1996 (Earley) Squadron

Located at The Bader Hall in Woodley, this unit serves Earley, Shinfield, Whiteknights and the south of Reading.

Latest News for: 1996

Wing Drill Day

Over 100 cadets from around Thames Valley Wing attended a wing drill day.

Wing Warrant Officer, WO Uzzell said:

This activity brings resources and instructors together to provide drill training and a taster of different forms of drill for the whole Wing

Successful first Initial Weapons Training of the year

This weekend at RAF Benson Cadets from across Thames Valley Wing met for the first session of a year-long programme of initial weapons training and live fire. 15 cadets left with a trained shot badge and a further 2 gained the marksman badge. Our next session is planned for March with details already available through Cadet Portal.

Radio and Cyber Success

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

Earley Open Evening

Thursday 13th February 2020 from 1930 until 2100 – We are inviting anyone in Year 8 of Secondary school who may be interested in a career in the armed forces, aviation or anyone who just wants to do something a little bit different, to come along to our recruitment night at our Squadron Head Quarters.

Head over to 1996 Squadron and we can give you an idea of what the Royal Air Force Air Cadets has to offer!

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to get in touch!

Thames Valley Wing goes maritime!

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.

Tactical Leadership Course Success

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

Arnhem Airborne March 2018

Thames Valley Wing participated in this year’s Airborne March, which is part of the commemorations of the Battle for Arnhem in the Netherlands in 1944. The Airborne March is in memory to the 1750 plus British and Polish soldiers who lost their lives in the Battle of Arnhem in September 1944 and who are buried in the War Cemetery at Oosterbeek. The March takes place on the first Saturday in September each year. The first march was held in 1947. Further information on the Airborne March is available from: http://www.airbornewandeltocht.nl/en/airborne/44-background_airborne_march

Thames Valley Wing had 79 cadets and volunteer staff participate in 10 and 15 KM route marches as part of this event.

Thames Valley Wing’s objectives for this event were:

  • for cadets and adult volunteers to participate in the Arnhem March representing the Royal Air Force Air Cadets;
  • to learn about the Battle of Arnhemby visiting significant locations of the battle, the Airborne Museum Oosterbeek and to commemorate the Battle of Arnhem paying their respects at the War Cemetery Oosterbeek;

Should you be interested in participating next year, there are places available with Thames Valley Wing’s contingent. Please contact Flt Lt Nigel Furlong, Contingent Commander and Officer Commanding 2210 Cowley Squadron via our contact form

2018 Annual Formal Inspections

On Thursday 26th April, Earley Squadron had it’s Annual Formal Inspection. This annual event was our opportunity for the Squadron’s cadets to showcase their skills, talents and achievements to both parents and wing staff. This year, the inspecting officer was Deputy Wing Commander Thames Valley Wing, Squadron Leader Trevena, who was accompanied by Warrant Officer Twigg as the inspecting Warrant Officer. Continue reading