1359 Beeston Squadron

Cadet HandbookAir Cadets

Aims of the ATC and 1359 (Beeston) Squadron

The aims of the ATC are as follows:

• To encourage a practical interest in aviation and the Royal Air Force. • To provide training that is useful in both civilian and service life.• To foster the spirit of adventure, good citizenship and leadership.

At 1359 Sqn we aim to provide a wide ranging program that meets all the aims of the ATC and that provides a well-rounded experience for our cadets.

Within our training program we include:

• Academic training which can lead to NVQ qualifications in Aviation Studies or Teamwork and Personal Development.

• Ancillary training which includes: first aid, weapons instruction, project work, leadership and team building.

• Adventure Training Weekends. • Drill• Flying & gliding • Sports • Social events • Flight simulator • Visits to and from local emergency services

In addition to our training program you will get the opportunity to take part in a range of activities and events arranged and run at Wing, Regional and Corps level. This can include camps to RAF Stations both in the UK and overseas, adventure training camps such as Nordic cross country skiing, sailing and the International Air Cadet Exchange.

Expectations

Attendance In order for cadets to get the most out of their time in the corps it is essential that you, as a cadet, attend as many parade nights as possible, as failing to attend regularly can affect your progression through the Squadron’s training programme. In addition, irregular attendance can have a significant impact on your selection for activities and events such as:

• Squadron adventure training camps • Easter/summer/autumn camps • Flying & gliding • Overseas camps

If you are going to be absent for any length of time due to other commitments you must inform the Squadron so that it does not adversely affect your possible selection for the above activities.

Uniform You are issued with your standard uniform free of charge, however this is not an excuse to not look after or wear it correctly. Please keep in mind that both the staff and cadets of the Air Training Corps are very much part of the public face of the Royal Air Force, therefore you are expected to wear your uniform with pride and maintain it at the highest standards. Standard Uniform:

• Working blue (dark blue) shirt• Wedgewood blue (light blue) shirt and tie (worn on more formal

occasions) • Trousers/skirt • Jumper • Beret • Belt • Brassard

• Geltex jacket (wet weather)Shoes are not normally issued and should be bought privately. They are to be plain black leather shoes of a style similar to that issued by the RAF. Please seek the advice of the Squadron staff prior to purchasing.

Other uniform items, such as stable belts, can be purchased and worn as shown in the dress regulations (available from Squadron staff).

Jewellery Cadets are not to wear any form of jewellery in an obvious manner, except for the following items:

• Wedding rings • Plain signet ring • Watch of an inconspicuous style • Help for Heroes charity band.

Earrings Male cadets are not allowed wear earrings; female cadets are only to wear plain, unobtrusive studs.

Nail Varnish & Cosmetics When in uniform cadets are not to wear brightly coloured or garish nail varnish or cosmetics of a conspicuous nature; only neutral colours are allowed.

Socks/Hosiery When wearing trousers, all cadets are to wear plain black socks. Female cadets, when wearing skirts, are to wear 15 denier Nearly Black tights.

Hair

Male Cadets: Hair is to be kept well cut and trimmed so that sideburns do not extend below the midpoint of the ear, and the back doesn’t touch the top of the collar. Male cadets are to be clean shaven at all times when in uniform; however if cadets have a moustache it is not to extend below the edge of the mouth.

Female Cadets: Hair is to be arranged in a manner that allows the wearing of the beret correctly. It must be kept neat and tidy and not worn longer than the bottom edge of the shirt collar. If the length of hair permits, a bun should be worn.

E XTREME HAIR STYLES AND COLOURS ARE NOT PERMITTED .

Bullying Bullying of any type is not acceptable within the Air Training Corps and any accusations of bullying are investigated fully and if proven can result in cadets being dismissed from the ATC.

Substance Abuse

The Air Training Corps has a zero tolerance policy with substance abuse, and if any claims are proven to be true then the cadet will be dismissed from the ATC.

Social Media The ATC, South and East Midlands Wing and 1359 (Beeston) Squadron make use of such social media such as Facebook and Twitter as a tool to help us communicate more effectively with both cadets and staff; however it should be noted that these sites are monitored and any misuse will be reported and dealt with accordingly. A Corps policy in the use of social media is available for all parents and cadets to read.

Subscriptions Cadet subscriptions are set by the Squadron Civilian Committee. These subscriptions are used to help fund those costs that are not covered by the ATC. Subscriptions are presently set at £13 per month for cadets.

Subscriptions are payable even if you do not attend the parade night. This is because both Wing and Corps take a percentage of all the subscriptions paid, which is based on the number of cadets registered on the Squadron, not on attendance.

All money raised via subscriptions and fund raising is used to benefit the cadets of the Squadron. One of the main ways we do this is by subsidising events heavily (this is can be up to 40 or 50% of the total cost).

If you fail to keep up to date with your weekly subscriptions it may impact on the Squadron’s ability to subsidise your fee for any event or camp you wish to take part in.

Activities & Events In order to increase your chances of being selected for the activities and camps you want to go on, there are few things you can do:

1. Attend parade nights regularly.2. Ensure you get involved with as many of the following:

a. Parades. i. Albert Ball VCii. Battle of Britain. iii. Remembrance Sunday.

b. Wing Field Day. c. Squadron fund raising events.

3. Keep an eye on the Squadron notices boards, online calendar and Facebook site for upcoming events.

4. Make sure you meet any relevant requirements (age, classification etc.). 5. Put your name down for as many events as possible.6. Ensure you get the right consent forms (available from the Squadron

Admin Office).7. Fill in the forms correctly and get them back to the Admin Office prior to

the cut-off date given.

Many of the camps have a cost associated with them; for UK based camps this can range from £30 to £100 dependant on the camp and the activities undertaken, whilst overseas camps cost anything from £150 to £800 for IACE.

However, the cost of these camps should never stop you from applying for them. The Squadron subsidises many of these camps and events and in some cases (determined on a case by case basis) will cover the basic cost of any camp for cadets who are not in position to do so themselves.

A small deposit is sometimes required for camps; if you are not selected the deposit is refunded, if you withdraw from a camp after being selected the deposit will only be returned if a replacement can be found or if the camp fee is repaid by wing.

In order to be eligible for most camps or events, cadets must be a minimum of a 1st Class cadet.

Squadron Events In addition to its regular parade night programme, the Squadron runs a number of weekend camps and activities. These will be advertised on the Squadron notice board.

Air Experience Flying AEF is an excellent opportunity for cadets to experience flying a single engine light aircraft. The flight is the cadet’s time in the air and they should let the pilot know what they would like to do with their time in the air (aerobatics, navigation or simply a scenic tour of the local countryside). Prior to going flying you will be required to complete a health check to ensure you are fit to fly. These forms can be found on our website.

Flying Scholarships/Instruction There are several Flying Scholarships available for cadets to apply for; these vary in the length and level of instruction. For further information contact the Squadron Administration Office.

Gliding Induction Courses/ Gliding Scholarships Gliding Induction Courses are designed to introduce cadets to the thrill and enjoyment of Gliding and provide a springboard for Gliding Scholarships.

Gliding Scholarships are an excellent opportunity for cadets to learn to fly solo. Cadets will be given instruction in either a Vigilant motorised glider or Viking winch launched glider. The instruction takes cadets from the initial steps to fully control of the glider with the possibility of flying solo. On successful completion of the Scholarship cadets will be awarded their Wings.

Eligibility: Cadets must be over 16 but can apply at 15 1/2; cadets must also undertake a simple medical by their doctor to ensure that they are fit to undertake glider pilot training.

Target Shooting The Squadron benefits from access to an indoor air rifle range which allows cadets to learn the skills of target shooting. Small bore training on the .22 calibre No.8 rifle and full bore shooting on the L98 A2 (a cadet version of the UK military L82 A2 service rifle) and the L81 A2 target rifle is also available on a regular basis, as arranged by the Wing Shooting Officer.

Prior to live firing, all cadets must undergo training by qualified staff and pass a Weapons Handling Test which must be retaken every 6 months.

Wing Camps

The Wing arranges and allocates places on a variety of camps throughout the year. Camps are designed to give cadets a number of different opportunities and experiences, as well as undertaking aviation and cultural visits.

RAF Station Camps These camps are usually held at a regular RAF station in the UK. They are an excellent opportunity for cadets to experience life in the Royal Air Force and get to see how the RAF works and operate.

Eligibility: To attend a UK camp a cadet must be a minimum of 1st Class cadet.

Swynnerton CampThis is a weeklong Spring camp held at the Army training centre near Stoke-on-Trent. This is primarily a shooting camp with a number of other activities including raft building, sport and leadership exercises.

Overseas Camps The Corps runs a number of camps around the world, including:

Nordic Skiing- Bavaria, Germany Camps at overseas RAF Stations:

1. Rheindalen- Germany2. Troodos and Akrotiri- Cyprus

Camps to foreign Air Force bases e.g. Ramestein (USAF)- Germany

Eligibility: Places for these camps can be extremely limited. In order for a cadet to be eligible for selection, they should have ideally attended one UK camp or a Squadron run weekend camp. Cadets who wish to apply should have also demonstrated a commitment to the ATC by getting involved and attending a wide variety of events such as parades, fund raising events and wing events.

International Air Cadet Exchange (IACE) IACE gives cadets a chance to see similar Air Cadet Organisations and Air Forces from across the world. Some of the countries that you could visit include:

• USA • Canada • New Zealand • Australia • Belgium • The Netherlands • Hong Kong • Singapore • Israel • Turkey

Eligibility: The cadet must be 17 ½ years of age and must have attended at least one UK camp. This is a high profile activity and only cadets that have shown themselves to be an excellent representative of both the Corps and the UK are selected.

Academic Training The ATC runs an academic syllabus that progresses cadets through a wide range of subjects, which can result in cadets being awarded an NVQ BTEC in Aviation Studies (presently equivalent to 1 GCSE). Subjects include:

• Principles of Flight • Airmanship• Navigation • Propulsion • Radio Communications & Radar.

Cadets are issued a unique username and password that allows them to access the ATC exam and training system (Ultilearn). This allows the cadets to undertake additional study at home. In order to progress through the classification system, cadets should attend the scheduled exam nights. They will then undertake the exam under the supervision of a member of staff.

Promotion & Awards

Promotions Suitable cadets can be promoted to cadet Non- Commissioned Officer ranks. These ranks are:

• Cadet Corporal • Cadets Sergeant • Cadet Flight Sergeant • Cadet Warrant Officer

Promotions up to Flight Sergeant are appointed by the Commanding Officer of the Squadron and are not depended on cadet classification but are depended on:

• Experience • Leadership qualities • Reliability • Personal standards

Promotion to Cadet Warrant Officer requires cadets to be over 18 and to have made significant progress within the ATC syllabus. This could involve achieving the Duke of Edinburgh Award, completing a Gilding Scholarship and /or achieving Instructor Cadet status. Cadet Warrant Officers are appointed by the Commanding Officer of South and East Midlands after the candidate has successfully passed a Wing Promotion Interview Board.

Awards There are various awards that cadets can be awarded, these range from the annual awards, presented every year by the Squadron, to Lord Lieutenants Cadet and Commandant’s Certificates.

1359 (Beeston) Squadron Uniformed Staff

Commanding OfficerFlight Lieutenant Phil Bannister

Squadron Warrant OfficerWarrant Officer Rob Phillips

Training Warrant OfficerWarrant Officer Gary Tinsley

RTF Instructor/Squadron Drill InstructorFlight sergeant Kyle Crawford

Squadron Duke of Edinburgh Award

OfficerSergeant Will Baguley

Squadron Training OfficerSergeant Jessie Clark

How to Address a Member of Staff

Non-uniformed member of staff (Civilian Instructor) - A civilian member of staff should be called sir or ma’am, depending on their gender.

Sergeant- A sergeant should be referred to by their rank.

Flight Sergeant- A flight sergeant should be referred to by their rank.

Warrant Officer- A warrant officer should be addressed as sir or ma’am, depending on their gender.

Commissioned Officer- A commissioned officer should be referred to as sir or ma’am, depending on their gender. If you are wearing your beret when first addressing an officer, you should stand to attention and salute them. If you are not wearing your beret, just stand to attention until told to stand easy.

These terms of address should be used at the end of sentences when speaking to the member of staff e.g. ‘Would you like a coffee, sir?’ or ‘Are we learning first aid tonight, sergeant?’

Cadet Classification Badges

1 ST C LASS C ADET L EADING C ADET

S ENIOR C ADET M ASTER C ADET

Cadet NCO Ranks

C ORPORAL S ERGEANT

F LIGHT S ERGEANT C ADET W ARRANT O FFICER

Adult SNCO Ranks

Commissioned Ranks (Officers)

Sergeant Flight Sergeant Warrant Officer (no previous military service at the rank of WO or above)

Warrant Officer (previous military service at equivalent or higher rank)

Officer Cadet

Pilot Officer Flying Officer

Flight Lieutenant

Squadron Leader

Wing Commander

Group Captain

Air Commodore

Brassard