During the recent lock down period, Thames Valley Wing of the RAF Air Cadets moved to using online platforms to continue activities for our cadets. 217 of our air cadets have completed radio communications and cyber security training courses during this time and we even trained 10 adult volunteers as instructors.

The radio communications and cyber security training is highly beneficial to the cadets, as it improves their knowledge of cyber security, social media safety and how to protect themselves and their devices from malware and viruses. Continue reading →

Well done to all cadets and adult volunteers who took part in the South West Region sports day covering rugby, netball, football and hockey and congratulations to all who were selected for the South West region teams.

Thames valley Wing undertook a multi activity training weekend staying onboard HMS Bristol, a Royal Navy destroyer docked in Portsmouth and used as a training facility. Our cadets participated in training for first aid, leadership, instructional techniques, NCO command training for Junior and Senior NCOs and weapons handling and safety training.

A party of cadets and staff from Thames Valley Wing joined Hants and IOW Wing on a trip to the WW1 sites around Ypres in Belgium this weekend. The trip included visits to several WW1 cemeteries where the cadets were able to lay crosses and pay their respects. With the approach of the 100th Anniversary of the end of WW1, it was a particularly poignant time. The highlight of the trip was the participation in the Menin Gate Last Post cemetery, during which the Wing laid a wreath. Continue reading →

In the months from September to October, a little more than 100 cadets took part in Thames Valley Wing Air Cadets’ fieldcraft courses.  Also known as the ‘Tactical Leadership Courses’, they culminated in a blank firing exercise with cadets, a first for the Wing.  Throughout, cadets were given progressive opportunities to learn and demonstrate skills from camouflage and concealment to section-level tactics with training ammunition, all whilst developing their communication, teamwork and leadership skills. Continue reading →

Flight Sergeant Will Slater of 2402 (Burghfield) Squadron has recently completed a week long cyber course at  No.1 Radio School at RAF Cosford. The prestigious course, which qualifies for a Gold PTS badge, is delivered by  regular RAF Instructors over three weeks each summer. The course is the top level Cyber qualification in the RAFAC and has been running for only a couple years, meaning that FS Slater is one of less than 100 in the whole Corps to have this award.  Continue reading →

Cadets and staff have recently undertaken two fieldcraft weekends with almost 90 cadets and staff being trained.

The first weekend focused on cadet fieldcraft skills with some of the cadets even sleeping under the stars in bivouacs with none of their normal luxuries. That alone is tough enough but to then add two days of intense and relentless training makes their achievement all the more significant. Continue reading →