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Another Silver and Bronze DofE for 1368 cadets

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Well done to Cdt M and Cdt H, the latest 2 cadets from 1368 Sqn to get their Bronze and Silver Duke of Edinburgh Award certificates and badges. At 1368 Squadron we expect all cadets to do Bronze Duke of Edinburgh Award. Although it's nice to use the award to try new hobbies, many of the activities the cadets do during their 5 hours at the Squadron each week can count in terms of skill, service, and physical sections, and there's always great stories of adventure when they come back from their expeditions each year (they have a cracking time). Plans are already underway to get ready for the next batch of expeditions.

New cadets and adult volunteers

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1368 Squadron continues to parade good numbers. We're always interested to welcome new staff and cadets. If looking to join as an adult volunteer use the following link and fill in a form:  Interested in joining as a volunteer | Royal Air Force Air Cadets (mod.uk) . We have a very wide variety of activities we offer, including adventure training, music, sports, radio, dofe and aviation training, hence it's a case of finding out what you're interested in and what kind of commitments you're able to make. If looking to join as a cadet use the following link and fill in a form:  Interested in joining as a Cadet | Royal Air Force Air Cadets (mod.uk) . We typically do intakes at the start of school terms. Usually first step is to organise a visit to learn more. 

Cyber-training for Air Cadets

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With successful classification exams over, and to exploit new opportunities with the training programme, 1368 switched to Cyber/iDEA training on Mondays. FS P, who achieved Silver myself, has been leading the delivery to mainly the Leading cadet group. Cyber training aligns to the ASTRA-vision for the Air Cadets to modernise and transform as an Air, Space and Cyber focussed uniformed youth organisation, reflecting the needs of the Royal Air Force, education, industry and wider society. So far so good. Self-paced and progressive, there's high interest levels and engagement from cadets. 

First Class classification graduation night, 4 Mar 2024

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Well done to the attending members of the 0923/0523 intakes who got their First Class badges and certificates last night, a major milestone.  As well as other general cadet training aspects, First Class workbooks cover: Flying Operations (Features of an airfield, Features & types of aircraft used for Air Cadet flying & gliding, Processes used to launch gliders and maintain flight, The lookout system and The phonetic alphabet),  Map Reading (Scales & features of OS Maps, Grid References, Plan routes using Ordnance Survey, map features & contour lines),  Initial Expedition Training (Plan & prepare for safe walking expeditions, Use tents & carry equipment safety, Principles of safe camp craft on an expedition, Recognise & treat the effects of hypothermia & heat) and  Radio (Types of radio equipment used within the RAF Air Cadets, Sending messages on the Air Cadet radio network, Procedures needed for the safe use of radio). They're now transitioning in

Another Blue Aviation Training Package (ATP) badge success

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Congratulations on Cdt G who finally got the job to sew on his Blue Aviation Training Package (ATP) badge after the OC finally remembered to take it out with him to final parade.  Blue ATP Wings are awarded when cadets complete the necessary elements Flying Ops ground training, Ground-based Flying Test (in a Simulator) and the golden key, a real Air Experience Flight (AEF) or Gliding slot where they get to fly a powered aircraft (e.g. Tutor T1) or glider (e.g. Viking). 

Presentation Skills course deliveries

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At 1368 Squadron we pride ourselves on building the best young leaders by undertaking a wide range of activities and also developing their coaching and leadership skills. Well done to Cdt F and Cdt W who both stepped up achieved their Presentation Skills (PS) course passes last night, 28 Feb 2024. Both deliveries were excellent.  There are many other things, of course, but PS is a good indication of future NCO potential as it shows confidence to stand-up and present in front of others. Also provides good evidence for non-NCOs using Coaching, Teaching and Leadership in the Air Training Corps as a 3 month DofE Volunteering section. New intake did night #2 of blue leadership command tasks, as our newbies learn how to step up and lead a team when the pressure is on.