Parade Nights

We hold parade nights on Tuesday and Thursday each week from 1900 to around 2115. Each evening consists of two halves with a break in between for canteen. The activities we do on a parade night vary greatly however common ones include sport, model making, drill, lessons, as well as numerous friendly competitions and of course the ever popular night exercises.

Cadet Training

At the squadron headquarters, cadets are taught various technical aviation subjects. They also learn practical skills such as shooting, model making, first aid, and also become involved in project work.

Cadets initially join as Probationers, which gives them some time to find out whether they are really interested in the ATC. When enrolled (at a minimum age of 13 years 3 months) they become a Second Class Cadet and continue training on the First Class Cadet syllabus. Having passed the First Class Cadet Examination, they continue training to become a Leading Cadet, and then a Senior Cadet. The final stage of training leads to the Staff Cadet qualification. They are then ready, under the supervision of the Squadron Officers, SNCO's and Civilian adult staff to assist with squadron administartion, to instruct younger cadets and to assume responsibility for various activities at Squadron Headquarters. They may also help at the Gliding schools and AEFs as Staff Cadets. This qualification is easily recognised by a distinctive yellow lanyard.

As well as training at the squadron, you may get the opportunity to go on a Leadership course elsewhere.

Shooting

After enrollment, cadets can use .22" calibre target rifles (no. 8 rifle). We use these at the TA centre in Arle Road as often as every two weeks. If your shooting is of a sufficiently high standard, then you will be awarded the ATC Marksman's badge.

Once .22-qualified, having passed the First Class examination and on reaching 14 years old, cadets can be trained to fire the Cadet GP Rifle (L98), a single shot version of the infantry assault rifle (SA80). This has more power, as your shoulder and ears will notice (although of course we use ear defenders). We go to the range at RAF Innsworth to use the L98. If the shooting is of a sufficiently high standard, then the RAF Marksman's badge will be awarded.

Flying

The Corps has its own fleet of aircraft for the purpose of providing Air Experience Flights (AEF) to cadets. We go to RAF Colerne (between Bath and Chippenham) for our AEFs. Each cadet will get an opportunity to go flying at least once a year, and will be able to take the controls. Your instructor may also give you the opportunity to enjoy some aerobatics!

As well as these AEFs, cadets will usually get opportunities to fly in operational aircraft when they attend annual camps. More experience cadets may get the opportunity to fly on flights to overseas RAF bases.

Having passed the Air Navigation exams (at senior or staff level) cadets can be selected for a navigation course which earns them the Air Cadet Navigator's badge. There are also a number of flying scholarships awarded each year. These enable cadets to be trained as a pilot, at a civilian flying school receiving upto 30 hours dual instruction and solo flying. On completion the cadets are awarded the RAF Flying Scholarship Badge.

Gliding

Once cadets have been enrolled they are eligible for the chance to visit an Air Cadets Volunteer Gliding School to experience glider flying. Cadets may also apply for further glider training courses, often run over a series of weekends. They will be taught everything they need to enable them to go solo. They will get the opportunity to go solo before they can legally drive a car !! (Although note that cadets are not obliged to go solo, and are only allowed to do so having completed several perfect check-flights when an instructor accompanies them but just observes). We go to RAF Rissington (near Bourton-on-the-Water) for our powered gliding in Vigilants, and to RAF Hullavington for winch-launched gliding in Vikings.

Sports

We participate in a wide range of sports at many different levels. On the squadron, we play anything from volleyball and tennis, to football and baseball/rounders. We also make regular trips to local sports facilities including a gym and swimming pool.

As well as squadron sports, cadets will all have the opportunity to participate at a higher level representing their squadron, Wing, Region or even the entire ATC against other major clubs. The main sports which are played competitively are football, hockey, netball, rugby, swimming, cross country and athletics. Our squadron also participates in a watersports weekend where Cadets get an opportunity to try their hand at a range of watersports, and even attain qualifications in them.

Some photos from our May 2007 Watersports.

Click on the photos to see larger versions

Skiing

Each Feburary, Bristol and Gloucestershire Wing organise a ski trip to Bavaria called Exercise Alpine Adventure. This trip is very popular and always over subscribed, however it is aimed mainly at beginners, so if you have never been skiing before this is a great time to start. The trip is similar to those which are organised by schools, except that you have much more freedom, and only pay about half the price! This trip is not to be missed!

Camps

Having passed the first class examination, cadets are eligible to attend the Squadron's annual camp. This usually takes place for one weeks on an RAF station, during Summer or Easter holidays. During a camp week, cadets see how the RAF lives and works and they receive a variety of practical training, combined into a first class holiday. When they reach the age of 15, and are Leading Cadet or above, they can qualify for camps on RAF Stations overseas.

As well as the Annual Camp, there are many other opportunities for time away with the cadets. Often, a one off camp will be advertised, for instance a D of E expedition or Green Camp, which usually involves spending a week on a military training area, taking part in exercises, both day and night, and other field activities such as shooting on gallery (outdoor) ranges an even helicopter flights. These camps are always good fun and worth watching out for.

There may also be an opportunity to attend a specialist camp, for example the Music Camp, where, if you play a musical instrument, you will get the opportunity to spend a week with one of the famous RAF bands, and perform in a concert with them. If music is not your thing, then there are also a range of Leadership Courses available. These are some of the best leadership courses in the country and earn you great respect when you complete them. They often result in promotions and are a very valuable asset to have on your CV.

Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme

The Duke of Edinburgh's Award Scheme is a voluntary, non-competitive programme of practical, cultural and adventurous activities for young people aged 14-25.

The Award programme consists of three levels, Bronze, Silver and Gold. Each have differing criteria for entry and the level of achievement necessary to complete each award.

Air Cadets who meet the age criteria can join the award scheme.

Each award is broken down into 4 areas (5 for gold) which participants must complete successfully to receive their award. These are:-

Service
Helping others in the local community.

Expeditions
Training for, and planning of a journey. (see our Articles for a better idea of the sort of trip we do)

Skills
Demonstrate ability in almost any hobby, skill or interest

Physical Recreation
Sport, dance and fitness.

Residential Project
(Gold Award only) A purposeful enterprise with young people not previously known to the participant.

The Award is widely recognised by employers as it helps demonstrate that award holders are keen to take on new challenges, have a higher level of self confidence than their counterparts, have leadership qualities with the added experience of teamwork.

Other Excursions

As well as our many camps, we often organise other excursions, mainly just for a bit of fun, although some do have a military theme. We are invited each year to work alongside 400 other cadets at RIAT (Fairford), and also attend the youth day on the Friday before the show. This is a very popular day as the cadets ar able to get incredibly close to some of the worlds most amazing aircraft.

Other examples have been: trips to theme parks such as Alton Towers, Weekends in the Forest of Dean (Mountain Biking and/or canoeing), and Trips to London to see the Imperial War Museum, HMS Belfast, and of course see the sights and do some shopping! If there is anywhere you would like to go then bring it to the attention of the CO and the chances are we will be able to organise it!