The weekend of the 28th-30th of June saw Air Cadets from across the Oxfordshire area come together to take part in Exercise Tri-Hard, the Oxfordshire Cadet Challenge. Working with cadets from the Sea, Army and Combined Cadet Force, they took part in a range of exciting and challenging activities.  The aim of the weekend was to work together in teams to win the Challenge.

Throughout the weekend the cadets took part in water-based activities like kayaking and power boating with the Sea Cadet Corps, the Army Cadet Force provided first aid scenarios to test the cadets and the Air Training Corps challenged the groups to find a downed pilot by completing a number of different leadership exercises. Continue reading →

As part of the long term sponsorship between AirTanker Services and 2267 (Brize Norton) Air Cadet Squadron the company provided every cadet with new, high visibility jackets to help keep the cadets safe and seen. With many of the cadets walking between their home and the squadron each night it helps to ensure safety as the number one priority for all the cadets which matches the safety ethos of AirTanker.

The high visibility jackets are also used by the cadets when out on their Duke of Edinburgh expeditions to be clearly seen on the country lanes or out supporting charity events such as the Carterton 10k. As from the photo it won’t be hard now to miss the Air Cadets out and about proudly showing the partnership between AirTanker Services and the Brize Norton Air Cadets.

On Tuesday, 11th June, 2267 (Brize Norton) Air Cadet’s played host to RAF Brize Norton Station Commander, Gp Cpt S Lushington ADC MA RAF who as part of his visit opened the newly installed flight simulator. The simulator has been a long project for the unit in terms of fundraising and receiving grants to allow the cadets the opportunity to develop their airmanship skills and support the Air Experience Flying offered on the Grob Tutor and Vigilant gliders.

FS Naworynsky, Sgt Buchanan and Cpl Woolliams who are all senior cadets at the squadron that have achieved a number of gliding qualifications with 2 currently instructors at 612 VGS at Abingdon explained how the simulator will support the cadets understanding of flying. Continue reading →

With summer finally here, cadets & staff from Thames Valley Wing took to the water & climbing wall at Adventure Dolphin in Pangbourne for the Wing’s Multiactivity Adventure Training Day. 12 cadets and 4 staff members from across the Thames Valley attended the event, with all enjoying the warm weather and sunshine!

Following an introduction into what the day would involve, the cadets were split into two groups to tackle morning’s respective challenges. The first being a taxing “throw the shoe” warm up lead by CI Ollie Holman of 2402 squadron. Following this, the flights went their separate ways – an introduction to Paddlesport in open canoes or tackling 9 challenging climbing routes on the climbing wall. Continue reading →

Every year cadets from 966 (Wallingford) Sqn compete with the Wallingford detachment of the Army Cadet Force for two awards presented by the local Branch of the Royal British Legion.  This year, on 30 May, the squadron pulled off a hat-trick by winning both the awards.  Following an interview of the nominated cadets from both organisations by the Wallingford RBL, it was decided to present the ‘Cadet of the Year Award 2013’ to FS Sally Evans and the ‘Tony Smith Memorial Shield Award 2013’ to Sgt Tamara Simmons.  Continue reading →

Thames Valley Wing of the Air Training Corps are in celebratory mood after their A Team won the best air cadet team award at the recent Royal Air Force Walking and Road Marching Association 2 day march held at Defence College of Aeronautical Engineering.

The Wing are no strangers to this achievement as it is the third time Thames Valley have picked up this award under the guidance of their coach and leader; Flight Lieutenant Karl Kisley. Continue reading →

Hundreds of young achievers from across the UK have a date in the prestigious setting of St. James’s Palace on Wednesday, 15^th May 2013, including Fg Off Daniel Holden RAFVR(T) from 2267 (Brize Norton) Squadron.

Daniel was a staff member of South East Scotland Wing Air Training Corps where he achieved their Gold Duke of Edinburgh’s Award and travelled to London to receive his certificate from the DofE’s Patron and Founder – HRH The Duke of Edinburgh/Trustee and presented by Michael Palin OBE. Continue reading →

Once again the rural lands of Berkshire were transformed into a recruitment hunting ground as 2402 (Burghfield) Squadron went on the trail for new cadets.

The key behind the recruitment was the establishment of a key pitch at the Burghfield May Fayre, the Squadron being complimented for having presented a highly organised and professional display. This display was made up of a variety of key aspects including display boards, the Wing Recruitment gazebo and, in pride of place, the Wing aerospace platform (the WASP) which attracted many young enthusiasts who wanted to fly the simulator and were subsequently introduced to the variety of activities and opportunities that the Air Training Corps provides. Continue reading →