadron cadet Matthew Barnes achieved his life-long ambition of joining the RAF Regiment on Friday 8th January 2010, when he passed-out as a Gunner after many months of training at the RAF Regiment Depot at Honington in Suffolk.

Matt, now 21, joined the Squadron aged 13 and rose through the ranks to become a Cadet Warrant Officer and the senior cadet on the unit. Matt's thirst for action and adventure saw him gaining gliding wings, completing the gruelling Nijmegen marches on numerous occasions, excelling on the arduous Junior Leaders course and throwing himself out of an aircraft on a parachute course during his ATC service.

Matt's drill, dress and discipline were always of the highest order during his cadet service so it was not surprising that he picked up the Association Trophy fo Drill and Deportment at the end of his RAF training.

Following continuation training at RAF Honington, Matt will be posted to 34 Squadron RAF Regiment at RAF Leeming in Yorkshire but we are looking forward to welcoming him back as a Service Helper on 340 Squadron whenever he is available.

Photos of Matt's big day will follow soon...