Kent Wing’s Best Female Cadet – Her Journey

Cadet Warrant Officer Imogen Freelove | It goes without saying, that one of the most rewarding chapters of my life has been my time as a cadet. My cadet career has been, and still is, an ongoing journey of self-discovery. The wide range of activities allow me, and other cadets across the country, to explore a wide range of interests and to discover what we enjoy best. I joined the squadron in November 2021, initially I was quiet and reserved. I found it to be intimidating with the cadets around me having pre-established friendships and I was nervous to get involved.  However, I quickly grew in confidence, made new friends and I started my journey on discovering who I was, learning about my personality traits and the things I enjoy. It wasn’t long before I learnt about all the opportunities and experiences available, which further supported my path to growing my self-confidence.

When I first joined, I had no idea where my journey would lead me. What started out as a step into something new quickly became a huge part of who I am. Cadets has pushed me, challenged me, and shaped me — and I’m incredibly proud of how far I’ve come. One of the highlights of my cadet career so far was being awarded a gliding scholarship which I completed in April 2025. It was a combination of ground lectures and skybound learning. Across the week, I launched 40 times, and the continued determination throughout led to me completing my first solo flight, which I will always look back on with pride. I’ve also completed my Bronze and Silver Duke of Edinburgh’s Awards, and I completed my Gold expedition in July 2025, which was a real test of endurance and teamwork. Every step taken, every camp set up, every challenge faced —they taught me more than any classroom could.

But beyond the qualifications and experiences, one of the greatest things the organisation has given me is friendship. The friends I have made through cadets have become an integral part of my life, I believe they will be life long friends. One of my greatest achievements was being a Lord Lieutenant cadet from 2024 to 2025 which presented me with once in a lifetime opportunities. My personal favourite was last February, when I was invited to escort the Lord Lieutenant of Kent around the event for the unveiling of the Aphra Behn statue in Canterbury. Aphra Behn made a significant impact on the lives of many women, breaking the gender barriers and becoming the first female writer in England, she’s an inspiration for me and many others. At this event, I was honoured to meet HRH Queen Camila, a memory that will stick with me for life.

Although I have achieved many things in my cadet career, my journey hasn’t finished yet and I am looking forward to what the future will bring. I have been selected to complete the Air Cadet Pilot Scheme in 2026, a goal that continues to drive me forward. This involves a 3 week residential where I will learn how to fly a Grob Tutor, with the aim of achieving a solo flight. It’s something I never imagined would be possible before joining cadets, and now it has become a reality. On top of that, I have been selected to complete my Silver and Gold Road Marching badges. This involves many weekends where I will march 40km a day alongside other successful cadets. Furthermore, I have been selected to attend the International Air Cadet Exchange, something that I only ever thought would be a dream. In July 2026, I will travel to Australia with cadets from across the globe for two weeks, where I will have so many different opportunities. This opportunity is fully funded by RAFAC and I’m extremely grateful to have been selected to represent the UK on this trip. Finally, I have been nominated for the DACRE Sword by Kent Wing. This sword is awarded annually to the Best Cadet in the Corps, and it is an honor, not only to be selected as Kent’s Best Female Cadet, but also to represent my squadron throughout the selection progress.

When I age out as a cadet in November 2027, my aim is to continue to give back to the cadets by becoming a Cadet Forces Commissioned Officer. Seeing cadets achieve their goals and feeling proud of themselves is my favorite thing about being a cadet. I have a genuine passion for helping out those around me, and I strive to continue that into my future.

From the start, cadets taught me so much more than just how to wear a uniform or march in step. It taught me discipline, leadership, and how to work as part of a team — but also how to step up and lead when needed. I’ve grown not only in skill, but in confidence and character. The cadet organisation has had a lasting impact on my life. It’s made me more confident, more capable, and more determined. It’s taught me how to lead, how to follow, how to listen, and how to push through when things get tough. The organisation has introduced me to people that support me and are proud of me for trying my best and achieving what I put my mind to. It’s given me a clearer sense of direction, and the motivation to keep aiming higher.