Flight Sergeant Matthew Smedley joined 370 (North Sheffield) Squadron as a Cadet at the age of 15. Upon reaching the rank of Cadet Warrant Officer he transferred to 148 (Barnsley) Squadron where he saw out the rest of his cadet career. His highlights as a Cadet include coming second in the South & West Yorkshire Wing DI competition on his first attempt and also being part in the armed guard of honour for the Commandant Air Cadets at the North Region Training Day.

In 2016 Flight Sergeant Smedley moved from a Civilian Instructor to becoming an Adult SNCO and achieving Adult Sergeant, then being promoted to Adult Flight Sergeant in 2020. He is also a qualified drill instructor who not only helps 148 Sqn, but other Squadrons in the Sector and the Wing. He is also a qualified archery instructor who regularly runs cadets’ archery sessions. Keen on military history and all things aviation he ensures the cadet experience is a high standard.