Air Cadet Leaders Put Through Their Paces at RAF Cranwell

Two recently appointed Adult Volunteers from 2505 (Bishop Auckland) Squadron Air Cadets have attended and successfully completed the SNCO Staff Initial Course (SSIC) at the Adult Training Facility at RAF Cranwell. Sergeant (ATC) Caroline Hodgson and Sergeant (ATC) Malcolm Edwards took part in the week-long course along with other newly appointed Non-Commissioned Officers (NCOs) from around the country. They were taught how to instruct drill and other subjects, as well as developing their knowledge of safeguarding, and their own personal leadership skills. "'The course was very good with open and honest discussions facilitated by experienced staff. The challenges presented throughout the intensive week enabled us to develop as leaders within the Royal Air Force Air Cadets," said Sgt Edwards. The pair's CO,...

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Nijmegen Training Begins!

Cadets from across Durham/Northumberland Wing gathered at Albemarle Barracks last weekend to undertake the first of the training and selection events for Nijmegen 2017! This year was the first time for over a decade that the Wing had entered Cadets for the 4-day Marches in Holland, and the event proved so successful that the aim is to enter a team in the 2017 event made up solely of DNW Cadets. Cadets and Staff undertook a lengthy march on the old airfield site, and started the important process of teambuilding which is an essential element of any successful effort! The candidates will need to attend monthly training weekends between now and next summer to prepare for this challenging task.

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Drill & Ceremonial

Drill is a useful tool to instil discipline and teamwork and gives a great sense of achievement when mastered correctly. When a group of cadets walk on to a parade square they are all individuals, but as soon as a session of drill begins the cadets become a team, following the orders given by one individual. All cadets and uniformed staff are expected to achieve a reasonably good standard of Drill but many aspire to become experts and eventually instructors. With a few years’ experience you could pass on your knowledge and experience to other cadets, instructing them on how to participate in a drill squad, taking charge of a drill squad yourself, or even playing a major part in...

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