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Tag: RAF Air Cadets

First Aid

All Cadets and Staff take part in some first aid training, from the introductory Heartstart course, to the full 16-hour St John Ambulance Activity First Aid. HEARTSTART All Cadets and Staff undertake this short British Heart Foundation course, which introduces them to the basics of first aid. YOUTH FIRST AIDER Many Cadets will progress to the St John Youth First Aider, which is a comprehensive course covering many aspects of first aid, and leading to the award of a Bronze First Aid Badge. Having a recognised first aid certificate is also a great addition to Cadets' CVs! ADULT FIRST AID TRAINING The Wing also runs St John Ambulance 16-hour Activity First Aid courses for staff and older cadets.

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Music and Bands

Durham/Northumberland Wing operates a highly successful band which is made up from cadet musicians from across the Squadrons in the North East.  The band has played at various high profile venues including Edinburgh Castle and Holyrood Palace, as well as at the commissioning of HMS Queen Elizabeth which is the Royal Navy's newest aircraft carrier.  The band is open to any cadet of any ability and regular training sessions take place to prepare for events and competitions. Every year Music Camps are arranged at all levels of the organisation. The first Air Cadet National Concert Band camp of the year usually takes place during the school half-term holiday in February. The Camp is arranged by Air Cadets HQ and takes...

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Drill & Ceremonial

Drill is a useful tool to instil discipline and teamwork and gives a great sense of achievement when mastered correctly. When a group of cadets walk on to a parade square they are all individuals, but as soon as a session of drill begins the cadets become a team, following the orders given by one individual. All cadets and uniformed staff are expected to achieve a reasonably good standard of Drill but many aspire to become experts and eventually instructors. With a few years’ experience you could pass on your knowledge and experience to other cadets, instructing them on how to participate in a drill squad, taking charge of a drill squad yourself, or even playing a major part in...

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Sports

As an air cadet you can take part in seven main sports at different levels - athletics, cross country, football, rugby, hockey, netball and swimming. Whatever you do it'll help improve your physical fitness levels and your teamwork skills. If you're good enough at your favourite sport we'll notice, and can help you take it to the next level. There are frequent tournaments between squadrons, where the best players are selected to represent the wing. The same then happens for the region, with wings competing against each other and the best players making up the regional team. If you make it through each of those selections then you're good. Really good. You'll be at the top of your game and...

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Training & Education

TRAINING AND EDUCATION CLASSIFICATION TRAINING During their time in the ATC cadets study a number of aviation related subjects starting at a fairly basic level and progressing to specialized study of more complex subjects. Initial training of cadets to first class standard should take three to four months, following that each subsequent level should require six to nine months of training, therefore it should take a cadet three to four years to qualify as Master Air Cadets. VOCATIONAL QUALIFICATIONS Cadets in Durham/Northumberland Wing have the opportunity to work towards three vocational qualifications in the form of BTECs in Teamwork and Personal Skills, Aviation Studies and Music. All of the BTEC diplomas offered are free to cadets. BTEC Teamwork and Personal Skills The...

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DofE

The Air Training Corps is one of the largest operators of the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Scheme in the country. The Scheme, which is designed to encourage participation among young people aged 14 to 25, is split into the four sections listed below plus a further residential element for participants in the Gold Award: Volunteering Skill Expedition Physical Air Cadets have a head start in the D of E award as many of the activities they pursue as members of their squadrons also qualify them for the different sections of the D of E Awards. The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award provides a framework for cadets to spend time pursuing existing hobbies and interests, whilst also having the opportunity to help...

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Fieldcraft

Fieldcraft training is an important activity offered within Durham Northumberland Wing. Training runs at a number of levels, starting off with basic level courses which introduce cadets to living and operating in the field, moving on to junior section commander courses and more. Fieldcraft exercises vary widely and each places emphasis on different aspects of how to survive and conduct yourself in the field. Many involve two teams being pitted against each other. You and your team might need to move quietly, avoiding detection as you sneak upon an 'enemy' installation. Sound easy? Think again. Speed might also be a big factor of your success. Do you risk exposing your position at the cost of achieving your objective more quickly? Decisions...

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Shooting

Target shooting is a great experience for cadets of all ages. RAF Air Cadets use three different rifles: the No. 8, L98A2 Cadet GP Rifle and the L81A2 Cadet Target Rifle. Cadets begin by shooting at distances of 25 metres, and can advance to distances of up to 1,000 yards! In addition, Cadets can take part in shotgun shooting. Cadets have the opportunity to gain a range of marksmanship awards and badges, and compete in annual shooting competitions. Safety precautions are taken at all times, and strict regulations are followed to ensure that this remains both an enjoyable and safe experience for cadets. All cadets are given intensive training and must pass a Weapons Handling Test (WHT) before being allowed...

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Adventure Training

Cadets can take part in a wide range of adventurous activities, both at Squadron and Wing level, and also at our two Adventure Training Centres - at Windermere in the Lake District and Fairbourne in coastal Wales. Rock climbing, abseiling, hill walking, mountain-biking, canoeing, high ropes and sailing are all par for the course. Adventure Training is an essential part of the Air Cadet's training syllabus and the place where team effort really matters - you'll build new friendships, and learn to rely on the other people you're with to get the job done. It also lets you show off your leadership qualities. If you're a member of staff, there are also fantastic opportunities for you to enjoy the outdoors,...

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Gliding

Air Cadet gliding takes place at Volunteer Gliding Squadrons (VGS) located throughout the country which are staffed by RAFAC officers, Civilian Instructors and cadets. Gliding Squadrons operate one the winch-launched Viking glider. Gliding offers a much more "hands on" experience for cadets as the syllabus reinforces the theoretical knowledge taught on squadrons. Opportunities available to cadets are listed below. GLIDING SCHOLARSHIPS At 16 years of age cadets can apply for a gliding scholarship which provides gliding instruction of 8 hours or 40 launches to achieve their 'blue' wings. Cadets who demonstrate an aptitude for gliding are allowed a further 20% in order to achieve solo standard and gain their 'silver' wings. Some cadets will be selected to attend the VGS...

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