Thames Valley Rises To Commandants Challenge

Cadets from Thames Valley Wing took part in the Annual Formal Inspection of the Air Cadet Organisation whilst on summer camp at RAF Cosford.

Twelve cadets nick named “The Dirty Dozen” joined Air Vice Marshal Mark Green, AOC 22 (Training) Group and Air Commodore Barbara Cooper Commandant Air Cadet Organisation for an early morning PT session.  In a session run by RAF Physical Training Instructors and the cadets worked very hard to match the AOC’s standards! The cadets then went on, after a second breakfast, to join the rest of the camp for marksmanship and flying.

After lunch the AOC returned to view a reformed Dirty Dozen attacking a further challenge set by two of their instructors, Sgt Dan Cooper from 2499 (Wokingham) Squadron and Sgt Petrina Fitzpatrick from 153 (Slough) Squadron.  Using advanced equipment and training techniques the cadets were put through their paces solving problems such as moving water in a self built wheelbarrow, constructing a skyscraper and building a new recruit for the Wing!

The opportunity to perform these activities not only in front of but also with the active involvement of such high ranking RAF officers is fantastic and goes to show the high regard in which the Air Cadet movement is held by its parent service.