Contents
Foreword
Foreword by Commandant. . . . . . . . . . . 3
Who We Are . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
ACO Vision . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Money, Money, Money. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
70th Anniversary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Gliding and Flying . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Statistics. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
Alumni . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
Reach for the Stars . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
Learning Today . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
Land of the Morning Calm . . . . . . . . . . . 34
On the Thar Horizon. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
When Daisy met Ham Tu . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
Shooting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40
Sport. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42
Estate Management . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45
Matters of Faith and Health & Safety. . . . . 46
Air Cadet Accolades . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48
Our People . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50
By Commandant Air Cadets
•• Cover image by Flt Lt Paul Hicks
•• Taking off…Cadet Breanne Richter 14 of 121 (Nuneaton) Squadron
pictured before her first Air Experience Flight.
Credits
Editor: D Parker Housby
Graphics: J Drury
Thanks to all contributors and photographers
2
Air Commodore Barbara Cooper
The Air Cadet Organisation thrives on a fountain
of enthusiasm and energy from its volunteers who
consistently deliver a fantastic programme of
activities for our 45,000 Air Training Corps and
Combined Cadet Force (RAF) cadets.
I never fail to be impressed by the volunteers and the young people that
make the Air Cadet Organisation so special; on average our volunteers give
100 days’ worth of their time to the Air Cadets. That’s a humbling figure,
knowing that these good folk mostly have full time day jobs and families
to support - in financially challenging times. Yet somehow they find the
time, energy and enthusiasm to ensure our cadets get the best experience
possible. I’m pleased to say that in return the air cadets really appreciate and
make the most of the opportunities available to them. Their determination
and accomplishments make them shine like beacons of light amongst the
youth of today – quite simply they are our hope for the future as they venture
into adulthood and forge their way in the world within every facet of society.
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Some will become famous like former cadet and NASA astronaut Dr Mike Foale
or James Bond actor Timothy Dalton and others will join industry, commerce
or the military and apply their leadership and practical knowledge. All will
take with them the pride of having belonged to a very special organisation
which instils self discipline and
good citizenship.
In 2011, in their own indomitable
spirit staff and cadets excelled
to mark our 70th anniversary in
style. Across the country, they
took the theme of ‘engagement’
to new heights, see page 10, and I
have been very privileged to have
participated in some wonderful
activities up and down the country
throughout the year.
Looking ahead, the only constant
seems to be change. But that’s the
same for everyone and there are
many opportunities to be had from
changing the way we’ve always done
things. Having to make every penny
count is critical to managing our
budget and we are always looking
at innovative ways to boost our
coffers and make better use of our
resources. More than ever we are
also focused on valuing our people
– cadets, volunteers and permanent
staff as we work to deliver our
core cadet output safely but with
fewer resources. This booklet
captures some of the vast range of
opportunities open to young people
aged 13-19 and I hope it will give you
a glimpse at what makes the ACO so
extraordinary.
3
Who We Are...
The Air Cadet Organisation (ACO) is a
national youth organisation for young men
and women aged 13-19. It comprises five
sections – the Air Training Corps (ATC),
the Combined Cadet Force (RAF), the
RAF Central Gliding School (RAF CGS),
Volunteer Gliding Squadrons (VGSs) and
two Adventure Training Centres.
The ATC was established in 1941 and has six Regions, 34 Wings and 1,000
Squadrons.
The CCF (RAF) was established in 1948 and its sections are located in 202 state
and independent schools across the British Isles.
The RAF CGS is based at RAF Syerston, Nottinghamshire ensuring gliding
instructors are trained and aircraft fleets are appropriately maintained.
The 27 VGSs are situated at various locations around the UK and provide both
powered and non powered gliding experiences.
develop qualities of
leadership and citizenship
•• Chief of the Air Staff Air Chief Marshal Sir Stephen Dalton, meets volunteers and air cadets at York Minster.
•• Image: Sqn Ldr Brian Mennell
4
Volunteer staff can either take a commission in the RAF Volunteer Reserve
(Training Branch), become Senior Non-Commissioned Officers or Civilian
Instructors, Civilian Gliding Instructors, Chaplains or join Civilian Committees.
Commandant Air Cadets Air Commodore Barbara Cooper, based at RAF
Cranwell, Lincolnshire, is responsible for both the ATC and the CCF(RAF),
collectively called the Air Cadet Organistaion (ACO). About 230 salaried staff
(mostly Civil Service) administer the ACO from RAF College Cranwell and
satellite HQs around the country.
5
ACO VISION:
To ensure the ACO continues to flourish and to remain true to the ideals laid down in its Royal
Warrant, especially the provision of adequate aviation and other challenging activities to enable it
to attract and retain membership and thereby provide example and leadership for today’s youth.
MISSION:
To be a modern, dynamic, sustainable air-minded youth organisation of choice that offers fun and
challenging opportunities.
AIMS:
The aims of the ACO are clear, demonstrating the ideals of producing enthusiastic and thoughtful
young men and women who will strive to achieve in whatever walk of life they choose.
The three fundamental aims are:
To promote and encourage among young people a practical interest in aviation and the RAF;
To provide training which will be useful in both the Services and in civilian life and;
To foster the spirit of adventure and to develop the qualities of leadership and citizenship.
6
7
Money, Money Money…
The ACO is largely funded by the public purse via the Treasury to the
Ministry of Defence via the RAF’s 22 Training Group and as such has to
be very transparent in its procurement processes and conscious of the
requirement to deliver value for money.
Likewise, its permanent staff which comprises mostly MOD Civilians and is led by the Commandant, continually strives to
ensure that the ACO is thrifty with its spending and meets all Government restrictions and adheres to numerous guidelines
covering all public finance.
Bearing this in mind, its General Purposes Fund, a small non-public fund made up from cadet subscriptions and donations
has become ever more important in the functionality of the ACO and members are more aware than ever of the requirement
to fund raise and look for potential help from industry.
FUND RAISING
One great initiative is called “easyfundraising” where individuals can make money for a named charity every time they spend
money in 2,000 well known stores online. After logging on the easyfundraising.org.uk site members and associates can
guarantee that a percentage of everything they spend online in, for instance Tesco, Amazon or John Lewis is donated to the
Air Cadets.
Several thousands of pounds have been made for ATC Squadrons around the country, and that alongside the use of the
associated search engine helps supporters to raise half a penny for the ACO with every online search made. An average
easysearcher raises around £25 a year for their designated charity so all cadets, parents, volunteers and staff are being urged
to switch to easysearch.org.uk. The money generated is totalled weekly and added to the cause administrator’s account all
helping provide greater opportunities for cadets.
So as a new era dawns on the ACO the organisation is indebted to its
supporters many of whom are mentioned on
the next page:
•• Group Captain Terry Jones and Cadet Jacob Nicholson in the cockpit of a
Grob Tutor at RAF Church Fenton, North Yorkshire.
THANK YOU!
Over the last couple of years the
ACO has received sponsorship
and donations from the following
organisations and individuals:
Air Cadet Magazine Sponsorship:
Sponsorship towards the
production cost of the Air Cadet
Magazine:
RAF Charitable Trust
Royal Air Forces Association
8
Donations have been received
from:
HRH The Duke of Edinburgh
The RAF Charitable Trust
Sir Michael Marshall – Donation for
the winner of the Marshall Trophy.
BAe Systems
Mr Zach Robinson
The Royal Society of St George
The Reverend Tom Tait
Ann and John Singleton Trust
Marks and Spencer
Mr L A Edwards
The late Mr B G Hines
(donations in lieu of flowers at his funeral)
Mr L Gray
This list is not exhaustive.
9
MARKING THE 70TH
ANNIVERSARY
Rolling back the years and
bringing back memories for
those in the crowd who
were once air cadets
10
•• Taking to the skies.... the historic flypast of aircraft at the Royal
International Air Tattoo to mark the ACO’s 70th Anniversary.
The Air Cadet Organisation celebrated its
70th anniversary last year and is now mark
ing HM The Queen’s Diamond Jubilee and
the Olympics.
Cadets, volunteers and permanent
staff mustered to ensure that every
opportunity was taken to celebrate
the 70th anniversary. The milestone
was marked in style at the Royal
International Air Tattoo at RAF
Fairford with a spectacular flypast
of the aircraft used to teach flying
to cadets since 1941. For the first
time in the history of the Air
Cadets a 14-ship formation of
aircraft – the heavy metal of
the cadets’ flying programme
– demonstrated its strength,
longevity and importance
in producing professional
aviators both for the RAF
and civil aviation.
e s hi s
ore giv det
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t
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•• Si
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Blades ph to anoth
ra
autog
Led by the Tiger Moth and
the venerable Chipmunk
the flypast was slow but
serene and received a
fantastic round of applause from the
thousands of air minded enthusiasts
at the Gloucestershire-based air
show.
Rolling back the years and bringing
back memories for those in the
crowd who were once air cadets
themselves, the fly past continued
to roll-out classic aircraft, including
the Sedbergh glider and the modern
day Grob Tutor and Viking T1.
Taking in the historic spectacle
and enjoying the ambience of the
occasion were not only the 750
cadets working at the show but
also seven original members of the
Air Training Corps – octogenarians
who revelled in the opportunity to
clamber aboard a glider once more
and avidly recount stories of the
early days.
11
Overall the 2011 Royal International
Air Tattoo (RIAT) proved to be a
huge success for the Air Cadet
Organisation (ACO), with a number
of milestone achievements.
The ACO veterans from the 1940s
and 50s made their way to the
airfield in bright sunshine and
shared nostaglic stories of their time
with the Air Training Corps following
its launch in 1941.
Amazingly some of the group were
there when it all began and can lay
claim to be some of the oldest former
Air Cadets in the United Kingdom
today. Two of the octogenarians –
Ted Smith, 85, and Jack White, 87,
both from Portland, Dorset, first met
when they joined the Air Training
Corps and have remained friends to
this day.
SHARING STORIES OF
YESTERYEAR
Each veteran saw current aircraft
used by today’s cadets, including
Vigilants and Vikings which were on
display for the duration of RIAT 2011
thanks to the RAF Charitable Trust.
The opportunity to explore today’s
flying machines was of particular
interest to the veterans, including 83
year old John Cooper, 83, of Newton
Abbott, who first joined the Air
Cadets in 1943.
of the Training Branch of the RAF
Volunteer Reserve from London
& South East Region, who is a
member of staff at the popular
flight line viewing platform. As the
tempo of the air show began to
build, so did the excitement of the
veterans, who were less than 100
meters from crowd centre.
The veterans took in the aweinspiring sight of fast-jets, classic
aircraft and towards the end
of the day they witnessed the
ultimate teamwork and daring
displays of some of the world’s
finest international air crews such
as Italy’s iconic Frecce Tricolori.
JAW-DROPPING ROAR
Overall
the
2011
Royal
International Air Tattoo (RIAT)
proved to be a huge success for
the Air Cadet Organisation (ACO),
with a number of milestone
achievements.
their part in ensuring that the world’s
largest military air show was a huge
success, as approximately 250,000
visitors passed through the gates of
the two day event.
With the jaw-dropping roar of fastjets overhead, back on the ground
cadets and volunteers made history
welcoming royal visitors to their
exhibits – HRH Prince Michael of Kent
and the Duke of Gloucester both
signed the ACO’s commemorative
“wall” and chatted with cadets.
This year’s highlights also included
the amazing one millionth glider
flight of the ACO’s Glider Instructor
Course with Cadet Leah Lewis, 13, in
the cockpit.
Leah, a cadet on 2478 (Abergavenny)
Squadron in Wales was selected to
take part in the flight due to her hard
work and constant commitment in
helping the team build the Air Cadet
camp on the lead-up to the air show.
Once again the
750 young air
cadets played
John, who was accompanied to
the event by his proud son said: “It
is marvelous to see what today’s
cadets fly in. Things have changed
so much compared to when I was
younger, but the spirit of the Air
Cadets is very much still there.”
12
ael of
e Mich ive
c
in
r
P
t
H
eet HR
emora
adets m ersary Comm
C
–
n
ccasio 70th Anniv
nes
e
Royal O
•• Right r he signed th : Sqn Ldr P Jo
ge
fte
Kent a IAT 2011. Ima
R
t
a
Wall
Later in the day the veterans
were escorted to the RIAT Jubilee
Garden, where they were hosted
by Flt Lt Trishia Welsh, a member
•• Celebra
tin
Commod g in style at th
e RAF C
ore Coop
lub, Picc
er
adily wit
h Air
13
The flight become more symbolic
as it was the first time that Leah had
ever flown in an aeroplane.
At 1030hrs on the morning of Friday
July 15, Squadron Leader Peter
Mockeridge lifted off from the RAF
Fairford tarmac in a Vigilant T1 motor
glider with Leah. After soaring over
the showground for half an hour
and allowing Leah to take in the
busy surroundings below he landed.
An ecstatic Leah, “had grown a
foot in height” from her new found
confidence having experienced
flight for the first time.
SWARM OF LIGHT BLUE
Elsewhere in the country the 70th anniversary was marked in style…in York
750 cadets marched through the town in February and in May, the streets
of Liverpool swarmed with light blue as cadets paraded through the city
centre to be awarded the Freedom of the City. As far as the South West and
Scotland cadets found innovative ways to celebrate – in Kent they even took
to the skies at RAF Manston again and in Ormskirk there was a poignant
ceremony as a mother handed the baton of command for the ATC squadron
to her son – both officers in the Training Branch of the RAF Volunteer Reserve.
Flt Lt Sue Routledge handed over to Fg Off Jon Routledge.
Also celebrating a milestone this year was the ACO’s patron His Royal
Highness The Duke of Edinburgh who marked his 90th birthday. Cadets sent
him a very modern electronic birthday card full of memories of his time with
the ACO.
THE QUEEN’S JUBILEE
AND THE OLYMPICS
Congratulations to Her
Majesty The Queen on her
Diamond Jubilee.
With only four years until the ACO’s 75th anniversary planning has
already begun for a coin and medallion, in the meantime this year
the ACO joins in celebrations for HM The Queen’s Jubilee and the
Olympics.
Cadets in the South West and
beyond are set to participate
in HM The Queen’s Royal
River Pageant and a military
display at Windsor in June.
•• HM The Queen... with cadets at RAF Cranwell. Image: RAF Cranwell Photographer.
14
•• Cadets play for the gathered audience at
the RIAT 2011 Gala Dinner, which marked
the 70th anniversary of the ACO and the
40th anniversary of the air show itself.
Image: Sqn Ldr P Jones
The ACO is also following the
progress of former Manchester
Air Cadet and 2012 Olympic long
jump hopeful Abigail Irozuru, see
page 42, and a number of cadets
are involved in the logistics of the
Olympics as “young ambassadors”.
15
16
17
Flying and Gliding
Hannah Flies High
A Combined Cadet Force cadet went solo 66 years to the day after
her late war hero grandfather made his own first flight.
Cadet Warrant Officer Hannah Crompton, 17, took to the skies at
Royal Air Force Topcliffe, North Yorkshire, after winning one of
the ACO’s flying scholarships.
Amazingly Hannah made family history with her premier
solo flight, as she took off on the same day grandfather John
Conway first flew solo at RAF Defford, Worcestershire - a
station that has since closed down.
The memory of her late grandfather has sparked CWO
Crompton’s interest in a career as a top RAF pilot.
She said: “My grandfather died when I was seven but he was
the inspiration behind my wanting to be a pilot. It is incredible to
think that I can fly solo around the North Yorkshire countryside but
I can’t drive yet.”
Despite being British, John Conway was assigned to the Royal
Canadian Air Force (RCAF) and served with 408 (Goose) Squadron
at Linton-on-Ouse, before later going on to fly Halifax
bombers during the Second World War.
Having made it to Cadet Warrant Officer
at Pocklington School CCF near
York, Hannah wants to retrace her
grandfather’s steps as an aviator and
join the RAF.(See page 20)
18
It is incredible to think that I can fly
solo around the North Yorkshire
countryside but I can’t drive yet.
FLYI
N
YEAG
44,8 R
VIKI 93
FLIG NG
17,8HTS
HOU 13
VIGI RS
GL LA
THIS
IDERNT
S
•• Enjoying the sunset after a day’s gliding in a Viking aircraft
19
27
She said: “The CCF
(RAF) teaches you
deal with lots of
ER todifferent
E
T
N
situations
VOLU
and how to work
S well as a team. I
DRON
A
hope it will make
QU
S
me good enough to
become an RAF pilot when I am
older.”
NG
GLIDI
Hannah is just one of thousands of
young cadets who fly with the Air
Cadets every year either in a glider
at one of our 27 Volunteer Gliding
Squadrons or in a Tutor aircraft at
one of the 12 Air Experience Flights
which are co-located with the RAF’s
University Air Squadrons across the
UK.
Thousands of cadets embark on
flying careers as a result of taking
tentative first fledgling steps into
aviation with the Air Cadets but
whether they take that direction
or not their self confidence and
awareness can develop significantly
as a result of their flying training.
This year cadets completed 44,893
flights on winch launched Viking
aircraft and 17,813 hours on Vigilant
motor gliders. Cadets took to the
skies for a total of 12,893 Gliding
Induction Courses (GICs).
In addition, 1,381 gliding scholarships were awarded to those who
demonstrated particular aptitude for
gliding and 131 achieved Advanced
Glider Training with 68 going on
to the Initial Gliding Instructor 1
course and 63 onto the Initial Gliding
Instructor 2 course.
Statistics on delivery of the flying
task recorded VGSs were fulfilling
89 per cent of capacity which was
five per cent up on the previous
year despite the harsh weather
conditions experienced in the spring
with temperatures falling to minus
15.
The training and support for the
VGS instructors is provided by
RAF Central Gliding School at RAF
Syerston in Nottinghamshire. The
function of RAF CGS is to train,
supervise and co-ordinate the
training of VGS instructors and pilots
for the ACO which is the largest
gliding organisation in the world.
12
AIR
FLIG
EXPER
IENCE
HTS
89%
ING
FLYPACITY
CA UP 5%
1,381
GLIDI
NG
SCHO
LARS
HIPS
20
21
Air Experience Flying
Air Experience Flights (AEFs) are co-located with the
RAF’s University Air Squadrons and every year RAF pilots
attached to the AEFs take thousands of cadets for sorties
in the Grob Tutor aircraft - a two seater light aircraft used
by the military for elementary flying training.
This year AEFs provided
15,200 sorties for cadets
each of approximately
20 minutes duration and
climbing up to around
2,000 feet teaching basic
skills to eager cadets who
relish the chance to taste
life in the sky.
For those showing aptitude one of
174 Air Cadet Pilot Scholarships*
was awarded, centrally funded
and taking place under contract at
Tayside Aviation, Dundee. Further
courses have been funded by a
number of organisations, these
include the Geoffrey de Havilland
Flying Foundation; the Air League,
Marks & Spencer, the RAF Charitable
Trust and RAFA. In addition, 20
Pilot Navigation Courses and 10
Air Experience Scholarships were
awarded.
22
AEF
PROV
IDED
15,200
SORTI
ES
174
AIR CA
P DET
ILOT
SCHO
LARSH
IPS
The RAF Association (RAFA) Flying Scholarship Scheme is open to members
of the Air Training Corps (ATC), the Combined Cadet Force (RAF) and the Girls’
Venture Corps Air Cadets (GVCAC).
The five scholarships provide cadets with a course of 35 hours flying training
in light aircraft, plus 12 hours each
for four runners-up in light aircraft,
primarily to encourage young people
of high calibre to obtain a National
Private Pilot’s Licence (NPPL).
These scholarships are provided
as a thank you to members of the
ACO and GVCAC for the support
they give to the Association each
year, in helping to raise funds
for the Wings Appeal. Amongst
the lucky winners of the
scholarships this year were
Sergeant Jonathan Coates,
who won 35 hours of flying
and Flight Sergeant Vicki
Bates (pictured right) who
won 12 hours.
* 174 Scholarships (each of 12 hours) help yougsters to achieve their first solo.
five privately funded
scholarships provide cadets
with a course of 35 hours
flying training in light aircraft
23
6
ATC Regional
HQs
34
Volunteer
Reserve
Officers:
3,198
ATC Wings
960
Total Air
Civilian
Instructors &
Cadets:
ATC
Civilian Gliding
Instructors
ATC Cadets
SALARIED
in 960
STAFF
Community
based units
COMMITTEE
MEMBERS
24
5,000
SNCOs:
230
36,000
Civilian
Officers and
5,110 1,613
45,500
SQUADRONS
Warrant
27
VOLUNTEER
GLIDING
SQUADRONS
2
AIR
CADET
ADVENTURE
TRAINING
CENTRES
6 CCF
RAF
AREAS
202 CCF
RAF
SECTIONS
IN SCHOOLS
9,500
CCF (RAF)Cadets
in 202 Sections
70% Independent
Schools, 30%
State Schools
25
Alumni - Keep In Touch!
ts are
rrows pilo
A
d
e
R
s
u
the famo
•• Most of
ts
e
Cad
former Air
This year is full of challenges but also affords
opportunities for the ACO to look to its wide range
of stakeholders to garner support.
WEBS
ITE
Following our 70th anniversary
the ACO is lucky to have
an opportunity on which
to roll out a campaign to
engage more strategically.
This includes developing
an alumni database and
calling on all ex-cadets
(including any reading this
article) or indeed anyone
who has an interest in
helping the Air Cadets
to get in touch via our
alumni page on our
website raf.mod.uk/
aircadets or simply
contact their old
squadron.
raf.mo
d.uk/
a
Links at all levels are
very important and
even the smallest
offer of support is
gratefully received.
•• Image: Wg Cdr S Hullott
26
ircade
ts
The Air Cadets
are particularly
interested in
hearing from
you if you
ite
s reun
0
4
are currently
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s
t
serving
in
e
d
Ca
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the Air qn Ldr P Jo
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the
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r
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age: S
RAF or now work in
rmer m iversary. Im
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business.
Links at all levels are
e
0
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t
fot the
•• Toge
•• Linford Christie... former cadet
very important and even the smallest offer of support is
gratefully received.
If you are in the RAF and able to visit an ATC squadron or
CCF (RAF) unit on an intermittent basis to give them the
benefit of your operational experience – fantastic. If you can
offer more to enable cadets to get a “light blue” experience
– even better. Again, see the website
address above.
For those now working in commerce and industry
we would love to strengthen our links with
you and see if we can work together for
the greater good – the cadets of today and
tomorrow’s leaders! Just email Grahame
Cooke on ACO-HQAC-CST-CBSqnLdr@mod.uk.
So if you want to just stay
in touch with the Air
Cadets and be part
of the on going
story or you
want to give something
back we would love to hear
from you!
•• former cadet and NASA astronaut Dr Mike Foale
27
Cadets Reach For The Stars...
Cadets throughout the
UK have once again
been
rubbing
shoulders
with
top celebrities in
yet another star
studded year.
From the nation’s leading
politicians to an Australian
pop star and former X-Factor
judge, air cadets have
again found themselves in the
company of the famous.
DANNII MINOGUE
Air Cadets joined their peers from
the Army Cadet Force and the
Sea Cadet Corps on board HQS
Wellington in London to celebrate
as Cadet Vocational Qualification
Organisation (CVQO) patron
Dannii Minogue was presented
with her honorary doctorate in
Media from the University of
Solent.
Singer and TV star Dannii
is a huge supporter of the
cadet forces in the UK and
the opportunities offered
28
to them through the CVQO which
enable them to study for a range of
qualifications.
CWO Alice Brooks ,19, of 494 (Stansted
Airport) Squadron was delighted to
speak to Dannii. She said: “It was a
real privilege to meet her. We shook
hands and exchanged a few words.
She was very smiley and
made me feel totally
at ease, particularly as
she was very genuine
and down to earth.”
PRIME MINISTER
FLIES IN
Prime Minister, David
Cameron
MP
made
an informal visit to 136
(Chipping Norton) Squadron
- his first visit to an ACO unit
as PM. He spent time meeting the
cadets and staff on the squadron
which is a short drive away from his
home in Witney. After inspecting the
cadets, he spoke informally about
the importance of the Armed Forces.
Cadet Christine Haine, 15, was
one the cadets who talked to Mr
Cameron. She said: “The Prime
Minister told us all about his visits to
Afghanistan and how he used to be
in the cadets himself – he was very
chatty and really informative.”
JEFF BRAZIER
Meanwhile lucky cadets from
Middlesex were given a taste
of fame when they rubbed
shoulders with television
presenter Jeff Brazier and
platinum selling popstar
Olly Murs.
The eight cadets from 862
(Sunbury) Squadron met
the chart-topping pop star
after they were chosen to
take part in a race day at Kempton
Park.
Cadets from the squadron offered
to help organisers at the course with
logistical duties for the event, as
part of an on-going scheme which
has been set-up between the two
parties.
In return for their help, the cadets
were given admission on the
racecourse’s prestigious Ladies’
Day which included a 30-minute
performance by number one artist
Olly.
Jarrod
won a top competition
to find The Chartered Institute of
Public Relations (CIPR) Midland’s
Student of the Year. Speaking about
the occasion, Jarrod said: “Winning
the award was fantastic, but meeting
Kris was also a real buzz. As you
would expect he was lively and full
of stories about everything from his
Olympic achievements to the classic
TV show ‘Record Breakers.’
KRIS AKABUSI
Staffordshire Wing Media &
Communications Officer Jarrod
Williams lined-up alongside three
times Olympic medallist Kris Akabusi
when he collected a trio of top PR
awards in Birmingham at the end of
2011.
•• Words: A Nettleton
29
Learning Today . . .
Leading Tomorrow
The Air Cadet Organisation (ACO)
is renowned for maximising youth
potential; offering a wide range of
exciting activities to cadets from
flying and gliding to sports and
adventure training.
With the continued support of
the Cadet Vocational Qualification
Organisation (CVQO), the ACO
also offers the opportunity to
gain internationally recognised
vocational qualifications within a
wide range of subjects.
The activities and qualifications
available via the ACO helps develop
a broad range of skills including
leadership, teambuilding, problemsolving and communication.
These skills and qualifications are
highly valued by employers and
educators and help cadets and
staff to stand out when applying to
university or when embarking on
their chosen careers.
at the following levels; Certificate,
Extended Certificate and Diploma.
SUBSTANTIAL BENEFITS
The list of qualifications available
to cadets is long and amongst
them is the coveted Institute of
Leadership and Management (ILM )
Level 3 Certificate in Team Leading
for members of the Junior Leaders’
Course and the ILM Level 2 Award
in Team Leading for members of
the Qualified Air Instructors’ Course
(QAIC).
The past year has been an exciting
and successful time for the ACO and
has seen the introduction of the
online Aviation Training Syllabus
database and associated exam suite.
It is a major change for the Air Cadet
Organisation, yielding substantial
benefits for both cadets and adult
volunteers and the content of the
training syllabus has been revised to
align with the new Qualifications and
Credit Framework (QCF.)
Training resources are available on
Ultilearn which will also provide
an electronic assessment process
for the cadets. Existing Air Cadet
Publications (ACPs) are still available
as instructor’s guides and can be
accessed from Ultilearn and BADER
Sharepoint – the ACO’s internal
information superhighway.
Additional vocational qualifications
have also become available for
cadets and staff and include the new
BTEC Diploma in Aviation Studies
30
The Level 3 Preparing to Teach in
the Lifelong Learning Sector (PTLLS)
Qualification is also now available for
staff.
JUNIOR LEADERS
This year saw another 43 cadets
graduate from the prestigous Junior
Leaders’ course which teaches a
wide variety of skills and is accredited
by the Institute of Leadership and
Management.
•• Words: E Dugan
skills and
qualifications
are highly
valued by
employers
and
educators
•• Image: Flt Lt P Hinks
31
cadets will develop new
skills and have great
experiences
Adult volunteers also have the
chance to study for the:
THE DUKE OF EDINBURGH’S AWARD
• City and Guilds Membership
in Strategic Youth
Management
The ACO has once again seen great success in the awards this year and is still
the top achieving operating authority in the UK with thousands of cadets
gaining the bronze, silver and gold award each year. In fact the number of
awards bestowed to the ACO has increased by seven per cent.
10-20
GOLD 11
232
SILVE
R 637
BRO
• City and Guilds
Graduateship in Youth
Management and Training
With the ACO offering such a varied education, cadets will not only
develop new skills and have great experiences but will also take away real
qualifications that will provide them with greater opportunities in both the
workplace and in higher education.
CR
PREVI EASE ON T
H
OUS Y
EAR E
• ILM corporate membership
(Affiliate/Associate/Member/
Fellow)
DofE A
20 WARDS
NZE 2
210
TOTAL
3079
7% IN
32
• Licentiateship in Youth
Leadership and Training
• ILM Award in First Line
Management and the
33
Land of the Morning Calm South Korea
rock climbing and fast
roping, to scuba diving,
paragliding and jump
training.
Land of the morning calm –
South Korea so named in the
Ming Dynasty because of its
beauty - was the destination
for a group of lucky air cadets
who secured places on the
annual International Air
Cadet Exchange (IACE).
From the outset of the exchange it
was evident to the cadets that their
Korean hosts were keen to impress –
and they certainly did.
The cadets took part in a huge
range of activities, including
everything from the challenges of
34
Throughout the visit
the air cadets were given
an insight into the culture of South
Korea and the historic Republic of
Korea Air Force (ROKAF), including
a visit to a flying training wing,
where trainee fast jet pilots learn
the fundamentals of flying on the
Korean built KT-1 aircraft.
Further insight came from the
participation in the Korean Air Force
and Aerospace Camp including a
tour around the 17th Fighter Wing
and the training facilities for the
academy cadets. They also had a
day with the academy’s Search and
Rescue Training Unit and a display of
The majority of the cadets, including
six of the IACE group’s members
were given a flight in a ROKAF C-130
enjoying some evasive flying.
However, lucky Cadet Warrant
Officer Oliver Mendham of 633 (West
Swindon) Squadron and an IACE
cadet from the Netherlands were
given the huge privilege of a trip in
the classic F-4 Phantom.
Sporting fast jet pilot kit, the two
cadets strapped in to feel the full
thrust of the aircraft at full afterburner along the runway and were
even given a go at the controls whilst
taxing back to the hanger. Oliver
said: “Clearly this was one of the best
moments of my ATC career!”
The South Korean hosts were also
keen to show cadets their history
and culture through numerous
visits to museums and national/
world heritage sites and cadets also
stayed at a Buddhist temple for two
days, taking part in 4 am meditation,
bowing, yoga and lessons in martial
arts, leaving minds healthy but
muscles sore. Cadet Sergeant Tom
Phillips of Campbell College CCF
(RAF) said: “I had a fabulous time on
the exchange - the memories will
last me a lifetime.”
• The ACO participates annually in
the International Air Cadet Exchange
with 15 foreign countries including
Australia, the USA, Canada and
Ghana.
Image: J Griffin Stewart
a rescue mission involving 3 Sikorsky
HH-60 Pave Hawk Helicopters.
*In 1934 A.D., an emperor
of the Ming dynasty of
China, the Celestial Empire
of the East, gave Korea the
title of ‘Chaohsien’ meaning
morning freshness. The
title was most suited to
South Korea because of
its
spellbinding
natural
beauty of picturesque high
mountains and clear waters
and its splendid tranquility,
particularly in the morning
which confirmed the title on
South Korea as the ‘Land of
Morning Calm’.
35
On The Thar Horizon…
The trek that changed lives forever
Travelling to the far reaches of India’s Thar desert
London Wing cadets endeavoured to change some
very special young lives forever.
The team of 17 - led by Pilot Officer
Chris Booty, Officer Commanding
282 (East Ham) Squadron -embarked
on the ‘Thar Horizon’ expedition with
the sole aim of bringing happiness
to the lives of children living in a
remote and often inhospitable
environment.
clean water along with an extremely
limited education, thousands of
children live in the remote Indian
plains. When the cadets of 282, 50F
(Lambeth) and 1475 (Dulwich) heard
of their plight they pledged to make
a positive difference to as many
children as possible.
Born into poverty and disease, miles
from civilisation and
Arriving in Delhi, the team spent a
day acclimatising and embracing
the colourful culture of India,
along with its bustling way of
life then they journeyed west
for 14 hours by train, bus and
off road vehicles moving deep
into parts of India where
tourists are rarely seen and
the local people have little if
no knowledge of the outside
world.
Locals
stopped
and
stared as cadets evaded
elephants, camels and
36
cows walking the streets. Stopping
off at several towns, the expedition
team visited temples, forts and
palaces spanning centuries before
leaving motorised transport for
the camel safari and a four-day trek
across the desert to a small village.
Cadets faced many challenges
along the safari - extreme heat and
a sparse water supply and none of
the luxuries taken for granted back
in the UK. The hardship faced by
people at their final destination
came as a shock to many
with tears close to the
surface. The local children
were in desperate need
of food and drink, lucky
enough the team had a
good supply and gave
some away.
an extremely run down school that
had two classrooms, one hundred
students and a single teacher.
Decorating it with images of the
outside world, new carpets and
furniture, the cadets toiled hard in
40 degrees of heat over four days.
Cadet Rad Elwakhery said he learnt a
great deal from the expedition which
was supported by the Ulysses Trust.
He said it was a great eye opener for
him.
Cadet Espin Salazar, 16, said: “This
expedition not only changed lives
of children in India, but also my
own. We had plenty of open space,
time to think,
time to reflect on
ourselves, family
and friends. The
world is a
b i g
place and I have made a small change.
The Air Cadets and this expedition
have influenced me to help others.
I believe this is just
the start.”
Soon the cadets and staff
went to work refurbishing
37
When Daisy Met Little Ham Tu…
When 14-year-old Cadet Corporal
Daisy Lonsdale met little Ghanaian boy
Ham Tu they instantly became friends
despite living literally worlds apart.
Daisy of 177 (Blackpool)
Squadron ATC met Ham Tu
on an expedition to Ghana
where the squadron was pitching
in to help transform the quality
of life of Fihini villagers who were
relying on one standpipe to supply
water to 1,800 men, women and
children. The cadets installed nearly
120 soakaways much to the delight
of locals.
Ham Tu was poorly when the team
of cadets arrived at the village but
he soon brightened up when he
heard Daisy’s voice and followed her
everywhere.
“You have not experienced true
poverty until you have seen
and witnessed the life that
these people lead,” said
Daisy. “Or see the smile on
a child’s face when you give
them something as simple as a
balloon.”
Flt Lt Andy Nickson, the 177’s
Commanding Officer said: “We
saw many sights we had only
ever seen on TV. It is only when
you’re on the ground amongst it,
you realise the poverty and life the
38
local people live. Our lottery number
came up being born British. We are
told our work has changed people’s
lives and probably saved many of
the children we have seen.”
We are told our work has changed
people’s lives and probably saved
many of the children we have seen
The team also worked at a village
school, harvested water, by
installing guttering and water butts
at a medical centre, before joining
Ghanaian cadets going village to
village in the Tolon-Kumbungo
region of northern Ghana.
Cadets became honorary members
of local tribes and the star turn
at Ghana’s huge football stadium
providing the most excitement since
the World Cup as English cadets took
on a local combined cadet and youth
side. The Ghanaians, who at half time
switched cadets and reserves to
semi-professional first team players
thrashed 177 (Blackpool) Sqn 5-1.
It was a tearful farewell as cadets
finally left their new found friends
but Flt Lt Nickson was delighted at
how the squadron coped with the
charitable humanitarian mission
which will also secure them at least
20 gold Duke of Edinburgh Awards.
39
Hot Shots!
GRAND SLAM VICTORY…
The Air Cadet shooting fraternity celebrated in style this year after winning
all four inter service cadet trophies.
It is the first time a grand slam has been achieved for the highly trained and
disciplined cadets whose success had them smiling for weeks and brought
them congratulations from across the UK.
In essence, the ATC retained the Punch Small Bore Trophy for the 22nd year
in a row, won the Whistler Small Bore Postal Competition and won the final
at the Inter Service Cadet Rifle event at Bisley. The Corps also won the Cadet
Skill at Arms Meeting, Inter Service Final at Pirbright, the first time they have
taken the coveted trophy.
RIGHT ON TARGET
Shooting is one of the most popular activities within the ACO. It is always
conducted under strict supervision by fully qualified staff
who develop the target shooting skills of the cadets in a
manner which instils confidence and good discipline.
the Sea Cadet Corps (SCC). The
ACO and SCC instructors are
tasked with delivering the new
Skill at Arms Instructor course
for both organisations assisted
by the SATTs.
Instructors from the ACO
CTT spent a week in Cyprus
training staff and regular
RAF service helpers of
No 1 (Overseas) Sqn
Akrotiri. After more than
18 months without any
shooting, cadets are once
more able to take to the
ranges.
G
N
I
T
O
SHO
6
MS
R
A
AMS
SMALL
ING TE
TRAIN
3,0L0IF0IED
QUA
F
F
A
ST
Shooting develops hand/eye coordination, concentration,
and the ability to assess environmental conditions and
make appropriate decisions and adjustments. It requires
awareness of the position and safety of others, the
ability to follow instructions precisely and to work with
resources to an exact time constraint.
TRAIN THE TRAINERS
The ACO has six highly successful Small Arms Training
Teams (SATTs) tasked with teaching adult staff the
supervision and safety skills required for the Range
Conducting Officer (RCO) qualification. When they
have passed the course individuals can then teach
the cadets. There are approximately 3,000 qualified
RCOs in the ACO.
This year the SATTs have been joined by the ACO’s
Central Training Team (CTT) in a joint venture with
40
qualified staff develop the
target shooting skills of the
cadets in a manner which instils
confidence and good discipline
41
On the sports field…
Olympic long jump hopeful has
Virgin train named after her
All eyes are currently on former
Manchester air cadet and 2012
Olympic long jump hopeful Abigail
Irozuru. (See image right)
Abigail has competed as a junior
adult in competitions across the
UK and overseas, so is already a
seasoned international competitor.
But it all began for her as an air
cadet with 1832 (North Manchester)
Squadron, where as a young cadet
she got her first taste of competitive
athletics.
Now sponsored by Virgin Trains,
who have named a Pendolino train
after her, Abigail has her
hopes pinned on the 2012 Olympics
and the Commonwealth Games in
Glasgow in 2014.
Abigail also felt that her time as an air
cadet had opened up many avenues
for her in later life. She said: “I can’t
say enough about how fabulous air
cadets was and how it was the main
driving force into getting me into
athletics.
Cadets are able to compete at a
range of levels, including squadron,
wing and region, with the most
successful representing the ACO in
national competition.
Over the last 12 months a number
of the ACO’s top athletes and sports
teams have achieved a high level of
success and leading from the front
was the organisation’s Chief of Staff
Group Captain John Lawlor who
achieved national success winning
the British Age Group Marathon
55 and over category in the British
Masters Championship at Abingdon.
In near perfect weather conditions,
Gp Capt Lawlor ran 2 hours 55
minutes and 58 seconds.
I always mention how
I was at an event for
my squadron and I was
introduced to my first
ever coach there
© Virgin Trains
42
•• A young swimmer at the ACO’s Swimming Championships
•• Image: Sqn Ldr P Jones. Words: A Nettleton
f Staff,
Chief oor
s
t
e
d
a
l
•• Air Cpt John Law
Gp Ca
•• Flt Lt
Meanwhile, HQ Air Cadets
Rachae
l Cadm
Training Officer Flight
an
Lieutenant Rachael Cadman
became the first woman to complete Enduroman
the world’s most demanding Arch2Arc Challenge.
The challenge, known as ‘the most
triathlon.
gruelling and most challenging
Rachael Cadman ran, swam and
endurance event known to man’
cycled her way through the gruelling
saw Flt Lt Cadman complete an 87-
mile (140km) run from
London’s Marble Arch to
Dover, a 23-mile (37km)
swim to cross the Channel,
finishing with a 187-mile
(300km) cycle from Calais
to the Arc de Triomphe in Paris.
43
ON TRACK...
Two cadets also had a very special
invitation to the RAF Athletics
Championships at Cosford. Following
strong performances at the ACO’s
Inter Region Championships, Cadet
Flt Sgt Wilson from 1195 (Irvine)
Squadron and Cadet R Goyder-Smith
of 2409 (Halton) Squadron both ran
in the 800 metres men and women’s
categories, respectively.
achieved a highly commendable
success rate of 96.6 per cent.
Completion results were higher than
the previous year making everyone
happy…even with sore feet!
ESTATE MANAGEMENT
The Jon Ford Trophy for the best ATC
team at the marches was awarded
to Surrey Wing, with Central and
East Yorkshire Wing finishing a close
second.
It has been another challenging year
for the ACO Estate Management
Team.
Operating
within
an
increasingly
difficult
financial
climate, the team has arranged the
ongoing maintenance of an ageing
and varied ACO estate of buildings
for squadrons, wings and regions
and has facilitated the provision of
more than 30 major new projects
throughout the country.
Meanwhile, Central and East Region
ATC scooped the prestigious Terry
Eyre Inter Region Sports Trophy for
an unprecedented ninth consecutive
year and Merseyside was chosen
as the best sporting wing and won
the Gillan Trophy for the seventh
consecutive year.
Each year top cadet teams test
their mettle against experienced
opponents in a number of different
sports. The ATC Football team was
narrowly beaten 5-4 by the RAF’s No
1 Radio Training School. In netball
the ATC veteran’s team conquered a
5-team round robin tournament.
NIJMEGEN MARCHES
This year 26 teams began the famous
Nijmegen Marches, with 322 cadets
making up 37.9 per cent of the British
Military Contingent and covering
100 miles in four days.
As in previous years, ACO teams were
extremely well prepared and with
excellent marching conditions they
44
New purpose-built accommodation
was
constructed
for
seven
squadrons, 14 joint projects were
completed with the Army Cadet
Force, with the remainder of the
tasking resulting in extensions and
refurbishments to bring existing
accommodation up to standard.
Accommodation went up at
Crowborough, thus completing a
project to build dedicated training
facilities for each ATC region. In
addition, the HQAC based team
known as the Org
Branch
NIJME
GE
has embarked on a rolling
programme providing enhanced
training resources for Wings. The
latter has already been of benefit
to Essex Wing, with a further
facility up-grade programme
being rolled out at the Windermere
Adventure Training Centre.
Expenditure on property for the
estate across the financial year
comprised £4.9 million for new
accommodation and extensions
plus £3.4 million for statutory,
mandatory, planned maintenance
and minor works. With the advent
of the Defence Infrastructure
Organisation (DIO) which has
taken over from Defence Estates
more changes are inevitable in the
management of the ACO’s extensive
estate and in coming months these
will become more defined.
30
r
o
j
a
mw projects
ne
e
out th
h
g
u
o
thr
ry
count
•• Ivybridge Joint Cadet
Centre
26 Tea N
322 C ms
adets
100 m
iles in
4
96.6%
day
Succe s
ss
Ra
te
•• Cadet Samuel Ubido of 2418 (Sherwood) Sqn represents South and
East Midland Wing at the 2011 ATC Athletics Championships.
•• Image: Sqn Ldr P Jones.
•• 504
(West
Nottin
•• 2401
g ha m
) Sq u a
dron
•• Market Rasen
(Dawl
i
sh) Sq
uadro
n
45
Having Faith…
The Chaplaincy Service plays an
important role within the ACO
providing both cadets and staff with
pastoral care whatever their religious
beliefs.
With dedicated padre’s hours, regular
visits to squadrons and detached
flights, as well as church services,
cadets and staff have plenty of
opportunity to speak with a chaplain
if they wish.
There are more than 600 padres of
varying denominations working
with our 1,000 squadrons and units.
Each chaplain plays a valuable role
in developing the potential of our
members.
CARING AND LISTENING
Talks with senior cadets and adults
on matters of faith and the value of
good citizenship are becoming more
common, particularly at camp.
Naturally, chaplains bring a unique,
professional contribution to the
“care team” through their rank
neutrality, their knowledge of local
needs and their ability to guarantee
confidentiality.
To widen understanding of different
faiths and diversity within the ACO,
a successful series of articles on
religious festivals and the main
religions within the UK, is regularly
published in Air Cadet Magazine.
Health, Safety &
Environment
ACO SCOOPS SEVENTH CONSECUTIVE
INTERNATIONAL SAFETY AWARD
This has been an outstanding year for the Air Cadet Organisation (ACO) Health
and Safety Branch which has once again been recognised for its commitment
to Health & Safety, after being awarded its seventh consecutive British Safety
Council International Safety Award (ISA).
The achievement is all the more remarkable, as the British Safety Council
decided to raise the bar for their judging criteria and introduce new
categories, in order to challenge organisations and companies further.
Despite the change in required criteria, the ACO still achieved an ISA with
merit after being awarded 53 marks, placing the organisation in the same
grouping as Aston Martin, BUPA, Morrisons & GlaxoSmithKline.
ACO HEALTH & SAFETY, ENTRY LEVEL AWARD
The organisation’s latest success coincides with the introduction of its own
Health & Safety Entry Level Award and is designed to make cadets more
aware of the practicalities of Health & Safety in their surroundings and in
their future workplaces. The short course is highly practical and available to
all cadets, whilst providing a great addition to their records of achievement.
Cadets from No.1 and No.3 Welsh Wings took up the challenge by achieving
198 cadet health and safety entry level awards during the pilot exercise. To
mark this achievement, the British Safety Council held an award ceremony in
the Princess Royal Theatre, Port Talbot attended by cadets and their parents.
AFETY
S
&
H
HEALT
EVEL
L
ENTRY
D
R
A
W
A NTEER
- 517
VOOLU
AINED
R
T
S
R
T2S
E
D
A
CEGISTERED - 411
R
S
T
E
D
CA
TU T
2
D - 61
AWAR
D
E
V
ACHIE
•• Cadets take part in a challenging team building activity.
•• Words: E Dugan
46
47
CARRYING OFF THE SILVER…
AIR CADET ACCOLADES
Cadets, volunteers and permanent
staff have enjoyed a high level of
success again this year. Amongst
those recognised for their services
to the ACO were:
Officer of the Most Excellent
Order of the British Empire (OBE)
Wing Commander Nigel Dickinson.
Member of the Order of the
British Empire (MBE)
The Rev Tom Tait, former ATC Corps
Chaplain
Squadron Leader Kevin Mehmet,
London & South East Region
Commander-in-Chief Air
Command Commendation
Squadron Leader Brian Swan,
Hampshire and Isle of Wight
Warrant Officer Gary Tonks,
South West Region
Air Officer Commanding No 22
(Training) Group Commendation
Mr Barry Tissington, No 2 Welsh Wing
OTHER MAJOR AWARDS MADE
THIS YEAR (the list is not exhaustive):
Dacre Brooch – best ATC female
cadet
Cadet Warrant Officer Alex Dutch,
London & South East Region
Dacre Sword – best ATC male
cadet
Cadet Warrant Officer Ben Gilbert, 378
(Mannock) Squadron
48
Sir John Thomson Memorial
Sword – best CCF (RAF) cadet
Cadet Warrant Officer (CWO) Charlotte
Bull, Wellingborough School.
Lees Trophy – best ATC squadron
215 (Swansea) Squadron
Cadet Flight Sergeants:
James Woodward Monmouth School
Cadet Sergeants:
Benjamin Moss
King’s School, Chester ;
Christopher Bennett
The Royal Grammar School Guildford
Morris Trophy - best runner up in
the Lees Trophy competition
The Shackelton Trophy
1855 (Royton) Squadron ATC
Middlesex Wing for their expedition to
Borneo led by Flt Lt ‘H’ Tanner.
Air Squadron Trophy – best CCF
(RAF) unit:
The Commandant’s Special
Award
King’s School Grantham.
The Duke of Westminster Award
Cadet Flight Sergeant Harry Lane,19
(Crawley) Squadron
Cubby Memorial Sword
Cadet Sergeant Righini-Nesbit,
Cranbrook School as the best cadet,
either CCF (RAF) or ATC, on Air Cadet
Leadership Course
De Havilland Memorial Medals
Awarded to CCF (RAF) cadets for
outstanding performance:
Cadet Warrant Officers:
Matthew Gill
King’s School, Grantham;
James Howard
Victoria College, Jersey;
Charlotte Bull
Wellingborough School;
Daniel Chorley Queen Mary’s Grammar School, Walsall;
Hannah CromptonPocklington School;
Tom Arscott
Wilson’s School;
Scott Daniel
King Edward 6th School, Louth
This year Air Commodore Barbara
Cooper introduced a new award, The
Commandant’s Special Award, to be
presented each year (if warranted) to an
individual, a squadron or unit – indeed
anyone that, in the Commandant’s
opinion, merited formal recognition.
Winner: 282 (East Ham) Squadron
The Mike Cross Trophy
South West Region for best media and
communications output; keeping the
cadets in the public eye.
The Media & Communications
Fellowship Award
Squadron Leader Brian Mennell, North
Region for outstanding results and
longevity in raising the profile of the Air
Cadets over many years.
Terry Eyre Trophy – best ATC
region for sport
Central and East Region scooped the
prestigious Inter Region Sports Trophy
for an unprecedented ninth consecutive
year.
Gillan Trophy – best ATC wing for
sport
Merseyside Wing won for the seventh
consecutive year
The Jon Ford Trophy
Awarded to Surrey Wing with
Central and East Yorkshire Wing
coming a close second
Marshall Trophy - Most
Improved Sqn
2160 (Sleaford) Sqn
The Quinton Memorial
Sergeant Gareth Bradbury of
121 (Nuneaton) Squadron
Presented annually for top
academic results on the
Senior Non-Commissioned
Officer Initial Course held at
the Air Cadet Adult Training
Facility, Royal Air Force
College Cranwell.
The Ganderton Sword
Pilot Officer Ross McElligott
of 451 (Stourbridge) Sqn,
West Mercian Wing for best
performance on the Initial
Officer’s Course at the
Air Cadet Adult Training
Facility.
The Kriegie Trophy
Cadet Corporal Kiran
McDonald-Seran, of
62 (2nd Glasgow NW)
Squadron as the best air
cadet on the Frimley Park
Leadership Course
•• Words: E Dugan
•• The Duke of Westminster Award Winner Cadet Flight Sergeant Harry Lane.
•• Image: CVQO.
49
Our People…
Civilian Instuctor
Fiona Old
“Everything inspires me about the Air Cadets.
Every time I fly with someone who hasn’t flown
before and they tell me how amazing it is it inspires
me to continue. It makes me so happy when we get
new cadets through the door who are shy and quiet
and you see them turn into confident young
people. There are so many volunteers willing to
give up so much time to give young people
the most adventurous and exciting
experience.”
Cadet Corporal
Kim Hewitt
Cadet Sergeant
Jordan Smith
“I get to meet new people not just within
my squadron, but within the wing and the
region making friends all over the UK. What also
inspires me is the activities you do with your
squadron such as D of E, Squadron camps, etc
which builds up the bonds with you and
the rest of the cadets in your
squadron.”
Cadet Corporal
Matthew Argyle
“I feel inspired by achievements of past
cadets as well as present cadets, they may not
be big achievements but they impress and
inspire me none the less. The way that cadets
can change people for the better always
amazes me, how they grow from the shyest
little 13 year old to become leaders of
people I believe is the greatest
thing about the ACO.”
50
“As teenagers we get amazing opportunities to
do things that we wouldn’t normally do on a day
to day basis. Things like: flying/gliding, shooting,
adventure training, drill, UK/overseas camps to RAF
bases, leadership courses and many more! I love
the freedom that we get in the Air Training
Corps, and the discipline that has to be
installed into us from day 1.”
Cadet Flight Sergeant
Alyx Milne
“I have met so many new and close friends from
18 different countries including the UK through
IACE. Whilst sharing each other’s cultures with an
amazing programme of activities, IACE has
truly made been my most memorable
moment within my life, not just
within my time as an air
cadet.”
Cadet Sergeant
Sani Sani-Mohammed
Cadet Flight Sergeant
Catherine Smith
“The quality that shines out in the Air Cadets the
most is the unwavering passion that I see on a day to
day basis. Cadets give up free time to enjoy helping and
spending time with their contemporaries at activities or
camps and there are hundreds of staff that often miss
time with their families in order to support the cadets.
Hours of work and effort have been put in for my
cadet career by others and I will never be able to
thank the ACO enough for the outstanding
way that it has changed my life.”
Cadet Corporal
Sam McSevich
“Ever since the age of 10 when I first saw the Red
Arrows, I wondered what amazement and adrenaline
those pilots must be going through. After that
moment, I have longed to become a fighter pilot to
experience what those pilots did that day. I soon found
that the Air Cadets provided great opportunities
such as flying, shooting and qualifications that
would be the best starting point for my future
career as a pilot.”
Cadet Warrant Officer
Oliver Mendham
“From being in the back of an F-4 Phantom at full
afterburner in Korea, to being part of the parade
honouring Wootton Bassett as the town ‘Royal Wootton
Bassett’. I still think my most memorable moment will be
when we reached the peak of Mt. Perdu whilst on our
Squadron expedition to the Pyrenees. The emotion of
making such an achievement, all the work before the
trip, raising funds and being able to share it with
your best friends. That will I think be my
MOST memorable moment.”
“I joined the Air Training Corps because I thought it was
very interesting, I have always wanted to join the RAF so I
thought if I join the ATC it could serve as training before
training, well that’s how I see it.
The amount of amazing qualifications and experience you
go through and achieve is fantastic.
I have had a lot of really good and memorable
moments but the most memorable would have to
be my first time gliding. Great time!”
Cadet Corporal
Zoe Faith Ramos
“I have had a brilliant time in my cadet life so far;
getting involved with anything and everything I possibly
can, representing my squadron and my wing in a number
of events. One of my favourite memories is my first flight
flying in a Vigilant at the start of my Gliding Scholarship with
613VGS, RAF Halton. That was truly a beautiful day and the
experience was breath-taking! I could really see my
future unfold before my eyes, reaching out and
touching the sky! - I really was literally flying
high!!”
Cadet Sergeant
Tiffany Cotton
“I would say that my most memorable
moment as an air cadet was being able to fly
in a Sea King Search and Rescue helicopter! I can
safely say that no other teenager I know that isn’t
in cadets has ever gone through some of the
experiences I have! Getting the opportunity to do
things like this is absolutely amazing. I even took
the controls of a plane before I could drive a
car.”
Squadron Leader
Hilda McAdam
Q. What is the most memorable moment in your time as an
Air Cadet or Volunteer?
A. Reaching the summit of Mt Fan-Si-Pan (30143m/10,312ft,
highest in Indochina), NW Vietnam on day 4 of a 5-day trek.
One cadet had contracted the mumps and all the other
cadets were extremely supportive and he managed
the arduous journey out of the jungle with the
help of his peers!
51
For more information about
joining the Air Cadets call:
0845
600 601
or go to
www.raf.mod.uk/
aircadets
The aims of the ACO are clear,
demonstrating the ideals of producing
enthusiastic and thoughtful young men
and women who will strive to achieve in
whatever walk of life they choose.
HQAC, RAFC CRANWELL, SLEAFORD, LINCS. NG34 8HB
(01400 267628)
•• Cadet Kiki Brewster, aged 14, of 121 (Nuneaton)Sqn
•• Image Flt Lt P Hinks
Produced by Media and Communications, HQ Air Cadets
Artwork designed and created by Media Services, Serco, Royal Air Force
College Cranwell