The Air Cadet Organisation offers many opportunities to its cadets, that you would not be able to do in Civilian Life. Activities available to cadets can range from sports such as football and swimming to military skills such as shooting and fieldcraft.
Flying
Cadets have the opportunity to fly in light aircraft, gliders, and even front line RAF aircraft. Their are plenty of opportunities open to cadets when flying, from aerobatics in the Grob Tutor, to practicing stalls in a Viking glider. Cadets occasionally get the chance to fly in Royal Air Force Aircraft, ranging from Sea King helicopters to flights in a Red Arrows Hawk. Flying scholarships are available for the cadets to learn fully how to fly and the chance to fly Solo.
Shooting
Shooting is an enjoyable and safe activity available to cadets. Cadets are trained fully on weapons and are required to take a weapons handling test before they can live fire. The focus of shooting within the organisation is to practice and hopefully achieve marksmanship qualifications. Cadets can fire on indoor, barrack and gallery ranges.
Band
For those cadets that are either already musically talented, or wish to learn how to play musical instruments the Squadron band is a great tool. The band performs at competitive events and formal occasions, such as for the Knowle Royal British Legion.
First Aid
First aid training is available to cadets instructed by qualified first aiders. First aid is an important skill for both cadet activities, and in civilian life, as you never know when the lessons will come in handy, and could save a life. First aid is also a competitive event which is assessed every year at Wing Field day against 27 other squadrons.
Duke of Edinburghs’ Award
The Award is a challenging programme of activities that will help you to learn new skills, help others; experience adventure and it will give you a great sense of achievement. What’s more many organisations such as employers and universities take a good view of the Award and what it says about the person who has achieved it.
Sports
Sports is an important part of life. Squadron training consists of games such as football and netball, fitness improvement exercises and generally physically active team activities. The squadron has a successful record at football, cross country, swimming and athletics.
BTEC Qualifications
Nationally recognised BTEC qualifications are available to all cadets at no cost and are worth up to 4 GCSE’s. Subjects available include Public Services, Aviation Studies, and music. Simply serving as a cadet counts for around half of the BTEC in public services, the rest is achieved by completing a workbook which is explained by and talked through by experienced officers and NCO’s.