S&NI Newsletter

2012 Issue 2

Newsletter DateMar 2012

In this Issue:

1. Weapon Training at RAC2. Wishaw Cadets go Flying3. GWS Wing Banner Laid Up5. First “Go Mountain Biking” Certs6. Find Us on Facebook7. Calling all Cooks8. Top award for Amy9. ScotSATT Courses 2012/13

CAPTION COMPETITION

OK - Can you provide a witty caption for theabove photo, taken at RAF Kinloss in Feb 2012.

And before you ask, yes that ARC wasperfectly sober at the time.

Once a Cadet…… Always a Cadet…..

Commandant Air Cadets, Air Commodore Barbara Cooper is scheduled toleave the Air Cadet Organisation in July after more than two years in the

post. Air Commodore Cooper, will hand over to a member of the Full TimeReserve Service rather than to a Regular officer in the RAF. The change isseen as a positive move to bring more continuity to the post which heads upboth the Air Training Corps and the Combined Cadet Force (RAF).

Air Commodore Cooper said today: “I am currently scheduled to leave in Julybut the dates may change. The good news is that the new post-holder willremain a one star officer as it is still deemed important by the RAF to have anofficer of that rank managing the ACO.

“Obviously there is a considerable amount of restructuring going on in the RAFat present and the decision to change the post to FTRS is part of that process.My successor will be chosen in due course but for now I think we can restassured that the RAF is clearly positive about the future of the ACO.”

Air Commodore Cooper, who was the first female to take the post ofCommandant Air Cadets, will retire from the RAF.

She said: “As far as the ACO is concerned it is full steam ahead – we are allworking hard at our various levels to bring about a robust restructuring andsecure an even brighter future to benefit our cadets and volunteers.”

COMMANDANT SCHEDULED TO CHANGE IN JULY 2012

The Air Cadet Organisation is delighted to announce the launch of the latestOfficial Voucher Book - the fourth fantastic version since our partnership

began with Complete-Publishing.

The latest edition isreleased on the back ofthe success of the thirdedition of the regularbooklet and once againcontains great offersopen to all members ofthe ACO.

To find out what's in thelatest edition, includinggreat deals on travel,entertainment, motoringand equipment, simplyclick on the link belowand browse the deals onoffer. If you seesomething that you like, all you have to do is click on that particular page or visitthe website of the company and redeem your deal or voucher.

https://asp-gb.secure-zone.net/v2/index.jsp?id=407/497/2512&lng=en

Even more great vouchers for cadets & staff

S&NI Regional NewsPage 2

A Bridge too Far? Not in the slightest for the plucky walkingteam from 2466 (Penicuik) and 870 (Dreghorn Squadrons.

Fifteen cadets from 2466 and 870 sqns recently took part in asponsored walk across the Forth Road Bridge. Despite the bestefforts of the weather to dampen spirits the team managed 2return crossings totalling 6 miles.

Unfortunately a blizzard put any thoughts of a third crossingfirmly out of reach. The walk was raising funds for theNormandy trip due to take place in the summer.

Thanks to Flt Sgt (ATC) Sean Russell for providing BEL coverr the event and to all cadets and sponsors :-)

Twenty seven cadets were trained at the Regional ActivityCentre on the L98A2 Weapon, which was organised by the

Deputy Wing Shooting Officer, Flying Officer Butler. Theweekend was supported by the Wing Shooting Officer, DeputyOC Wing, Fg Off Moonlight and Sgt’s Wright, Craik and Paton.

Over the weekend camp, cadets completed all the training onthe weapon which concluded in the Weapon Handling Test. Inaddition to the weapons training cadets took part in sports andthe National Indoor Climbing Award Scheme, which wassupported by the Regional Resource Manager.

On Monday Evening Ten cadets from 1145 (Kinross)Detached Flight Air Training Corps gained their National

Indoor Climbing Achievement Scheme (NICAS) Level 1Foundation Climber at the Edinburgh International ClimbingArena.

The Cadets received instruction from the NICAS Level 1syllabus and completed their assessment including ten climbs.

Flying Officer Kenny Brown, Officer Commanding 1145(Kinross) Detached Flight said “It is fantastic that the cadetshave gained their Level 1 achievement and big thanks to thestaff providing the instruction”.

Giving the instruction were Squadron Leader Barry McAdam,Deputy Officer Commanding South East Scotland Wing andSquadron Leader Hilda McAdam, Regional Resource Managerfor Scotland and Northern Ireland Region.

All of the cadets expressed a lot of interest in gaining the nextachievement, the NICAS Level 2 Top Rope Climber.

On Sunday 29th January 2012, 6 cadets from 498 (Wishaw)Squadron Air Cadets visited No. 4 Air Experience Flight at

Glasgow airport.

It was the first time the cadetshad been given theopportunity to fly and theywere very keen to go up. Thecadets took off from Glasgowairport's main runway and theroute which they flew, tookthem over Loch Lomond andthen returning them toGlasgow airport.

While they were over LochLomond they took control ofthe aircraft (a Grob Tutor) andexperienced what it felt like tobe a pilot. After CadetThomson had landed(pictured below) he said, "Thiswas one of the best things thatI've done and I felt like the pilotout of top gun".

While the cadets were atGlasgow airport there was a Chinook from Royal Air Force 18squadron which had been visiting the university air squadron(UAS). Some of the cadets were able to watch it land from thesafety of the UAS building to finish off their exciting day. All thecadets say they can't wait till next time.

Report by By Cadet's Matthew Smith & Jordan Thomson

A Bridge too Far?Not for Loanhead and Dreghorn Squadrons!

Weapons Training at The Regional Activity Centre

Kinross Air Cadets Climb for Achievement

WISHAW CADETS GO FLYING

S&NI Regional NewsPage 3

On Sunday the 5th ofFebruary 2012, the old

Glasgow & West ScotlandWing banner was officially laidup and the new West ScotlandWing banner was presented ata service at AbbotsgrangeChurch, Grangemouth.

A total of 244 personnel fromthe Wing attended including 53staff, 189 cadets and 2chaplains.

The cadets and staff formedup and marched into thechurch in single file where the

Lord Lieutenant for Falkirk andStirling, Mrs MarjoryMcLaughlan, WingCommander Jim Haley(Officer Commanding WestScotland Wing) and MrsAngela Haley waited insidewith the rest of thecongregation.

The church service wasconducted by Revd AftabGiohar MA MDiv PgDip,assisted by the Wing ChaplinRevd C G F Brockie BSc (Eng)BD and the Corps ChaplinRevd Alan Barrett BA. During

the service, the old banner was marched to the front by thebanner party from 2414 (East Kilbride) Squadron who arecurrently Scotland & Northern Ireland Regional Champions.The banner was then received into the church's safe keeping,"to hang for all time as a reminder to those who pass by of acadet's duty to God, to our Sovereign and to the country".

After the service wascomplete, the new wingbanner, still encased, wasthen marched to the front.Flight Lieutenant StuartLeslie (137, Ayr &Prestwick) and FlightLieutenant MariseHawthorne (396, Paisley)then marched forward touncase the banner, andfollowed tradition byplacing the silk over a setof drums. WingCommander Haley thanasked the Chaplains "tobid God's blessing on thisnew banner". Oncecomplete, the banner wasthen marched off.

Having completed the SNCO Staff Drill Instructors course,Sergeant A.J.Bond becomes North East of Scotland

Wings second drill instructor. Sergeant Bond became thesecond qualified drill instructor and the first female instructorafter attending the course at RAF College Cranwell.

Sergeant Bond is now part of a dedicated team responsible tothe Wing Commander for all matters regarding Wing drilltraining. Sergeant Bond has also taken up the role of actingSquadron Warrant Officer at 107 (Aberdeen) Squadron, withthe responsibility for Drill, Dress, Deportment and Discipline.

Sergeant Bond said, “I thoroughly enjoyed the course, and lookforward to being able to help cadets hone their drill skills.”

Glasgow & West Scotland Wing Banner Laid Up

107 (Aberdeen) Squadron Gains Drill Instructor

Unit Commanding Officer Flying Officer Aubin Bryce withthe assistance of his civilian staff take great pleasure in

awarding theSquadron Cadet of theyear award to:Cadet CalumFalconer.

Calum was Judgedover the course of2011 for his turnout,participation in a rangeof activities and thequality of his work.

470 (Falkirk) Sqn - Cadet of the Year

S&NI Regional NewsPage 4

On the 30th of January 2012it was announced that 107

(Aberdeen) Squadron hasbeen awarded the BrowningTrophy for best exam results inNorth East Scotland Wing for2011.

The Air Training CorpsTraining Syllabus is designedto give Cadets an insight intoall aspects of aviation, from itshistory to the technology usedit today’s aircraft.

Success in these exams allowCadets to be awardedclassification badges, they alsoindicate that the Cadet hasundergone training that will beuseful (and sometimes aprerequisite) for courses andawards, such as the FrimleyPark Leadership Course andthe Radio CommunicatorsBadge.

Cadets who pass these examsmay also be awarded BTECcertificates, worth up to fourStandard Grades and worth asignificant number of UCASpoints which can assist withentry to Higher Education.

Flying Officer Sinclair, OfficerCommanding 107 Sqn said:‘Winning the Browning Trophyis a huge achievement for 107(Aberdeen) Squadron. I wouldlike to congratulate the Cadetsfor the effort and dedicationthey have made to study forthese exams. I would also liketo thank our team of Staff andSenior Cadets who have giventheir own time to becomeexperts on their subjects,before delivering lessons tothe Cadets. You can be veryproud of what you haveachieved.’

Cadets from 1134 and 1137 squadron attended the first trailcycling course to be run in NI Wing as part of an adventure

training weekend in February.

This involved cycling across a mixture of terrain in TullymoreForest. Apart from a few stiff leg muscles that evening all of thecadets thoroughly enjoyed the activity and are eager to get outagain.

Below are the cadets pictured with their certificates.

107 (Aberdeen) Sqn Awarded Trophy for Exam Success

SCOTSATT COURSE DATES 2012 - 2013

Dates No Type

7 – 8 Apr 12 401/2012 L98A2 Training Course

5 – 6 May 12 402/2012 Skill at Arms Instructor WE 1 Note 1

19 – 20 May 12 402/2012 Skill at Arms Instructor WE 2 Note 1

2 – 3 Jun 12 403/2012 Short Range RCO – SA(SR)07 WE 1 Note 1

16 – 17 Jun 12 403/2012 Short Range RCO – SA(SR)07 WE 2 Note 1

17 – 18 Aug 12 404/2012 ARD

7 – 9 Sep12 405/2012 Basic Coaching Course

20 – 21 Oct 12 406/2012 L98 A2 Training Course

17 – 18 Nov 12 407/2012 L98 A2 Training Course

18 – 20 Jan 13 408/2012 Basic Coaching Course

16 – 17 Feb 13 409/2012 L98 A2 Training Course

16 – 17 Mar 13 410/2012 L98 A2 Training Course

Notes:1. Applicants must be available for both weekends.

ScotSATT Course Dates for 2012 / 2013

First "Go Mountain Biking" Certificates

On Saturday 4th February2012 107 (Aberdeen)

Squadron hosted a CadetMethod of Instruction Courseon behalf of North EastScotland Wing ATC.

Eight cadets from differentsquadrons who hold theMaster Air Cadetsclassification, receivedtraining in instructionaltechniques and the structureof a presentation which willallow them to deliver lessonsat their own squadrons infuture.

In the coming weeks each ofthe cadets will be assessedby the Wing Training Officerwhile they deliver a lessonand, if successful, with beawarded a yellow lanyardand the title of InstructorCadet.

Fg Off Bond said: "It was agre (Continued on page 5)

Cadet Methodof Instruction

Course

S&NI Regional NewsPage 5

The Northern Ireland Wing Inter-Squadron Small Bore Service Weapon ShootingCompetition was held at JHC FS Aldergrove over the weekend 11/12 February.

There were 6 entries from across the Wing, with each team consisting of 4 cadets,all the cadets were a credit to their Squadrons and conducted themselves well.

The competition took the form of the Corps Marksman's Shoot from ACP 48, andthe Highest Possible Score (HPS) for the team was 480, and there is a Trophy forboth the winning team and the individual with the highest score.

The results for the teams were as follows: 2390 Sqn – 378 Points 1136 Sqn – 342 Points 817 Sqn – 314 Points 1919 Sqn – 309 Points 2241 Sqn – 276 Points 2062 Sqn – 219 Points

The individual Trophy went to Cdt F/Sgt Purvis – 2390 Sqn.

atwee

kend. To act as coordinator for anew course which has only runonce before in NES Wing was agreat challenge. However thestaff that assisted over theweekend were extremelymotivated and the Cadets werefull of energy. It was a fantasticweekend which I hope hasbenefited all involved."

(Continued from page 4)Inter-Squadron Small Bore Shooting Competition

SCOTLAND & NORTHERN IRELAND REGION - FIND US ON FACEBOOK

S&NI Regional NewsPage 6

S&NI Regional NewsPage 7

South East Scotland Wingcadets were in action

again at Murrayfield at theweekend where Scotland tookon England in their first gamein the 2012 Six Nationscompetition.

Five cadets from 2535(Livingston) Squadron werelucky enough to be on the pitchfor a “full-on” pre-match displayof flames, fireworks, lights and,in addition to the traditionalPipes and Drums and brassBand the Red Hot Chilli Pipersalso performed.

Cdt Matthew Lewis (pictured)

had the honour of carrying theScotland flag at one of thebiggest (and some would saymost important) sports fixturesin the country. He was joinedby Cdt Cameron Harrison whocarried the England flag andCdt’s Jamie Green, AlexanderMcGrogan and Andrew Byers(who were joined by staff fromRBS) to carried the Six Nationsflag.

It was a double honour for CdtLewis and Cdt Harrison asboth play for Livingston RFCso being on the pitch atMurrayfield is something theyboth aspire to do as playerssome day!

Cdt Lewis said “It wasfantastic. I was really lookingforward to carrying theScotland flag but when thecrowd started to cheer asScotland came on it wasamazing and I didn’t feel thecold anymore! An amazingexperience! Brilliant!”.

In addition to the openingdisplay HRH The PrincessRoyal was in attendance andwas introduced to the teamsand officials.

Officer Commanding 2535(Livingston) Squadron, Fg OffMel Fairley said “I’m reallypleased we continue to workwith the SRU as it is somethingboth the staff and cadets takegreat pride in doing. It’s a realbuzz seeing them on the pitchlooking great and every inchthe professional cadet. Theadded pressure of HRH beingin attendance is a big thing forthese young cadets and theytook it in their stride and didtheir Unit and the ATC proud.”

Unfortunately Scotland did notconvert their opportunities intoa winning score and lost 13-6but it’s still early in thecompetition and staff andcadets from 2535 (Livingston)Squadron will be back atMurrayfield on the 26th ofFebruary to provide an honourguard in addition to thenational standards and SixNations flags duties. They willalso be shouting VERY loudlyfrom the stands to cheerScotland on to a victory!

Six cadets form 107 Squadron braved the Autumn chill whilst camping out in the Cairngorm Mountains. The overnight campwas part of the two day qualifying expedition towards the Duke of Edinburgh Bronze award.

The camp marked the halfway point of two days walking and took place after extensive planning and map reading exercisesdone on the parade evenings in preparation for the expedition. To complete the expedition category the cadets have to plan andmake a presentation to the rest of the Squadron.

Leading Cadet Hopley who attended the course said ”It was a great character building experience, working as a team with agroup of other cadets all striving for the same goal. Working as a team helped overcome some of the difficulties faced such aspitching a tent in high winds.”

Cadets at MurrayfieldEver complained about what

you thought were meals atcamp which were not as goodas Mum could make?

Ever thought YOU could dobetter?

Well here is your chance to putyour fork where your mouth is!

Read on and invent a menuto delight your taste buds andif you think you can stand theheat in the kitchen getinvolved! If you don't getinvolved you will never be ableto complain about camp mealsagain.

Me? - well I still hanker afterthe sausages in the JuniorRanks mess at RAF Guterslohway back in 196.... and thenthere was the chip van at themain gate selling Bratwurst MitPomfritz.

So come on then - here is yourchance to right the wrongs andcreate a gastronomicmasterpiece that, if you win,will be imposed - sorry servedto all of your mates.

As Gary Tank Commanderwould say - "Pass the "SauceBroon" please!"

The competition at this stage isall on paper and entries mustbe received by 2359Hrs, 29Mar 12.

One Sqn/DF per Wg will beselected from the paper entries

submitted (Max onesubmission per Sqn/DF) totake part in the practicalregional competition to be heldat RAF Leuchars JRM (TheDelta) on Sat 9 Jun 12.Accommodation has beenmade available at the RAC forthe purposes of this excitingcompetition.

For any budding caterers, thisa great opportunity to shine.Four cadets are required tomake up a Sqn/DF team. ForSqns wishing to raise funds,this is also a great reason toget involved, as the cashprizes are excellent.

o First Prize £1000

o Second Prize £500

o Third Prize £250

o Best Dish on the Day £250

o Hygiene award for bestpractices £250

Losers get to wash the dishes- only kidding

Hard copies of the competitionrules and entry forms havebeen posted t to each Wingalong with an A3 colour posterfor each Unit. So if you thinkyou have what it takes to cookup a delicious meal speak toyour Squadron staff ASAP.

Stir boldy!

(See Poster)

Calling all Cooks

Cadets Complete Duke of Edinburgh Bronze Expedition**** NEXT ISSUE EARLY APRIL ****

That’s all for this Regional Newsletter. If you have any articles that you would like published in thenext edition, then send them to Regional HQ for the attention of Sqn Ldr John Walker RAFVR(T).

We will try and publish at least a quarterly newsletter, (more frequent if we have enough news!). Cadetreporters from all wings welcome.

You can also submit news and photos to the following e-mail address cco@hqdcswatc.org.uk.

E-Mail - Text in either Word document or plain text files. Photo’s, preferably jpg or png formats (files nogreater than 2.5 Mb in Size please) and use E-Mail heading “Regional Newsletter Article” so that it isobvious as to the content.

In between issues of the Regional Newsletter, why not keep up to date by logging on to the Regional website, http://www.aircadets-sni.org.uk

Indeed we have a number of people who can submit news items directly onto the Regional Website (bothstaff and cadets). If you are involved in your squadron or Wing in newsletter creation or media commsand would like to become a cadet reporter for your wing, please get your squadron commander to dropan e-mail to media.sni@aircadets.org with your relevant details.

Note from the Editor

S&NI Regional NewsPage 8

A big congratulations goesto CWO Amy Henderson

1192 (Kirckaldy) Sqn for beingnamed as the top female cadetin sports within S&NI Regionfor 2011-2012

CWO Henderson waspresented with her trophy bySq Ldr E Carr assistantRegional CommandantScotland & Northern Ireland atthe end of the awardsceremony at the RegionalCross Country competition atDeans High School Livingston.

Sq Ldr Carr expressed hisparticular delight at presentingthe award to a cadet from 1192Sq where he was a cadethimself prior to joining the RAF.

Well done Lads! - For the first time in 20years, the Corps Rugby Team beat

the visiting guests at the annual CorpsRugby Match at RAF Cosford and SouthEast Scotland Wing Cadets and Staff werein the thick of it.

Running out winners in what has beendescribed as a "Very physical game" theCorps team beat Telford Colts 8-5. Fivecadet from Scotland & Ireland Region wereselected to play for the team and all willreceive the coveted "Corps Blue"for theirefforts.

Scotland &Northern IrelandRegion providedfive players who alplayed in thematch with SouthEast ScotlandWing provided twoplayers who wereSgt AngusStanners 2180(Galashiels) Sqand Cpl KylerSimson 1716(Roxburgh) Sqn.

The S&Ni Teamwere accompaniedby Flt Lt DrewFosyth who is

S&NI Regional Rugby Convener/ Coach andCorps Selector

Picture: L to R. Flt Lt Drew Forsyth, S&NIRugby Convenor and Coach, Corps SelectorOC 1716 Sqn; Cpl Kyler Simson,1716 SqnSESW, Cpl Alasdair Birkett, 62 Sqn WSW, FSAngus Stanners 2180 Sqn SESW, Sgt RobbieWilliamson 825 Sqn NI, Sgt Ross Williamson806 Sqn NI

Top Award for Amy Wing Rugby Players in Historic Win!