Air Cadet Leaders Put Through Their Paces at RAF Cranwell

Two recently appointed Adult Volunteers from 2505 (Bishop Auckland) Squadron Air Cadets have attended and successfully completed the SNCO Staff Initial Course (SSIC) at the Adult Training Facility at RAF Cranwell. Sergeant (ATC) Caroline Hodgson and Sergeant (ATC) Malcolm Edwards took part in the week-long course along with other newly appointed Non-Commissioned Officers (NCOs) from around the country. They were taught how to instruct drill and other subjects, as well as developing their knowledge of safeguarding, and their own personal leadership skills. "'The course was very good with open and honest discussions facilitated by experienced staff. The challenges presented throughout the intensive week enabled us to develop as leaders within the Royal Air Force Air Cadets," said Sgt Edwards. The pair's CO,...

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County Durham Air Cadet Leader Retires After 52 Years

County Durham Air Cadet Leader Retires After 52 Years A Cadet Officer from Murton in County Durham is retiring after notching up more than 52 years continuous service with the Air Training Corps. Flt Lt David Button joined 1338 (Seaham) Squadron Air Cadets back in 1964 at the age of 14 years old, and progressed on to be a Civilian Instructor, Adult Warrant Officer, and finally a Commissioned Officer in 1987. He paraded at 1338 (Seaham) Squadron for the most part of his cadet career until he took over 1932 (Blackhall) squadron in May 1999. Upon taking over the squadron, Flt Lt Button was greeted with as few as six cadets on his first night, and spent many years nurturing...

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Local ATC Volunteer named in Queen’s Birthday Honours List

Flt Lt Susan Gillies, Officer Commanding 1016 (Berwick) Squadron, has been awarded the Air Officer Commanding 22 (Training) Group’s Commendation in the Queen's Birthday Honours List, after giving more than 19 years' service to the Squadron and Wing. Wing Commander Harris, Officer Commanding Durham/Northumberland Wing, said, “Flt Lt Gillies has served the Berwick community and the Air Training Corps as a Civilian Instructor and as a RAFVR(T) Officer since 1997. She took command of 1016 (Berwick) Squadron in September 2000 and built this geographically isolated unit into a thriving air-minded centre of excellent, parading some 40 – 45 Cadets. In 2011 due to her employer reorganisation, Flt Lt Gillies could not undertake her duties as Officer Commanding and relinquished her...

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Join as Staff

Volunteering with the Air Cadets is a great way to spend your free time and make friends along the way! It's also a great opportunity to give something back to your local community.      Click HERE to register your interest!    Joining our team will give you a chance to put your skills to use, no matter how diverse. All kinds of people make up our volunteer staff, coming from a range of backgrounds and interests.  Maybe you have a knowledge of the Armed Forces (although this is by no means essential); maybe you have a background in outdoor activities or sports; maybe you have some aviation knowledge; or maybe you are just keen to develop and train young...

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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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