Spring 2015

Transcription

Spring 2015

Inside: Shooting Star Makeover For The Reds Battle For Air Squadron Trophy
Air Cadet News
www.raf.mod.uk/aircadetsSpring 2015
Carol helps cadet
reach for the stars
Rebecca needs
your help !
Lights ... Camera
... Action !
Bringing ACO
History to life
Stepping Up ...
Qualified Aerospace Instructors’ Course
Seal of Approval
Royal Opening
of New Wing
www.raf.mod.uk/aircadets 1
Air Cadet CONTENTS
Cover image: Philip Jones
Welcome to
8
AirCadet
Welcome to another packed edition of Air Cadet! It never
ceases to amaze me just how much air cadets achieve in just a
few months ...
In this issue we hear from Group Captain Les Hakin, London
& South East Regional Commandant, who gives his view ‘from
the top’ before he leaves the Organisation after many years of
incredible service.
We also have an in-depth look at the brand new, first ever
ACO history DVD that should be with squadrons very soon
and find out more about one of the ACO’s premier courses, the
Qualified Aerospace Instructors’ Course.
Some 40 students drawn from across all six Regions have
just graduated in style from QAIC VII – read the article on page
20 and find out if you have what it takes to be part of QAIC VIII,
applications for which open next month.
As always, cadets have been excellent ambassadors for the
Organisation, whether it’s rubbing
shoulders with the Chief of the
Air Staff at high profile events,
demonstrating the best of the
best at the CCF’s Air Squadron
Trophy competition or
achieving individual
success like
Cadet Flight
Sergeant
Marcus Horry,
who has his sights
set on the 2020
Tokyo Olympics.
Happy reading! n
AirCadet is sponsored by:
Email your Cadet news,
events and high res pics to:
[email protected]
2 Air Cadet SPRING 2015
We are all in awe of Rebecca ...
I think her spirit is truly amazing.
www.justgiving.com/
See story on page 8 for full details
6
26
SPRING 2015
AirCadet
Contents
Insight
4
From the top
Going Forward ...
10 RAF Charitable Trust
Features
/Rebecca-Dalgleish
s ...
14
25 Face of the Air Cadets
Duke Of Edinburgh
28 Shaping the future
The DofE approaches
its 60th anniversary
next year
News
6
Queen gives royal
seal of approval
8
12
Lights ... Camera ... Action !
Bringing the ACO’s history to life
18 Makeover for
the Reds
16 Do Something Different
This Summer
The Outward
Bound Trust
20 Stepping Up ...
Qualified Aerospace Instructors Course
32 Ccf Battle For
Top Trophy
Managing Editor:
Denise Parker Housby
E: ACO-HQAC-MC-Head @mod.uk
Editor:
Carol McCombe
E: [email protected]
Advertising:
Ten Alps Group Sales Manager:
Richard Stillman
T: 0207 657 1837
Design:
Steve J Davies, Air Media Centre,
HQ AIR, RAF High Wycombe
Carol helps cadet reach for the stars
24 Volunteering
in Goa
26 Cadets compete for
South Africa expedition prize
25 Face of the Air Cadets
Shooting
36
Shooting Star ...
Cadet Marcus Horry has his sights set on
the 2020 Olympics
Every care has been taken in the
preparation of this magazine, but
neither Warners plc nor the ACO can
be held responsible for the accuracy
of the information herein, or any
consequence arising from it.
Views expressed by contributors and
customers might not reflect the views
of the ACO.
Produced by Air Media Centre,
HQ Air Command.
1507_15SJD
© UK MOD Crown Copyright 2015
Printing:
Warners Midlands plc, The Maltings
Manor Lane, Bourne PE10 9PH
T: 01778 391000
AIR CADET INSIGHT
Going forward ...
From
The
Top
Well, clearly the prediction in the Autumn
2014 edition that short of insurrection
the Commandant would invite Regional
Commandants to write the foreword for the Air
Cadet magazine has come true. No insurrection!
So here I am following in the trail-blazing
footsteps of the COS, chosen not because of my
charm and wit but because I am leaving soon!
When the Commandant approached
me about this, it was not an invitation
in its strictest sense – it was more of a
delegation of the task from her to me.
Delegation is a word much used in the
military and the ATC too.
It is a concept that we should all
understand. Delegation to an individual
means that your trust is placed in them
and they have the responsibility of
carrying out the task ... but they must
be competent, trained and capable of
carrying out the task.
In delegating though you do not
abdicate your overall responsibility for
that action (so, if I get it wrong Boss!).
The Commandant suggested that
I might like to review all the changes
that have occurred in the period of my
long, enjoyable and rewarding tenure as
Commandant LaSER.
But the 2020 update is out on the
street, the inclusivity statement of
the ACO is published, the Total Safety
Directive issued etc all of which indicates
that the only constant in our organisation
is change.
I decided that it may be somewhat
repetitive to list the changes but to turn
By By Group Captain Les Hakin
London & South East
Regional Commandant
her advice on its head and cover the
things that we (YOU when I leave) must
keep as guiding principles of the ACO.
The first is the selection, appointment
and promotion of high quality
Commissioned Officers in the ACO.
Without this quality, leadership will suffer
and our high standards of achievement
will fall away. Next is the importance in
our organisation of the NCO cadre. With
an approved promotion system, from
Sergeant to Warrant Officer, where results
and activity are rewarded, NCOs continue
with the important discipline and drill
aspects and dress standards throughout
the ACO that are so important to an RAF
sponsored organisation.
Next the ACO increasingly is seen in
public as the RAF Footprint and is held in
high regard for this Ceremonial Role. It is
important that when our parent service is
engaged elsewhere, we are ready, willing
and able to fill the gap.
Now finally to the last thing that
must stay the same is adherence to our
ethos, core values and standards. It is
not for nothing that they are in Air Cadet
Publication No 1.
Respect
Self Respect. Respect for each other
regardless of background and respect for
authority.
Integrity
Doing the right thing even when no one
is looking.
Service before Self
Putting the ACO and others before
ourselves.
Excellence
Always striving for
continuous improvement.
All of these values are underpinned by
Leadership which neatly takes
me back to officer selection
which is important to
ensure ... leadership! Well,
as I come to the end of
my short introduction I
wish you all in the ACO
the best of good fortune
for the future which I know
is assured. I may be leaving
but to paraphrase
the words in the
song sung by Sting,
“I’ll be watching
you” albeit from
the sidelines
and as a
supporter! n
Air Cadet News
Chinooks
come home
After 13 years supporting operations
in Afghanistan, Royal Air Force
Chinooks have left Kabul and
returned home.
Since the end of combat operations
in Afghanistan in last October, three
RAF Chinooks were retained in the
country to assist British troops in
non-combat roles but they have now
returned home to RAF Odiham in
Hampshire.
The Chinook Force has flown
over 41,000 hours, extracted 13,000
casualties and its crews have been
awarded numerous gallantry awards,
including 23 distinguished flying
crosses for bravery in the air.
Group Captain Richard Maddison,
RAF Odiham’s Station Commander,
said: “The sight of a Chinook in
Afghanistan will be iconic to many
that have served there, or have
witnessed the events from afar. The
commitment of the personnel from
the Chinook Force – whether in
Afghanistan or supporting from the
UK and other overseas locations – has
been first rate.”
“We return with enormous pride at
our contribution over this very testing
period and wish those of the Puma
Force the very best success as they
continue to provide helicopter
support in the country”.
The Chinook aviation
detachment in Kabul
has handed over to the
RAF Puma 2 Force from
RAF Benson, whose
crews will remain in
Afghanistan until the
mission is complete. n
Next generation
of drone pilots
Cadets from 2428 (Hedge End)
Squadron in Southampton are
being offered the chance to learn
how to build, fly and race next
generation drones.
The pioneering new scheme has
been launched by a British-owned drone
consultancy group, UAViate. They are
setting up a brand new academy at the
Southampton air cadet squadron with
the aim of developing second generation
drone pilots.
The community drone training
programme has been set up in a
bid to counteract recent negative
publicity about drones and challenge
public perceptions.
A spokesman for UAViate said: “We are
on a mission to remind Brits that drones
can be incredibly useful. At the core of
our strategy to combat negative press is
a commitment to educating society in a
positive way.
“The newly commissioned Hedge End
drone academy will encourage the local
community to get involved and gain a
better understanding of drones and their
many uses.”
An academy training programme
has been developed with the support
of Southampton International Airport
and RadioC, one of the UK’s suppliers of
multicopter, drone and quadcopter parts.
The curriculum will teach cadets a
range of core skills including how to build
and fly drones safely, how to accurately
record and log flying hours, how to
obey the rules of the air and how to be a
responsible pilot.
The ultimate aim is to enter a team
into First Person View (FPV) racing
events and eventually send cadets to
represent the squadron at national drone
racing competitions.
Flight Lieutenant Lee Barfoot,
Commanding Officer of 2428 Squadron,
said, “We are thrilled to be working with
UAViate who will provide training for our
cadets which will be useful in both the
services and civilian life.
“It’s great that an aviation company
has such an interest in the community
and is actively encouraging youngsters to
take an interest in drone technology.” n
5
Air Cadet FEATURES
Queen gives Royal
Seal of approval
The Battle of Britain Memorial Trust’s new visitor
and education centre in Capel-le-Ferne, Kent,
received the royal seal of approval
when it was officially opened by
Her Majesty The Queen.
Words by Mike Cremin
Images byMike Cremin, Barry Duffield
& Malcolm Triggs
QUEEN GIVES ROYAL SEAL OF APPROVAL
The Queen, accompanied by His Royal
Highness The Duke of Edinburgh,
followed in the footsteps of her mother,
Her Late Majesty Queen Elizabeth The
Queen Mother, who unveiled the Battle
of Britain Memorial at Capel-le-Ferne on
9 July 1993.
Cadets from 99 (Folkestone) and 354
(Dover) Squadrons provided the Guard
of Honour for the opening of the
new “Wing”. The iconic building takes its
name – and its unique shape – from the
wing plan of R J Mitchell’s best-known
fighter, the Supermarine Spitfire.
Work on The Wing began in September
2013, following a successful response to
an appeal for funds launched in 2010 as
part of the commemorations to mark the
70th anniversary of the Battle.
The opening was performed in front
of invited guests and VIPs - including the
Chief of the Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal
Sir Andrew Pulford. Her Majesty toured
www.raf.mod.uk/aircadets the new building during her visit to the
cliff-top site and met some of the last
remaining members of The Few – the
aircrew who defended Britain from
invasion in 1940.
Flight Lieutenant Geoffrey Mellum,
93, said: “The Wing is a great credit to
all concerned. The layout is superb and
the film in the museum which depicts a
‘scramble’ in 1940 is the most authentic
portrayal of what went on that I’ve ever
seen or heard.”
Despite some atrocious Capel weather,
the cadets provided the formal backdrop
for this unique event during the 75th
anniversary year of the Battle of Britain
and were commended for their tenacity.
The Guard Commander and Kent
Wing Staff Officer, Flight Lieutenant
Nigel Taylor, said: “For most, this was a
once in a lifetime event and, in spite
of the extremely poor weather and
the cancellation of the fly past, the
opportunity to play a central part and at
such close quarters to Her Majesty and
Prince Phillip is one that all those involved
will remember.”
Squadron Leader Mike Cremin, the
Kent Wing Project Officer for Capel,
added: “A huge amount of preparatory
work was carried out for this event under
the most stringent security restrictions
and, once again, despite the atrocious
weather the cadets on duty exemplified
the very best the ACO has to offer
under the worst possible conditions.”
Corporal Oliver Kent
from 99 (Folkestone)
Squadron summed up
the day: “An excellent
day with the Queen and
guests of honour. It’s
good to be an Air
Cadet!” n
7
Air Cadet News
Carol helps
cadet reach
for the stars
Honorary Ambassador Group
Captain Carol Vorderman
flew in to Tayside Aviation to
help Cadet Corporal Rebecca
Dalgleish raise money for her
charity hospice.
We are all in awe of
Rebecca ... I think her spirit
is truly amazing ...
www.justgiving.com/Rebecca-Dalgleish
Rebecca, of 132 (North
Berwick) Squadron, was
recently diagnosed with
cancer and, despite being
told it was terminal,
aimed to raise money for
the Children’s Hospice
Association Scotland.
Creating a blog of her
bucket list, Tayside Aviation
helped get Rebecca airborne
in Dundee, with Carol offering
a surprise flight in her own
aircraft too. Carol is now
calling on all members of the
Armed Forces and the general
public to get behind Rebecca’s
efforts to raise money for the
hospice that has helped her
and her family by logging on
to her justgiving page www.
justgiving.com/RebeccaDalgleish
Carol said: “I think her spirit
is truly amazing. Rebecca
is completely selfless and
despite being given terrible
news about her illness she has
set to, dug in and is absolutely
determined to make a
difference. We are all in awe
of Rebecca – she has been
gliding and flying as an air
cadet and despite her failing
health we hope she will get
airborne again in my aircraft at
Tayside Aviation.”
Rebecca started out aiming
to raise £5,000 for her hospice
– the Children’s Hospice
Association Scotland but has
already raised six times that
much. During her visit to
Tayside Aviation, Rebecca also
received two top awards, a
Special Commendation from
Commandant Air Cadets and
the Andy Swierczek Award for
her determination. Carol also
presented her with a limited
edition print signed by the
RAF Red Arrows.
Rebecca was also given
a tour of the facilities and
a three-aircraft flypast by
the Tayside Aviation Grob
Formation Team. Rebecca has
been a cadet for four years
and has completed her Duke
of Edinburgh Bronze and is
halfway through her Silver
(she just needs to complete
the expedition which she
missed out on last summer
due to her hospitalisation).
Her Commanding Officer
Flt Lt Iain Edmans said:
“Rebecca puts in lots of time
for community events, which
has resulted in a Saltire Award
for completing over 100 hours
of volunteering and is very
committed to the squadron.
She was a member of the
Squadron team which won
the Wing Swimming Gala in
2013 and has run 10k event
to raise funds for the Sick Kids
Friends’ Foundation.
The latter supports the
work of the Royal Hospital
for Sick Children, Edinburgh
where her younger brother
has been a patient for over
10 years.
“Her news has been a shock
to everyone but typical of her
character, just after receiving
her bad news that her illness
was terminal, she immediately
decided to raise money for
CHAS, the Children’s Hospice
Association Scotland.
“Becky is the sort of cadet
who stands outside all
weekend doing fund raising
for the Royal British Legion
poppy collection and she is a
stalwart - a real trooper. She
had chemo and radiotherapy
and was even doing her air
cadet syllabus work in her
hospital bed last year - she
was promoted whilst in
hospital. “
Rebecca has already raised
more than £32,000 and it’s
increasing daily but she hopes
to raise this further, so that
CHAS can continue to help
young people with lifeshortening conditions. n
Air Cadet FEATURES
Pilots Test
Motivational
Flight Packages ...
Two pilots from 644 VGS at RAF
Syerston have taken to the skies as the
first to try new motivational gliding
packages, made available to the Air
Cadet Organisation through a grant of
£25,000 from the RAF Charitable Trust.
The Trust’s donation is part of its
commitment to Air Cadet gliding, with
this money being put towards the
specific aim of keeping staff members
motivated while maintaining their skills.
Flight Lieutenant Mat Faulkner and
Civilian Gliding Instructor (CGI) Lewis
Whitmore, both from 644 VGS, were the
first two staff members to benefit from
the grant, taking off from The Gliding
Centre at Husbands Bosworth Airfield
near Lutterworth in Leicestershire.
Flt Lt Faulkner said: “I arrived mindful
that I hadn’t flown for some nine months.
The weather was challenging – high
winds, varying cloud base and bitter
cold – and the programme, including
spinning and aerobatics, exciting!
“I enjoyed three flights on the first day
in the Puchaz, then moved to the K21
on the Sunday to disprove the theory
that it wouldn’t spin, and to try some
aerobatics.
“It was incredible fun, mentally
challenging and a valuable learning
experience. I’d like to thank the
Charitable Trust for providing the
opportunity and the team at the centre
for their patience and skill in delivering
the training.”
CGI Whitmore added: “The exercises
were immense fun and incredibly useful
to me as a pilot, especially the spin
awareness training.
“That’s something we do not tackle
within the Air Cadet gliding domain and
understanding how a spin can occur has
reinforced the reasoning behind some of
our strictest flying procedures.
“I would like to thank the Charitable
Trust for making this amazing
opportunity available to myself and
other Air Cadet instructors who are, no
doubt, equally as eager to return to the
sky as I am.
“It has made me a more aware pilot,
and will augment my ability to instruct
effectively once the Air Cadet gliding
fleet returns to normal operations.”
Back on terra firma, the two pilots
were interviewed by Jim Davis from
BBC Radio Leicestershire, publicising
both the Air Cadets and the RAF
Charitable Trust. n
TOP: CGI Lewis Whitmore from 644VGS,
with his instructor in the back of the glider,
gets ready for take-off.
On-Going Sponsorship
For Air Cadet Magazine
Read all about it! The RAF Charitable
Trust has announced its continuing
sponsorship of Air Cadet Magazine
with a grant of £10,000 to ensure the
publication brings news, features and
photos to its readership for the next 12
months.
The Air Cadet Organisation’s Chief of
Staff Group Captain John Lawlor said: “The
magazine has just celebrated its 76th year
and the publication, both in printed form
and the online edition, continues to be
well received, with first-rate feedback.
“The magazine is one of the most
important information platforms in the
ACO, the Cadet Forces and in Defence
(youth engagement), and we are
continually reviewing and improving the
publication to ensure it meets the needs
of its wide market audience covering
everyone from cadets and their siblings
to volunteers and influencers such as MPs
and members of the House of Lords.”
He added: “This is an exciting time for
the magazine with circulation increasing
from approximately 240,000 per edition to
480,000 as a result of the online viewing
platform. The senior RAF leadership team
and MPs have nothing but praise for the
publication and, of course, each time
they read the magazine they also see
stories of the RAF Charitable Trust and the
immense contribution that it makes to
the Air Cadets. Thank you to the Trust for
this most generous support of Air Cadet
Magazine.” n
RAF CHARITABLE TRUST
New Air Cadet Banner
Cadets from 863 (Thurston)
Squadron in Suffolk are now the
proud owners of a new squadron
banner, thanks to a grant of £517.94
from the RAF Charitable Trust.
The banner was presented and
dedicated at the Squadron’s annual
carol service at St Mary’s Church,
Pakenham. Air Vice-Marshal The Hon
David Murray CVO OBE, president
of Thurston Air Cadets, presented
the new banner which was then
dedicated by the Reverend Ron Tuck,
Wing Chaplain.
The ceremony also saw eight new
cadets welcomed to the squadron
after completing their basic training,
and saw the announcement of
promotion for six other cadets.
Banner bearer, Cadet Sergeant
David Cobbold, 18, said: “It was a
great honour to be part of this special
occasion. It is very important for us
to have our own banner that we can
use for ceremonial parades, and all
the cadets are very grateful for the
Charitable Trust’s generous grant.”
Squadron Commanding Officer,
Flying Officer Richard Jacobs said: “The
ceremony was a marvellous occasion
to mark our new cadets’ entry to the
Squadron and the promotions of
our older cadets. We felt particularly
honoured to have AVM David Murray
join us for the evening, and are most
grateful for the generous donation
from the Charitable Trust for the
new banner.”
Jamie Gwatkin, Treasurer of the
Civilian Committee, said: “This was a
very special night which will be in our
memories for a long time. Thank you
to all at the Charitable Trust for making
this possible.” n
www.raf.mod.uk/aircadets Summit success
An expedition organized by the National Air Cadets Adventure Training Centre
(NACATC) in Windermere headed for the hills early in March for five days’ winter
mountain training in the Scottish Highlands.
Helped by a £400 grant from the RAF Charitable Trust, Ex Winter Cairngorm 2015
saw a party of 16 Cadet Force Adult Volunteer Staff participate in the Joint Services
Winter Mountain Foundation (WMF) and Winter Climbing Foundation (WCF) courses. A
number of the group also used the expedition to develop their experience as they work
towards the Winter Mountain Leader Award.
The course, based at Feshiebridge lodge near Aviemore, saw participants training
with ice axes and crampons, using avalanche transceivers, practicing navigation in
white-out conditions, spending a night in a snow hole, building belays and looking at
rescue strategies.
Andy Reeve, Chief Instructor and Manager of NACATC, said: “The Charitable Trust
grant enabled us to fund the cost of a very experienced instructor, who provided direct
training to one of our three groups, and also advised and mentored the staff leading
the other two groups. It also funded the avalanche transceivers, one of the latest
developments in mountain safety. We would like to thank the Charitable Trust for its
support of this expedition and the opportunities it provided to develop the knowledge
and skills of the ACO staff.”
Amanda Butcher, Director of the RAF Charitable Trust, said: “This expedition involved
instructors and officers from across the UK, and the Trustees were delighted to support a
project that will open new opportunities for cadets in all regions.” n
Venture, Adventure
Air Cadets from three areas are bound for adventure after receiving grants
totalling £5,550 from the RAF Charitable Trust.
Twenty-five Cadets from Devon & Somerset Wing will be sea kayaking in Cornwall,
as a training exercise for future kayaking expeditions in Norway. Eleven over-18s
from across the UK will be managing a 72ft sail training vessel off the West coast of
Scotland and the Western Isles in August.
And 10 Cadets from 1998 (West Cross) Squadron from Swansea have returned
after they took part in a seven-day adventure dog sledding north of the Arctic Circle.
Look out for photos and reports in future editions. n
11
Air Cadet FEATURES
Lights ...
Camera ...
Action !
Air Cadet History
is brought to life ...
As the first copies of the first
ever ACO History DVD start
to be delivered, ‘Air Cadet’
takes a peak behind the
scenes of this landmark
film designed to bring
Air Cadet history
to life ...
By Squadron Leader Mark Trevena
Lights ... Camera ... Action !
Did You Know?
1920s Air Cadets can trace their
history back to the 1920s when the
Bournemouth Young Airman’s League
was formed on the South coast.
1930s The Air Defence Cadet Corps
was founded by Air Commodore
Adrian Chamier a retired RAF pilot
who had seen service in WWI.
1940s The first female Air Cadets
were part of the Women’s Junior Air
Corps which was formed in 1940.
Cadets flew with the Air Transport
Auxiliary during World War II, helping
as Pilots Assistants to deliver front line
combat aircraft to the Royal Air Force.
1950s During Cold War National
Service youngsters who had been in
the Air Cadets could insist on joining
the Royal Air Force.
1960s The Air Cadet glider fleet
set many records including a two
seat, open cockpit canvas Sedbergh
glider flight that set several records
including a height gain of 15,240 feet
– almost 3 miles!
The two DVD set consists of an hour-long documentary together with a selection
of archive Air Cadet recruitment films, spanning more than 40 years, from 1941 to
1989, as well as the Chipmunk Air Experience Film.
More than 3,000 copies of the film, designed for training and engagement purposes,
will be distributed to all ATC and Combined Cadet Force (RAF) formations. Project
Officer for the DVD, Squadron Leader Mark Trevena, takes up the story. “Back in 2011, we
started looking at making a short film showing the AC70 fly past at RIAT,” he explained.
“Working with the Headquarters Air Cadets’ media team, we could see
there was a much larger story that needed to be told and the scope
of the filming was quickly extended to cover the wider history of
the Air Cadets.”
It was a mammoth project but, from the outset, help
was on hand from the RAF Air Command Video Section,
who assisted with filming and post production. A
host of historical film and photographic material was
provided by the RAF Museum, Imperial War Museum, the
British Defence Film Library, British Pathe and Solent Sky
who opened up their vaults.
A wealth of other material was also sourced from individuals,
ATC Squadrons, CCF (RAF) Sections and the Girls Venture Corps
to give the film a national look and feel. Within a few weeks
the production went from being a short film to a feature length
production, telling the story of the ATC and CCF (RAF).
www.raf.mod.uk/aircadets 1970s The uniform was updated
from the WWII style “Hairy
Mary” jackets to the ubiquitous
“woolly pully”.
1980s Although girls could join the
Air Cadets from the early 1980s the
Girls Venture Corps is still very active.
1990s The glider fleet was
modernised to become a totally glass
reinforced plastic fleet.
2000s Modernisation swept across
the Air Cadets – an updated training
syllabus, Regional Activity Centres,
Junior Leaders and the Qualified
Aerospace Instructors’ Course.
Today Since the very beginning the
AEF role has been fulfilled by a wide
variety of aircraft - Oxford, Dominie,
Anson, Tigermoth, Chipmunk, Beagle,
Bulldog and Tutor.
13
Air Cadet FEATURES
Ex-cadets from across the decades ... tell
their stories to bring the archive to life.
Did You Know?
British Defence Film Library
BDFL has an extensive library
of approximately 3,500 titles,
representing over 40 years’ worth
of material.
All ACO units are able to request
training material from BDFL and
are encouraged to set up an
account with BDFL for free loans
of training material by contacting
[email protected]
Free BDFL DVDs for
Air Cadet Training
AF7996 RAF Past & Present
AF010/00 Tutor Passenger Brief
C1583-5 Map Reading - Pts 1-4
AF4053/07 Horizons Unlimited (Vigilant Gliding)
C1666-8 Map Reading - Pts 5-7
AF7502-3 Secondary Radar Pt 1-2
AF7780-5 Theory of Flight
AF8391 Low Level Navigation
AF6619 Jet Engine Intro
C1725Fieldcraft
AF6626 Turbo jet Propulsion
AF7820/1 Aircraft Marshalling
Squadron Leader Trevena said: “With
the main historical material in place we
started looking for ex-cadets from across
the decades to come forward to tell their
stories to bring the archive to life.
“When we visited a number of these
veterans in person it became obvious that
we should interview them for the film so
that they could tell the story of the Air
Cadets in their own words”.
At this stage some additional filming
was set up to show modern classroom
training, the Qualified Aerospace
Instructors’ Course (QAiC), a Foot Drill
Sequence and the use of Flight Simulators
on Squadrons. Once the many hours of
material were compiled, it was over to
SAC Ben Lees of the Air Command Video
Section set to work editing the material to
the script and voiceover. Each draft of the
script and edit was reviewed by a panel of
experts to make sure the story remained
accurate and interesting.
Squadron Leader Trevena explained:
“We worked to an approved script that
ended up running to over 30 pages
with detailed instructions for interviews,
graphics, and music which was
continuously updated during the postproduction phase”.
In late 2013 the last sections to be
included were a selection of interviews
with modern day cadets which were
interspersed with quotes from veterans in
the final section of the film to signify the
passing on of the Air Cadet Organisation
to the ‘next generation.’
After the final editing was completed
the production was handed over to the
British Defence Film Library (BDFL) for
the duplication and distribution of over
3,000 copies in the first run. As well as
managing the project logistics, BDFL will
also create an archive from the various
footage which will, in time, be passed
on to the Imperial War Museum for long
term storage.
The DVD set is about to be distributed
to all Squadrons, Detached Flights and
RAF (CCF) Sections for use as part of
cadet training. In addition to the main
documentary, a second DVD also includes
a shorter version for Junior Cadet training
and a selection of bonus material. n
AIR CADET FEATURES
Air Cadet FEATURES
Do Something
Different
This Summer ...
“Not a day goes by where I don’t use the skills I learned on
my Outward Bound course.” Those are the words of Cadet
Corporal Sarah Osho of 1475 (Dulwich) Squadron.
DO SOMETHING DIFFERENT THIS SUMMER
Sarah experienced a once in a lifetime
Outward Bound summer programme in
the Lake District, taking part in the 19day Ultimate Expedition.
She credits the programme with
helping her to grow as a person, whilst
making a real difference to her personal
life and her role as a corporal.
Outward Bound programmes have
long been associated with the Armed
Services. From humble beginnings of
training merchant seamen for World War
Two, the Outward Bound experience has
evolved to be a powerful and relevant
experience to young people both in and
outside of the Forces.
For air cadets like Sarah, the likes of
the Ultimate Expedition offers a unique
opportunity to broaden her Adventurous
Training experience.
An unparalleled adventure
Even for those who have done a number
of outdoor education courses, an
Outward Bound programme offers a truly
exceptional level of adventure, challenge
and learning, as Cadet Corporal Susannah
Bath describes. “I’ve taken part in outdoor
courses in the past but none will be
as memorable as my Outward Bound
course. Equally, none have given me the
sense of having developed quite so much
in a short space of time. I’m so proud of
what I achieved.”
Like the 25,000 other participants that
The Outward Bound Trust works with
each year, Susannah’s pride stems from
her completion of a highly challenging
journey in the wilderness, which forms
the basis of each and every Outward
Bound programme.
From leading an ascent of the UK’s
highest mountains, to managing a kayak
expedition around uninhabited Scottish
islands, the adventure takes place on land
and on the water with participants taking
real responsibility for the success of their
journey.
In fact, 2013 saw one Outward Bound
group who took charge of covering
more than 13,000 metres of ascent - that’s
higher than Everest - during their 3 week
course. With venues in Snowdonia, the
Lake District and the Scottish Highlands,
adventures don’t come much wilder
than this.
www.raf.mod.uk/aircadets ... None have given me the sense of
having developed quite so much in a
short space of time. I’m so proud of what
I achieved ...
Skills for the future
As those with AT experience will know,
experiencing genuine challenge can also
lead to the building of life-long, careermaking skills.
“I’m now much more confident as
a person,” comments Cadet Corporal
Ramsey Montano on his Outward
Bound course, “Having to lead a group
of individuals who were much more
experienced than me was tough but it
meant I developed real leadership skills.”
To make those new skills transferable to
everyday life, Outward Bound instructors
are the lynchpin of the course. Oft-quoted
as participants’ favourite element of their
course, an Outward Bound instructor is
unlike any other.
They not only hold the technical skills
to take their group into the UK’s most
inaccessible environments, they have the
academic qualifications to ensure that the
learning sticks and makes an impact back
at school or work.
Accessible to all
Cadets can also take advantage of The
Trust’s bursary scheme, which could
support them with up to 50% funding
towards a course. As a UK charity, The
Trust engages with donors and sponsors
to be able to offer young people an
experience of a lifetime.
For the remaining cost, The Trust offers
dedicated fundraising support and advice,
with guides to help you to cover the
course fee without spending a penny.
To book an Outward Bound
programme this summer visit
outwardbound.org.uk or call 01931
740000 n
17
Air Cadet News
Makeover for
the Reds
The Royal Air Force Aerobatic Team,
the Red Arrows, has revealed a new
Union flag-inspired design on its worldfamous jets.
Tailfins on the team’s Hawk aircraft
have received the fresh look, ready for the
new display season where they will be
seen by millions of people both at home
and overseas. Complete with flowing
red, white and blue lines, the design
emphasises the team’s important role
as a global ambassador for the United
Kingdom and Royal Air Force.
Squadron Leader David Montenegro,
(pictured) who will lead the team as
Red 1 for the first time in 2015, said: “The
new tailfin perfectly illustrates the spirit
of the Red Arrows – representing the
UK, our engineering excellence and the
continuing capability of the Royal Air
Force to protect our skies.”
Last year, the Red Arrows celebrated
their 50th season, performing more than
Tried and tested
80 displays across the UK and in nine
other countries.
The milestone was marked with
a special, one-off tailfin design on its
aircraft, replacing the familiar three-stripe
livery the team’s jets had flown since
the 1960s.
Now, instead of returning to this
original paint scheme following the
season-long 50th pattern, the new
Union flag design has been adopted for
the future.
All of the team’s British-built, BAe
Systems Hawk jets will be receiving the
new livery, with their distinctive fuselages
retaining red and white colours. n
Competition
Cadet Direct, one of the leading UK suppliers of military clothing, footwear
and equipment, has teamed up with Air Cadet magazine to run a special
competition exclusively for readers of the magazine.
One lucky reader could win £100 worth of Cadet Direct gift vouchers by
simply answering the question below and then emailing your
answer, together with your name, address
and squadron to
competitions@
cadetdirect.com
All entries should arrive
no later than Friday, 26 June.
The first correct entry drawn
at random will the receive
the prize of £100 of Cadet
Direct gift vouchers. n
Question:
What does the
abbreviation
QAIC mean?
Wellington College CCF cadets
put their knowledge of physics to
the test. With a range of material
supplied, cadets were given the task
of creating a way to drop an egg
from a second storey window on to a
concrete floor with minimal damage
in just 60 minutes.
The exercise, which was marked
and assessed, was inspired by
munition drops where timing and
knowledge is essential for the supplies
to parachute safely to the ground. n
Trio triumph
Three cadets from Wymondham
College CCF in Norfolk recently
travelled to Sheffield to compete
in the prestigious British Schools
Judo Championships.
Cadets Amy Mollan, Johanna
Mollan and Emma Merryweather, who
all train at Wymondham Judo Club
competed in the Championships
that attracted over 500 entrants from
all over the UK. Johanna Mollan and
Emma Merryweather fought in the
Under 48kg and Under 52kg groups
respectively and both won a bronze
medal, having fought extremely well.
Amy Mollan, following a
convincing performance, and one
of her best throws and wins to date,
was awarded the gold medal for the
Under 44kg group. The girls are now
focusing on a tournament in Ede, The
Netherlands, next month with the
British Judo Association Eastern
Area Squad. n
High flier
Eighteen-year-old Cadet Sergeant
Jack Savage from 42F (King’s Lynn)
Squadron has gained his ‘Wings’,
following a course run by Tayside
Aviation at Dundee Airport.
Jack went solo in a Grob Tutor
aircraft after only eight hours’ intensive
training. He was presented with his
Air Cadet Pilot Scheme certificate
by Wing Commander David Miller,
Norfolk & Suffolk Wing’s Commanding
Officer, during a special ceremony at
the King’s Lynn Squadron. n
AIR CADET
Air Cadet
FEATURES
News
Air Cadet FEATURES
... You meet high
calibre cadets from
across the UK. You
learn a lot about
yourself too.
Stepping Up
If you’re interested in aerospace and relish
a challenge, then the Qualified Aerospace
Instructors’ Course could be for you. It’s
tough - demanding real commitment and
determination. Do you have what it takes?
Since the Qualified Aerospace
Instructors’ Course was introduced more
than six years ago to develop senior
cadets’ skills in leadership, teamwork,
communication as well teaching a
range of aviation-related subjects
over nine months, it has earned the
reputation of being one of the Air Cadet
Organisation’s premier courses.
The course is not for the faint hearted.
It places a heavy expectation on students
Words & images by
Philip Jones
from the outset, commitment to every
training weekend, periodic examinations
and a reasonable amount of work to
complete in between weekends.
The rewards however are there for
the taking, including an Institute of
Leadership and Management Level 2
award and formal recognition by one of
the world’s major aerospace bodies, the
Royal Aeronautical Society.
All those who have successfully
completed the course, that runs from
September to the following Easter, say it
is one of the most personally rewarding
activities they have ever undertaken.
The course was first formed in
September 2008 when 20 high calibre
cadets from across North Region were
selected to join QAIC 1, operating from
the Regional Activity Centre at RAF Linton
on Ouse. The course was an outstanding
success and in 2011 a second centre
opened at MoD Boscombe Down. Now
both centres run in parallel, operating
identical programmes over the same
eight training weekends.
Opportunity
It is a long course, offering candidates
the opportunity to learn many aviationrelated subjects to a higher level than
the normal syllabus as well as developing
their leadership skills, confidence in public
speaking, instructional abilities and other
talents. Qualified Aerospace Instructor
standards are high: this is no attendance
STEPPING UP ...
...
course. This is a hard won award gained
after many months of sustained effort.
The next course starts in September 2015
and to be considered you must:
• Be at least 16 years old.
• Master Cadet (or Staff Cadet pt 1 on the
old syllabus).
• Grade C GCSE (or equivalent) in Maths
and English (actual or predicted).
• Able to access broadband at home and
have an e-mail address.
• Have a keen interest in
aerospace subjects.
• Be willing to use your QAI qualifications
to instruct across a range of venues.
• Able to meet the £195 course fee from
personal or squadron funds.
If you pass selection you will be
committed to a course that runs for
a series of weekends with varying
degrees of work to be done in between
www.raf.mod.uk/aircadets the training sessions. As the course
develops, your syndicate will work on its
presentation that will, in the graduation
week, be given to an audience including
very knowledgeable senior Royal Air
Force officers and others who will spot
any “bluffing” on your part.
Teamwork
All participants are known throughout
the course by a “call sign” that
they choose themselves.
Each training location
is split into five
syndicates named
after current RAF
aircraft and it is in
those syndicates
that cadets will
work to prepare
their presentations,
develop teamwork
plus their public
speaking and project management
skills. It is in between the programmed
weekends that cadets will work within
their syndicates to research and hone
their presentations (hence the need for
e-mail and internet access).
Cadets use flight simulators, wind
tunnels, Air Traffic Control sims and other
facilities to complete their training. The
flight sim kit is not used as a toy. Students
prepare complete flight plans
and then fly the sorties
as if they were real.
As each location
operates the same
timetable cadets
are able to contact
their opposite
numbers via an
internet link and
exchange stories
before they meet for
the graduation camp.
21
Air Cadet FEATURES
At the beginning of the graduation week
cadets make high-level visits, currently
to Cranfield University (south) and BAe
Systems’ Typhoon factory at Warton
(north). Those cadets who successfully
complete the course dine-out in the
Officers’ Mess at RAF Linton-on-Ouse and
are then eligible to wear the blue lanyard.
One cadet who completed the
course last year was Cadet Warrant
Officer Sam Henson from 220 (St Albans)
Squadron. His Commanding Officer,
Flight Lieutenant Ben Wilkinson, said:
“CWO Henson is one of two cadets from
this squadron to have completed the
QAIC course – both found the training
challenging but very interesting and
fulfilling.
“As well as gaining personally, their
attendance on the course has also
benefitted the squadron as it has led to
a noticeable improvement in the quality
of teaching of the academic subjects
and levels of engagement amongst all
the cadets.”
As you would expect on a course
such as this, the instructors are mostly
professionals in their field. QAIC Course
Director at Boscombe Down, Squadron
Leader Robert Westerberg, said: “The great
thing about this course is that despite
the quality of the cadets that apply they
are still willing to work very hard over a
long period as they see the benefit of the
course to themselves and the wider ACO.”
Cadet Sergeant Hitesh Kumar from 338
(West Ham) Squadron said: “One of the
reasons I applied for this course was my
interest in Aeronautical Engineering. It
also helps my leadership and instructor
skills and lets me use my maths and
science knowledge. The other good
thing I found after starting the course was
the people; you meet high calibre cadets
from across the UK. You learn a lot about
yourself too.”
Proud
Wing Commander Ian Revell, Officer
Commanding QAIC, said: “I am proud of
the role we serve within the ATC and the
quality of the training we provide.
“Through our presence at two sites in
the UK we have the ability to reach the
vast majority of the cadets in the Corps,
and be able to offer a high calibre of
aerospace instruction to cadets who, for
the most part, are seeking a career in the
aerospace industry.
“We are fortunate to be supported by
a variety of aerospace organisations from
both the military and civilian worlds, and
it is through initiatives such as this that
the Corps is genuinely putting the “air”
back into the “Training” of the ATC.”
So when you have completed the
course what can you do? Well, you can
be a great benefit to your squadron by
helping to run events at your Regional
Activity Centre, you can work at Wing
or Regional level on similar activities
and some QAI cadets help with the
Engagement Platforms at events such as
the Royal International Air Tattoo where
they become very much the face of the
ACO. Or, in some cases, you can return
and help the next generation(s) of cadets
maximise their potential. One such
person is Officer Cadet Felicia Doubell
from 185 (Batley) Squadron. She was on
the third QAIC Course at RAF Linton-onOuse.
“When QAIC (Boscombe) opened
I came down to help. The course
developed me so much as a person
that I wanted to give something back
and joined to assist. When I became
a member of adult staff I carried on
because I really, really love the course
and am happy to help develop the later
generations of cadets.”
Additionally, some cadets are invited
to return to act as mentors for the next
courses. These QAI cadets help with the
running of the course and assist anyone in
need of a little bit of extra help. However,
it is not just ATC staff who come back.
At last year’s graduation week Air Vice
Marshal Martin Clark, Director (Technical)
Military Aviation Authority, said how
impressed he was with the standard of
the cadets’ presentations and expressed
an interest in getting involved. True to his
word, he is now assisting cadets on the
course. n
So, if you have an interest in aviation and wish to take it further within the Air
Cadets visit http://www.qaic.org and see if you have what it takes to join QAIC.
Applications for QAIC 8 will commence in June and will be notified through
Wings and squadrons. n
AIR CADET
Air Cadet
FEATURES
News
Air Cadet News
Cadets Support Opening
Of Spitfire Gallery
Volunteering
in Goa
Four cadets from 1289 (Stratford
upon Avon) Squadron were special
guests at the VIP launch of the brand
new Spitfire Gallery at Birmingham’s
Thinktank Museum.
The four cadets, representing the
ATC at the official launch event, were
thrilled with the opportunity to talk to
former Spitfire pilots Sid Cleaver and
Mike Horsfall, as well as former Castle
Bromwich Spitfire factory workers.
The new gallery tells the story
of the Spitfire – the iconic aircraft
that played a key role in the Second
World War – and its links with the
city of Birmingham. More than
10,000 Spitfires were produced at
Birmingham’s Castle Bromwich factory
from 1940 to 1945.
Pilot Officer Dave Ariss, Officer
Commanding 1289 Squadron,
said: “This is a rare and humbling
opportunity for our cadets to meet
some of the Few who flew the
Spitfire and also those who worked to
manufacture the aircraft at the Castle
Bromwich factory.
“It has been a fantastic experience
to learn about the Spitfire’s design
and role in the Second World War and
the life experiences of the pilots and
factory workers involved.” n
Goa, India’s smallest state and a
former Portugese outpost for almost
500 years, attracts millions of visitors
each year, including Cadet Warrant
Officer Kynan Fletcher, the Station
Commander’s Cadet for RAF Northolt,
who has just returned from a month’s
volunteering there.
Kynan, who planned the trip to
develop his understanding of the
language and culture of India, gave
presentations and lectures to more than
100 college and university students in
Dhempe College of Arts and Science
in Goa.
Kynan, from 1349 (Woking) Squadron
said: “Volunteering at the university
allowed me to connect with young
people of a similar age. I was able to
lecture about some of the same things
that I do at my squadron, including a
series of leadership-based presentations.
“What really made this something
special was that the students I was
working with lead such a vastly different
life to those that I teach back at home,
they face very different challenges and
so have a very unique perspective on
everything that we discussed,” he added.
The open floor presentations allowed
students to add and compare personal
experiences and was open to a diverse
AVM Sean Reynolds presents
Kynan with his promotion to CWO
range of students from both the college
and university.
“Students connected with and
understood this topic quickly,” said
Kashinath Hiremath, a Botany Professor
and the liaison professor at the college
who organised the sessions, “There were
many people present and even all of
the professors themselves in attendance
learnt a lot from these talks." n
Spitfire Run
To commemorate the 75th
Anniversary of the Battle of Britain, the
Royal Air Force Museum London has
launched the Spitfire 10K Run.
Taking place on Sunday, 6th
September 2015, the race begins
in the shadow of one of the RAF
Museum’s Spitfires and takes you on
a special journey, including a section
through the bomber
hangar and around the
iconic Lancaster, before
leaving the museum for
two loops of a flat road
course.
Your finish will be
commemorated
with an exclusive
Spitfire medal. n
Taking off ...
Cromer air cadets will be flying high
soon, thanks to a £3,500 grant from
North Norfolk District Council’s Big
Society Fund.
The money will be used to help
build a state-of-the-art flight
simulator for use by cadets from
1895 (Cromer) Squadron as well as
other local youth groups. Although
based at the headquarters of the
Cromer Squadron, the simulator will be
fully transportable so it can be made
available to other local squadrons,
schools and youth groups.
Squadron boss, Flight Lieutenant
Brian Keerie, said: “Having Norwich
Airport and other aviation- based
career possibilities in the region has
given us the incentive to launch this
project for the local community. It
is early days in the project as yet
but plans are in place and it will be
something that all the local cadets can
look forward to.” n
Air Cadet News
Air Cadet News
Dacre winners
The lucky recipients of the Dacre
Sword and Brooch will be revealed at
this year’s annual ACO Convention
this month.
All 12 Regional finalists have been
invited to RAF Cranwell at the end of
May where they will have the chance
to bid for a place on a camp with the
Hong Kong Air Cadet Corps. This is an
exciting new initiative, developed after
the Commandant’s visit to Hong Kong
last year. n
Drop zone
The third Exercise Easter Drop got
off to a flying a start at the Army
Parachute Association Netheravon
drop zone, with 15 cadets and three
members of staff from Bristol &
Gloucestershire Wing completing
their Static Line First Jump Course.
The weekend course began with
ground school training, followed by
lots and lots of practice and a final
written test.
The next day the cadets walked out
to the Cessna Grand Caravan aircraft
ready for their first jump.
Sergeant Kerry McClintock from
2392 (Thornbury) Squadron said: “The
cadets left the aircraft with looks of
fear and landed with smiles brimming
from ear to ear as they let their
accomplishments sink in.
“To those who missed out on
attending this year, keep an eye out
for next year’s bigger and better
course which will be celebrating the
75th anniversary of the ATC by getting
75 members of the ATC through the
Static Line First Jump Course in a
week! I look forward to seeing you
there.” n
Cadets compete for
South Africa expedition prize
A group of 11 air cadets are competing
with 24 others to be chosen as one of
nine national finalists in the CVQO Duke
of Westminster Award at a challenging
four-day selection event in Somerset.
These nine national finalists will win
a place on an educational two-week
expedition to South Africa in July and one
will be crowned the overall CVQO Duke of
Westminster Award winner for 2015 at the
House of Lords ceremony on 30 June.
The 11 are: Lucy Gardiner, 2344
(Longbenton) Squadron; Stephen
Isherwood, 440 (1st Manx) Sqn; Stephen
Postle, 2518 (Flint) Sqn; Callum Thompson,
70 (Croft and Culcheth); Rosina Chester,
2524 (Oakington) Sqn; James Clarke,
888 (Oldbury) Sqn; Megan Hansen,
2443 (Okehampton); Emily Bethell, 236
(Bollington) Sqn; Theodore Leigh, 46F
(Kensington) Sqn; Grace McDonald, 209
(West Bridgford) Sqn and James Van
Neste, 7 Overseas (Jersey) Sqn.
The candidates have all been
nominated by their cadet units in
recognition of their desire to help those
around them, overcome personal
challenges or demonstrate community
spirit. The four-day event in the Quantock
Hills includes physical team-building
tasks, challenging group debates, strategy
tests and interviews. All of these are
designed to test the cadets’ leadership
and management skills in a variety of
situations. Additionally, as part of the
four-day event, the cadets will complete
an ILM (Institute of Leadership and
Management) Level 3 in Leadership
and Management, allowing them to
demonstrate their skills to employers and
higher education institutions. The annual
event has been organised by education
charity CVQO and is taking place at
Outposts Adventure Specialists, near
Taunton in Somerset.
Guy Horridge, chief executive of CVQO,
said: “The CVQO Duke of Westminster
Award is not just about being a great
cadet; it is about recognising and
rewarding young people who become
valuable members of their communities
and who show a willingness selflessly
to help others. CVQO is also looking for
those young people who are working
hard to achieve their aspirations, perhaps
overcoming personal challenges and
difficulties that life has thrown at them,
building a resilience and determination
to succeed. This year’s standard has
been extremely high and it will be
particularly difficult to select those worthy
of a place in the final nine, let alone the
overall winner.”
Those lucky enough to win a place
on the South Africa expedition will be
working with local schools, taking part
in an environmental awareness
programme and learning about the
country’s history. n
Air Cadet News
DUKE OF EDINBURGH
The Air Cadet
Organisation is just
one of more than
900 organisations
that have secured
a licence to run the
Duke of Edinburgh’s
Award, helping an
incredible, recordbreaking 108,288
young people
achieve their Bronze,
Silver or Gold
Awards last year.
Shaping
the future
SHAPING THE FUTURE
As the DofE approaches its 60th
anniversary next year, this growth is
testament to its relevance to young
people today.
The employability benefits of the
programme have never been so valuable
as more young people compete to
secure a job; being able to demonstrate
skills beyond academic results that are
sought-after in the workplace, such
as communication, team-working,
commitment and drive, helps DofE
Award holders stand out from the crowd.
The DofE is on course to realise its
ambition of 300,000 young people
starting their DofE each year by 2016.
Continued expansion of Licensed
Organisations and centres, and the
recruitment of volunteers to sustain
this, will positively shape the futures
of more young people, support local
communities and contribute to a better
society at large.
Every organisation that offers the
Duke of Edinburgh’s Award does so
under a Licence Agreement and the ATC
is no different. This Licence is reviewed
every three years and recently the ATC
underwent this review.
In addition to confirming that every
cadet will be given the opportunity
to participate in the DofE, the Corps
also signed up to some Service Level
Agreements. Wing Commander Helen
Gerrish, the Corps DofE Development
Officer, explains:
1. A participant will be entered on
eDofE no later than one month after
paying their enrolment fee.
Who is responsible for this?
• The Squadron DofE Leader who takes
the money and enrolment form.
• The Squadron Adjutant who passes
the payment and PPR1 to the
Wing HQ.
• The nominated person at Wing HQ
who enters the participant’s details.
The status of the participant will show
as ‘new’ on eDofE and by logging on
regularly, the Squadron DofE Leader
will be able to monitor when the
record appears.
2. Squadron DofE Leaders will ensure
that participants enter their personal
details within one month of receiving
the e-mail to say they are registered.
• The Squadron DofE Leader.
• The Wing DofE Officer who should be
checking that accounts are not in the
‘new’ status for more than one month.
The leader will get a message to tell them
a participant has been registered and will
need to ensure the participant logs on
with their personal details.
Once this has been done, the
participant’s activity on eDofE should
be monitored.
3. On completion of a level, the
Verifying Officer will approve the
Award within one month of the
Award being submitted for approval.
• The Verifying Officer (Wing or Regional
DofE Officer).
• The Squadron DofE Leader who should
be checking that this has been done.
• The Corps Development Officer who
checks the Gold Awards.
• The HQ responsible for
issuing certificates.
• The Verifying Officer who should be
checking that delays do not occur.
• The Squadron DofE Leader who should
ensure that the cadet receives his/
her certificate.
Verifying Officers need to ensure their
respective HQs are aware of the SLA and
that certificates are sent out promptly.
By constantly monitoring eDofE, a Leader
can interrogate the system and check the
status of their participants.
If messages are acted upon promptly,
there should be no ‘new’ participants.
‘Active’ participants should be checked
for progress through the section.
‘Inactive’ participants need looking at
urgently as more help and interaction
may be necessary.
If the cadet has left the Corps, the
record should be archived. eDofE enables
us to see at an instant what is happening,
and if we use the system intelligently, we
can increase the number of awards that
are gained, and ensure that those who
start their DofE actually complete and
achieve the award. n
When the Award has been approved, the
leader will get a message confirming this,
but if nothing is received within a month,
they should be contacting the Verifying
Officer.
4. Certificates will be issued within
one month of verification of the
Award (with the exception of Gold
Awards where these are issued by
DofE HQ).
Participation Place Refunds
Did you know that every cadet who paid for a participation place after 1
August 2013 can claim a refund on completion of their Award? See SharePoint
at HQAC/ACO Document Library/Activities/Duke of Edinburgh/Policy
Documents for full details. n
Air Cadet News
Junior Leaders
boost charity fund
‘Outstanding’
cadets honoured
Cadets from 47F (Grantham)
Squadron has been named as
the Royal Air Force Benevolent
Fund’s ATC Squadron of the Year,
in recognition of its ‘outstanding’
support of the charity.
Representatives from the squadron
joined other donors and volunteers at
a special awards ceremony held at the
Victory Services Club in London.
The recipients were joined at the
event by Chief of the Air Staff, Air Chief
Marshal Sir Andrew Pulford and Lady
Pulford. This is the third year that the
RAF Benevolent Fund has recognised
the remarkable contributions made
by a few of the dedicated individuals,
stations, and corporate partners who
support the charity each year.
Mike Neville, Fundraising Director
at the RAF Benevolent Fund, said:
“Supporters and fundraisers are vital
to the work the RAF Benevolent
Fund does. Without them we simply
could not fulfil our pledge to help
members of the RAF community
overcome many different challenges.
We are indebted to all of our amazing
supporters, and our award winners
in particular, for their hard work and
effort on behalf of the charity.”
Officer Commanding 47(F) Flight
Lieutenant Paul James said: “This
award is for every member of the
squadron. It was such a surprise to win
this award as we didn’t even know we
had been nominated. We all have a
great time supporting the RAFBF and
they always make sure our cadets are
looked after at any event they attend
or take part in. We shall continue to
support the RAFBF in the best way we
can and thank them for this award.” n
The Air Cadet Junior Leaders on this
year’s course have raised an incredible
£24,500 for the John Thornton Young
Achievers Foundation.
The Foundation was set up to honour
the life of Royal Marine and ex-air cadet
Lieutenant John ‘JT’ Thornton who was
tragically killed in southern Afghanistan
on 30th March 2008. As part of the JL
course, the Junior Leaders are tasked with
planning, organising and implementing
a fundraising activity or event for the
Foundation.
The Junior Leaders on Course XVI
organised a whole range of fundraising
events and challenges from skydives, half
marathons, Coast to Coast cycles and
even a unicycle over the Forth Bridge.
Pete and Linda Thornton, who travelled
to RAF Honington to attend the JLs’
Graduation Dinner, said: “The JTYAF is
totally overwhelmed by the support of
these remarkable young people.
“Their commitment to John’s
Foundation and the support and
encouragement that
they provide is nothing
short of inspiring. This
is an incredible amount
which will make a
massive difference to the
opportunities that the
charity can provide for
young people in the coming year.”
Some of those young people who will
benefit are the Junior Leaders themselves.
The JTYAF is funding an expedition to
Ghana for the Qualified Junior Leaders
– an amazing opportunity to develop
their leadership skills in an unique and
challenging environment.
The cadets will work alongside their
Ghanaian counterparts and complete a
jungle leadership course at the Ghanaian
Jungle Warfare School. They will also take
part in a community project, helping to
refurbish a school.
The lucky cadets travelling to Ghana
are:-Daniel Snelson, Lucinda Conder,
Amelia Luddington, Samuel McSevich,
Benjamin Powell, Wellington Saikat,
Megan Todd, Jack Webb-Macleod
and William Case-Edwards. n
Squadron recognised
The first new Air Cadet unit in London for more than 40 years, 31 (Tower Hamlets)
Squadron has been recognised for their innovative approach to training young
people by Prime Minister David Cameron with a Big Society Award. Over 200
cadets have had the chance to experience flying, go on expeditions across the
UK and overseas and develop their leadership and team working skills while
gaining recognised qualifications.
Since its formation in August 2011 the Squadron has helped over 130 cadets earn
a First Aid qualification and over 100 cadets have demonstrated their understanding
of flight, mechanics and navigation, earning prestigious classification badges, which
have led towards a BTEC Diploma in Aviation Studies.
Prime Minister David Cameron said: “The Tower Hamlets Air Cadet unit is giving
young people wings. As a result of the hard work of everyone involved, hundreds
of young people have had the opportunity to take part in expeditions at home and
abroad, to gain new qualifications and even learn how to fly. I’m delighted to name
the unit Big Society Award winners.”
Officer Commanding 31 (Tower Hamlets) Squadron, Flight Lieutenant Rex
Nicholls, said: “We are delighted to have been recognised by the Prime Minister, and
it is an honour for the Squadron to receive the Big Society Award.
“Our staff team is made up entirely of volunteers so it is a tribute to the huge
investment of time and energy that they make in our local community that allows
us to provide the opportunities we do in Tower Hamlets. We work with many young
people from a whole range of backgrounds, and for a lot of them, we can give them
the life opportunities that they would not otherwise encounter.” n
Air Cadet News
Great Reception For
Trust’s New Radio Grant
Air Cadets have given a great
reception to the news of a grant of
£11,542.85 from the RAF Charitable
Trust, to enable them to buy modern
lightweight handheld radios
and accessories.
The grant will pay for a stock
of 100 radio units which will be
available for use by Cadets at the
Royal International Air Tattoo, RAF
Open Days and Flying Displays and
functions such as City Tattoos.
The equipment will also be used
for regional and national radio
communications courses, and for the
annual Junior Leaders Course. It’s
estimated that over 750 cadets and
staff will benefit from this equipment
each year. Flt Lt David Pink, Corps
Radio Officer (Designate), said: “With
this award, the Trustees have enabled
the Training Programme in Leadership
to advance to a more realistic level,
while the support offered by the ACO
to the Air Tattoo will continue to be
managed to a high proficiency with
more modern equipment.
“When not in use at RIAT or on
the training programme, the radios
will be available for use by Wings
and Squadrons who can bid for their
allocation to an event. The robustness
and modernity of these sets will make
the radios a training resource taking
the ACO forward for some years to
come.” n
Cadets boost fund
Cadets and staff from 2004
(Ballynahinch) Squadron recently
took part in a major military
exhibition in Ballynahinch that
generated more than £3,300
for the town’s war memorial
restoration fund.
Alongside displays from local
schools and the North Irish Horse
Regiment, the Ballynahinch cadets
staffed a World War Two display that
included posters and albums of
original press cuttings describing the
ATC and the RAF in Northern Ireland
during the war years. n
www.raf.mod.uk/aircadets Warbirds
Gather At Riat
A mass flypast of warbirds will form the
centrepiece of official commemorations
marking the 75th anniversary of the Battle
of Britain at this summer’s RIAT.
Featuring around 20 vintage aircraft, including some of the most exceptional
historic aircraft flying in the UK today, the tribute forms part of the Air Tattoo’s
broader theme Securing the Skies - Past, Present & Future.
Confirmed at present as taking part are: a Bristol Blenheim, five Hawker
Hurricanes, 12 Supermarine Spitfires (including a naval Seafire) and a Hispano
Buchón to depict the Messerschmitt Bf 109. A number of other aircraft are still to
be confirmed.
The Blenheim, operated by the Aircraft Restoration Company at Duxford, is the
world’s sole airworthy example of this significant World War Two type. It returned
to flight last November after repairs and reconfiguration lasting 11 years. Blenheims
made the first RAF bombing raid against Germany during World War Two, and in
1940 were active extensively in both the fighter and bomber roles.
Among the other aircraft involved will be four that were actually operational
during 1940. Peter Vacher’s Hurricane I flew 49 sorties and shot down five enemy
aircraft during its time on No 605 Squadron; the RAF Battle of Britain Memorial
Flight’s Spitfire IIa was with No 266 Squadron; Aircraft Restoration Companyoperated Spitfire Ia P9374 force-landed on a northern French beach while flying
with No 92 Squadron in May 1940; and, also from the ARC stable, Spitfire Ia N3200
- then of No 19 Squadron - did likewise just a few days later while covering the
evacuation of the British Expeditionary Force from Dunkirk.
Accompanying these will be a range of other Hurricanes and Spitfires from the
Battle of Britain Memorial Flight and civilian operators, several of them combat
veterans from later in the war.
Air Tattoo Chief Executive Andy Armstrong said: “The sight of so many historic
Battle of Britain-era aircraft in formation is sure to be a highlight of this year’s Air
Tattoo, and a memorable contribution to this year’s commemorations.” n
31
Air Cadet FEATURES
CCF battle
for Top trophy
More than 150 cadets from all over the
UK headed to RAF Halton for the final
of the hugely prestigious Air Squadron
Trophy competition. All the cadets
pushed themselves to achieve
in this the most sought - after
competition available to
RAF Sections of the Combined
Cadet Force ...
Words & images by
Philip Jones
Every CCF in the British Isles with an RAF
Section – that’s more than 200 Sections
- is eligible to enter with regional heats
deciding who should progress to the
Nationals.
Teams of 13 cadets drawn from all
age groups compete in a round robin of
activities that include – amongst others
- RAF Knowledge, Drill and Uniform,
Shooting and a Multi-Stage Fitness
Test.The first and second placed teams
from each of the six Regions qualify for
the national finals held at RAF Halton
each year.
The final is fiercely competitive. One
day for the cadets to prove their skills in
eight disciplines under the watchful gaze
of not only expert judges but also this
year too of the Commandant Air Cadets,
Air Commodore Dawn McCafferty.
Debut
In addition to the competing teams
were cadets from one of the newest RAF
Sections at Onslow St Audrey’s School in
Hatfield, Hertfordshire.
They were there to see what they
can aspire to in future years as well as
providing the casualties for the
First Aiders.
A new element this year was the
Discussion Group. Teams debated
numerous questions including: What
should be the role of Senior Cadets in a
CCF BATTLE FOR TOP TROPHY
Section? What impact is the lack of flying
and gliding having on Sections? How can
we best communicate with cadets and
Sections? Should we encourage ATC Sqns
and CCF Sections to work together more?
If yes, how can we do this? This proved an
interesting debate!
Daunting
From Aberdeen-based Dollar Academy
were brother and sister Holly and
Matthew Fossett. Cadet Holly Fossett, 14,
said that to be at the final was daunting
at first but her nerves were eased by
meeting all the nice people amongst the
other teams.
She considers herself a bit of an
all-rounder but probably preferred the
Fitness Test. Corporal Matthew Fossett,
16, expressed a preference for Drill
and possibly fitness too. As first time
competitors they were pushed harder
against the more experienced teams.
First-time finalists too were the cadets
from Kings School Worcester, who
eventually came third in the competition.
Amongst their team were 18-year-olds
Corporal Beth Robins and Flight Sergeant
Ed Pountney who both enjoyed the
Shooting element of the competition.
In the First Aid Team competition was
16-year-old Onslow St Audrey Cadet Brice
Adusei who had spent the day writhing
in (simulated) agony with a bone sticking
www.raf.mod.uk/aircadets out of his wrist (also simulated!). He said
it had been an educational day being
the casualty seeing how different people
reacted to his “injury”.
As the day went on the leader-board
narrowed to three schools. Despite wins
in Drill and First Aid, Dulwich College
came in as runners-up behind Kimbolton
School, who won for the second year in
succession.
Their contingent Commander
Squadron Leader Laura Hadden said that
she was “very, very happy with the result”
but was quick to pass on the credit to
Flight Lieutenant Oliver Hall, the Section’s
Commander, and to the cadets.
The trophy was presented by
Air Commodore Dawn McCafferty,
Commandant Air Cadets.
The top three teams will now attend
a high-profile event at the Shuttleworth
Collection at Old Warden this summer
where cadets will be flown in aircraft
operated by members of the Air
Squadron.
The cadets also attend a formal parade
where the captains of the three teams
receive the Geoffrey de Havilland Flying
Foundation Medals for CCF Achievement
along with the presentation of
The Air Squadron Trophy to the first
placed team. n
33
Air Cadet News
Air Cadet News
Typhoon
warning
Competition
The Cadet Kit Shop, has been
kitting out cadets since 1949. In
association with the Air Cadet
magazine, we invite you to compete
for our prize of the season.
Our winner will receive the
waterproof tactical softshell material
jacket. Simply answer the question
below and then email your answer
together with your name, address
and squadron to competitions@
cadetkitshop.com
The closing date for entries is
26th June. One winning entry will be
picked at random after the closing
date. n
Question:
What is the RAF Motto
and what does it mean?
The winner of the Winter 2014
Cadetkitshop competition is
Cdt Flt Sgt Keir Marshall 1019
(City of Stirling) Sqn. n
Cadets from 863 (Thurston) Squadron
visited RAF Coningsby, home of the
Battle of Britain Memorial Flight, and
got an insight into a front-line fast jet
Typhoon Squadron.
The cadets, who were welcomed by
the Station Commander, Group Captain
Jez Attridge, visited the BBMF and its
historic aircraft but the highlight was the
chance for every cadet to get hands-on
flying in two Typhoon cockpit trainers.
Wing Commander Andy Tucker, a
Civilian Instructor with 863 Squadron
and organiser of the visit, said: “The
cockpit trainers were very impressive
indeed and for our air cadets to get the
opportunity to experience such very
modern state of the art technology
is exceptional.”
The day concluded with a visit to
No. 29(R) Squadron responsible for
the training and conversion of new
Typhoon pilots. n
Airborne
Six cadets from 378 (Mannock)
Squadron will be visiting Sywell
Aerodrome to experience virtual
flying in a state-of-the-art simulator.
This fantastic opportunity comes
thanks to Deputy Mayor, Councillor
Graham Lawman who has donated
money from the Mayor’s Charity Fund.
Flight Lieutenant William Kellock,
378 Squadron’s Commanding Officer,
said: “The donation is extremely
www.raf.mod.uk/aircadets Obstacles
overcome !
Cadets at 126 (City of Derby) Squadron
have a new challenge, with the
opening of a specially-built trim trail.
A group of nine apprentices from Rolls
Royce planned and built the trail as
part of the Brathay Apprentice
Challenge 2015.
Challenged to identify a community
project that would benefit people in
the local area, the group of Rolls Royce
apprentices, which includes Civilian
Instructor Matthew Chetwyn, decided
that 126 Squadron would be the perfect
fit! Once the team had assessed and
decided what obstacles they could fit
into the area, the team then spent a
week clearing the ground.
With the ground cleared and building
materials kindly donated, the team
began assembling the various obstacles,
including a balance beam and parallel
bars. To celebrate the opening, the
cadets took on the apprentices in a
timed trial of the trim trail.
Cadet Flight Sergeant George Burke
said: “The trail was physically demanding
which is great- it can only get easier! It is
a great new activity for the Squadron.” n
generous and will hugely benefit the
cadets in Wellingborough.
“They work so hard and are looking
forward to getting into the pilot’s
seat and having a go at flying – if I am
honest I am quite keen to have a go
myself!”
The lucky cadets taking part will be
chosen shortly and will be selected as a
thank you for their hard work
and commitment to the Squadron in
2014. n
35
Air CadeT SHOOTING
Shooting Star ...
Cadet Marcus Horry has his sights set on the 2020 Olympics
All shooting is conducted unedr strict supervision.
Marcus Horry, a Cadet Flight
Sergeant with 141 (Boston)
Squadron, who began
competitive shooting just
two years ago, is aiming
for success at the 2020
Tokyo Olympics.
Seventeen-year-old
Marcus, who’s studying
for his A Levels at Boston
Grammar School, has already
come to the attention of
Target Tokyo – a project run
by British Shooting and UK
Sport that aims to identify
those shooters that have the
potential to be developed for
the 2020 Olympic Games.
Phase one of the campaign
saw shotgun shooters
assessed on a whole host
Marcus (centre) with fellow cadets
CWO Josh Stones & CWO Chris Jarratt
of factors including their
performance, commitment,
motivation, skill acquisition
and concentration. From
these in-depth assessments,
British Shooting’s coaching
team carefully selected those
athletes deemed suitable to
progress into phase two.
And that includes Marcus
who has been selected for
the Regional Development
Programme for Olympic
Double Trap. Marcus
began shooting shotguns
two years ago when he
was asked to shoot in the
National Cadet Clay Target
Shooting Championship – a
competition that attracts the
best cadets from all over the
country. To prepare for this,
his first competitive shoot,
he had just four weekends of
training with his cadet coach.
Marcus said: “The
three-day competition in
Cambridge ended with
my beating all 175 cadets
with the highest combined
score of 54. This was quite
unexpected as much of
the opposition had years of
experience shooting clay
pigeons whereas I had none.
“Obviously, this was an
awesome feeling! It was easy
to see I had a natural skill for
the sport. It was on this day I
fell in love with shooting.”
Building on from that
success, Marcus continued
training with the other Trent
Wing CTS team members
coached by Civilian Instructor
Sandy Jarratt.
He entered the RAF
Championships at
Nottingham in last May
where he came second
overall in the ‘Down the Line’
discipline and the Trent Wing
cadets won the guest team
award.
Marcus said: “It was at this
point that my cadet coach
and I discussed the possibility
of taking my training to
the next level. I had a trial
lesson with England and
Olympic Coach, John Bellamy,
who rated my shooting
positively and thinks I show
considerable potential.”
Under John’s watchful
eye, Marcus has progressed
considerably and has
qualified for the England
selection shoots at
Nottingham this month.
A former Lord Lieutenant’s
Cadet for Lincolnshire,
Marcus, as well as studying
and working part-time in a
fish and chip shop to help
fund his shooting, has also
recently applied to join
the RAF.
“The future looks
promising,” said Marcus. “My
hopes are to be selected
for the England DTL Junior
squad in May and I will carry
on training in the Olympic
Double Trap with a view to
selection for this in 2016.
“I would encourage any
cadet who gets the chance to
have a go. You never
know you could be joining
myself and fellow-cadet
Chris Jarratt in the
Olympic Academy,
representing your
country at Clay
Shooting and
reaching
the Olympic
podium.” n
Air Cadet News
Cadets
pull together !
Top coach
Two cadets from 126 (City of Derby)
Squadron have spent a week at
Nesscliffe Training Camp taking part
in the Corps Target Rifle Coaching
Course on the L81A2 Cadet
Target Rifle.
The pair - Cadet Corporal Lewis
Reid and Cadet Amrit Talwar - were
taught to coach a novice shooter
whilst improving their own shooting
skills at the same time.
Both cadets hope the qualification
will help them coach cadets at the
Inter-Cadet Services Rifle Meeting
later in the year. The pair both
received their Certificate for Target
Rifle Advanced Skills with Cadet
Corporal Lewis Reid taking the award
for Top Coach on the course for
the second year running - a huge
achievement. n
www.raf.mod.uk/aircadets Leicestershire cadets pulled together to move a VC-10 aircraft along the
runway at Bruntingthorpe Airfield to raise money for charity. Some 60 cadets
from five Leicestershire squadrons faced the challenge of pulling the huge,
63 ton aircraft 500 metres along the runway, doing that in two stretches of
250 metres. With the wind gusting in their faces, it was a difficult start but the
cadets took the strain and the wheels started to turn.
Officer Commanding 1461 (Wigston & District) Squadron, and event organiser
Flight Lieutenant Tim Hargraves, said: “I was a little concerned that this was a big
aircraft and that it wouldn’t get moving. However, the grit and determination
of the cadets proved me wrong. This has been a great event for cadets across
Leicestershire to get together and raise money for the Royal Air Force Charitable
Trust as well as fund some local projects.”
With the help of a tug, the aircraft was turned round and ready for the return
leg. This time, with weakening arms and legs, it took a huge effort from the cadets
to pull the aircraft across the finish line. Cadet Warrant Officer Molly Henson said:
“Now that was tough! We had some motivating to do but we were determined to
cross that line!” n
Cadet’s quick
thinking praised
Cadet Flight Sergeant Thomas Heath’s
quick-thinking and First Aid skills helped
an unconscious stranger who wasn’t
breathing. Thomas was on his way
home from 103 (Doncaster) Squadron
when he noticed the unconscious man
on the ground.
Using the First Aid qualifications gained
with the Corps, Thomas cleared some
space around the man and discovered
his tongue was obstructing his airway.
Working quickly, he managed to
unblock this and the individual restarted
breathing. The paramedics then arrived
to take over the treatment and take the
man to hospital to recover. After the
incident Chief Superintendant Richard
Tweed, Doncaster District Commander for
South Yorkshire Police wrote to Thomas
praising his efforts. In this letter, he said:
“It is without a doubt your quick thinking
and immediate action to administer First
Aid saved this man’s life. I would like to
thank you for your public spirited actions
on this occasion.”
Flight Lieutenant Matt Bulmer, Officer
Commanding 103 Squadron, added: “I’m
very proud that Tom acted in a cool and
calm manner when administering First
Aid in this clearly life or death situation.
His actions were of a textbook nature
exactly how he was trained. To step
up to the mark when he could have
panicked or just simply walked on by,
is truly exceptional and is to be highly
commended!” n
37
Air Cadet News
Air Cadet News
Air Cadet News

Spring 2015

Transcription

Similar documents

August-October 2012 - Asheville Composite Squadron

Feb The ChalleNGer - Tarheel ChalleNGe

Welcome to the first 241 Squadron quarterly newsletter

Sep 2016 - Cadet College Hasan Abdal

Inside this issue - West Point Association of Graduates

Feb 2015 AFJROTC Newsletter

the LONGHORN AIRMAN - College of Liberal Arts

The Mouton Cadet Wine Bar

AnnualReport2006-7 newclours.pmd