Trent Gedling applied for the exchange program online, but was so sure he didn’t stand a chance he didn’t bother telling his parents about it.

But after a teleconference interview, Trent received word he was one of 36 people handpicked from Australia, and 700 worldwide to participate in the program.

Trent, who is 18 and studying at TAFE with a view to applying for the Air Force at the end of the year, said he has been a member of the Australian Air Force Cadets 328 Squadron at Bathurst for about five years.

“It’s a youth organisation with a military background, which aims at improving leadership and good citizenship skills,” he said.

“My father has a military background, which is why I was interested in it.”

Trent was looking at online sites for cadets last year when he came across a program called IACE (International Air Cadet Exchange), which started in 1942.

“I applied for it, but didn’t tell anyone about it, and got a phone call at Christmas for a phone interview, and the next thing I knew I was accepted,” he said. 

“I didn’t even have a passport. I didn’t think I’d get accepted.”

It is not the first time Trent has applied for something and kept it on the quiet. His father, Aaron, said Trent applied for a scholarship once and got it, but never told anyone about the application.

“I guess he doesn’t want to build up his hopes, applies and just sees how far he goes,” he said.

Trent flew out for Nebraska on July 21, and will be gone for three weeks.

“Lucky is not the word for it. I really appreciate the opportunity,” he said.

Trent wants to be a logistics officer with the Australian Air Force one day.