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.
Flight Lieutenant Jo Jefferiss who led the training programme and is the Thames Valley Wing Radio Communications Officer said, ‘the air cadets have really enjoyed doing their Radio training – it increases their confidence and communication skills, and they have been really keen to be to continue with their training during lockdown! The training experience has been more realistic for the cadets, as the they come from all over the Thames Valley, and it’s been great for them to ‘speak’ to cadets from other Squadrons using an internet based radio system. The cyber security training has also been invaluable during this time, as the cadets have been using the internet and social media more during the lockdown period, for their schoolwork and to contact family and friends.’
Wing Commander Colin Burrell, officer commanding Thames Valley Wing stated “This is simply an outstanding achievement and a credit to our cadets and volunteers, particularly to achieve these qualifications during lockdown”.