Air Cadets

“I have been involved with Air Cadets for over 8 years, starting in West Essex Wing (now part of London Wing). I went to University in Bristol and attended the local squadron on temporary detachment during term time and went back to my London squadron during the holidays. While in Bristol, I gained my Gliding scholarship and became a Civilian Instructor when I was 20 and helped out for a year before being commissioned.

“As an officer, I started out as the Squadron Training Officer and am now the Squadron Adjutant with 2442 Westbury-on-Trym Squadron for 6 years now and do a variety of other things on the squadron.

“I use my knowledge as an aeronautical engineer to help teach aeronautical subjects. As a weapons instructor and Range Conducting Officer, I organise shooting as well, training the cadets and taking them .22 and L98 shooting. I also enjoy taking cadets on expeditions and navigation exercises in the hills.

“It’s a great feeling to see cadets develop as they progress through their cadet career, doing things they enjoy whilst gaining valuable skills at the same time.“

Flying Officer Natalie Wong, Squadron Adjutant

Pilot Officer Ian Walters

Squadron Officer

Dorchester

As a cadet

“I joined 2185 Wareham Squadron in 1988, aged 13, keen to undertake all the opportunities on offer. I was not disappointed. Over the course of my seven years as a cadet, I progressed through the ranks to Cadet Warrant Officer, undertaking a huge variety of activities including – air experience flying, all three Ten Tors distances, the Nijmegen Marches, UK and overseas camps at RAF stations, flying solo in a glider aged 16, shooting, and the Duke Of Edinburgh’s bronze, silver and gold awards.”

In my career

“Many Air Cadet skills have stood me in good ground for my working life: communication skills, teamwork, leadership, discipline and initiative have all been useful to me, long after life as a cadet. I have been fortunate in my work in undertaking instructional roles in both adventure training and physical education, enabling me to gain national governing body qualifications in many outdoor activities and sports, including climbing, mountaineering, surfing, basketball, volleyball, and orienteering.”

As a member of staff

“In 2004, my career brought me back to my Dorset home. Remembering how much I enjoyed Air Cadet activities, I decided it was time to put a little back in. I rejoined in Dorchester as a civilian instructor and soon took on responsibility for squadron physical education and adventure training. With the support of the civilian committee, we bought new sports equipment and cadets now undertake such activities as indoor climbing, volleyball, unihoc, Danish long-ball, and quick cricket.”

In my spare time

“I fly from Compton Abbas Airfield in Dorset, having successfully completed my Private Pilots License training in 2003. As you can see, I am never far from an air-related activity, be it with the Air Cadets, friends or family.”

“I am currently working for the NHS as a Finance Assistant and am married to Craig, a serviceman who has been in the Royal Air Force for 16 years. When I came to live at Lyneham I recalled enjoying drill, shooting and field craft as a teenager with the Army Cadets, so I decided it was time to try Air Cadets as a civilian instructor. “I have been lucky to take part in air experience flying and gliding which is helping me overcome my fear of heights! I have helped organise our entry to wing training day, weekend events, Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, BTEC courses, the annual inspection, dining-in nights, leadership exercises, first aid and much more. I also teach cadets the history of the Royal Air Force and the Air Training Corps. “Away from Lyneham this summer, I spent two weeks at the Royal International Air Tattoo where I thoroughly enjoyed being with a flight of 13 cadets from all over the country and had a great time. Also, I took a place on a BASIC staff course ran by my wing and held on the same weekend as the cadets’ Junior NCO and Senior NCO courses, so interacting with yet more cadets. “These opportunities allow me to describe to parents what we do: it puts them at ease knowing how involved we are!

“As you see, I enjoy doing everything I can for the cadets. It is a challenge to stand in front of 20 teenagers to teach them something, but so rewarding when you are making a difference and when they show their appreciation. “I plan to move into a uniformed role as an Adult Sergeant as I am keen to become a drill instructor and would like to apply for a commission in time as I am with the Air Cadets for the long haul. “I recommend starting as a civilian instructor if you want to see young people develop into young adults, if you have spare evenings and weekends, want something different and enjoy a challenge.”
meet ….. Dana Whitehead Civilian Instructor, 2491 Lyneham Squadron Dorset Wiltshire Wing, South West Region

Phil joined Air Cadets, aged 49, as a civilian instructor in 2000 primarily to gain some teaching experience with young people. Within a year, he found himself “in at the deep end” in charge of Testwood Detached Flight in Totton. Commissioned in 2002, Phil consolidated his work at Testwood but, no stranger to personal challenges, was appointed to command 2515 Squadron in 2006.

meet ….. Flight Lieutenant Phil Giles Officer Commanding 2515 Ringwood and Fordingdridge Squadron
Phil worked for 15 years in the City of London and served as a Special Constable in Kent for over 10 years. On reflection, Phil always thought he would become involved in aviation one way or another, as his great grandfather worked for the Vickers Aviation on aircraft production and his father joined the RAFVR during WWII serving in Europe and India.

After gaining an Open University degree in 2004, Phil had started re-training as a counsellor/psychotherapist and is a volunteer counsellor with a local charity. He is also a case worker for the national forces charity SSAFA, assisting ex-service people who have fallen on hard times. Phil says: “Personal life experiences led me into helping others. There’s no greater feeling than helping young people reach their full potential”. Phil has a wife, Janet, who also works for the Air Cadets and son Stuart is a Cadet Flight Sergeant.

Alison and Nick met in the RAF. Much later, when the oldest of their six children joined the Air Cadets in Wells, Somerset, it rekindled Nick’s interest as a former cadet and started a new one for Alison.

Nick became involved on the civilian committee becoming chairman whilst Alison became firstly a civilian instructor and then in uniform as an Adult Sergeant. At the end of last year Nick joined the rest of the family in uniform and became an Adult Sergeant too, and has just completed his Senior NCO (Non-commissioned Officer) course.

Alongside squadron duties Nick’s expertise is in first aid, he is active along with Alison, in providing training and organising first aid competitions.

Nick says “Air Cadet training encourages young people to be good citizens and have consideration for others. Helping those in need, such as when they are injured, is an one of the skills which they have an opportunity to learn in the squadron.”

Alongside her squadron duties and first aid training, Alison is a qualified weapons instructor and coach.

meet Alison and Nick

the Tolson family

Devon Somerset Wing

In Alison’s view “Our children continue to benefit hugely from having been members of an Air Cadet squadron. Being an adult volunteer uses and expands my existing skills and life experiences to enable young people to make the most of their natural abilities and discover new skills.

“Young people today face different challenges to those of even 10 years ago. For the Air Cadet Organisation to continue to provide for young people today – as it has done in the past – we need new adults who will be alert and responsive to the subtle changes to the timid young person developing into a mature young adult.”

“I am privileged to bring you the stunning profile and smile once featured on the cover of our regular “Air Cadet” magazine ........... read on …..

“I became a cadet, age 14, with 1244 Greendown, now known as West Swindon Detached Flight, in Dorset Wiltshire Wing. I especially enjoyed summer camps, the adventure training centre at Llanbedr in North Wales, playing hockey at Corps level, and netball. I gained RAF Marksman, Range Management qualification for No. 8 rifle, silver and gold levels of the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, was Lord Lieutenant’s Cadet for Wiltshire in 1995 and reached the rank of Cadet Warrant Officer.

“In 1997, having received the adult appointment of Warrant Officer and completing the Basic Expedition Leader Award (BELA), and L98 conversion course. I had a career change and moved to Exeter to train for outdoor instructor qualifications. Whilst there, I transferred to 2469 St Thomas High School Squadron. After this course, I moved to YHA Edale Activity Centre and Buxton Squadron in the heart of the Derbyshire Peak District, then three years in the Lake District, with Outward Bound, Ullswater … so joined 1247 Penrith Air Cadets and completed the range coaching course.

“In April 2003, I came back to Swindon and was Squadron Warrant Officer at 2003 Stratton. My many roles included drill, shooting, developing the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, increasing adventure training activities using the skills and knowledge gained in the “outdoor” industry, but most of all, encouraging and supporting young people in their own Air Cadet careers.

AIR CADET

COVER GIRL

Warrant Officer

Helene Woodham

“I took over 1244 West Swindon in August 2005 with 12 cadets and after two recruitment evenings have keep a steady 30-35 cadets. I am enjoying the experience of running the unit where I started and try to keep a balance of activities so cadets experience most of what Air Cadets can offer.

“My day job is in two parts, introducing orienteering into primary schools in Gloucestershire and at an outdoor education centre, teaching kayaking (Level 2 Coach), canoeing (Level 3 Coach), sailing (Instructor), rafting and problem solving/team building skills. I have my Summer Mountain Leader and Single Pitch Awards, am working towards my Level 3 Kayak Coach Award and BOF Level , and have completed my part-time youth qualification.

“Interests outside cadets and work include ten-pin bowling, canoeing or kayaking rivers in the winter, come summer its climbing and scrambling and generally having a good night out from time to time ….. if I can find the time!

“I joined Air Cadets back in 1990 with 1146 North Devon Squadron and progressed through the ranks. Along the way I attended many courses from glider training to weapons handling and annual camps. I was asked to do a trial which I hope now helps enable cadets 18 and over to attend Llanwrst to successfully complete Mountain Leader Training Board courses.

“I moved the adult side at 20 as a Civilian Instructor for 2 years before promotion to Adult Warrant Officer in 1997. After a short transfer to 1146 Chivenor Detached Flight (DF), I went to 1146 Bideford DF as Flight Commander in early 1999 and was commissioned later that year. After a lot of hard work from my staff, we upgraded to 20 Bideford Squadron in June 2004.

“In my adult role I have taken the opportunity to attend Basic Range Management, Principles of Flight, Basic First Aid, Radio Communications, Initial Officers Training, and Senior Officers’ course at Royal Air Force College Cranwell - to name but a few!

“I hold two other appointments within Air Cadets: as Wing Gliding Liaison Officer for 624 Volunteer Gliding Squadron (VGS) at Chivenor, for whom I allocate Gliding Induction Courses and Gliding Scholarships to the squadrons in my wing and, not content with this, I joined 624 VGS back in 1996 as a trainee gliding instructor, going on to gain my wings (G1 Pilot) and take cadets on flights around the local area, subsequently becoming a ‘C’ Cat Instructor and later attended RAF Syerston (HQ of Air Cadet Gliding) for my ‘B’ Cat Instructor qualification.

“In my civilian occupation I am in partnership with my father running an electrical contracting business and a retail shop, where I am responsible for the testing and inspecting to ensure all work carried out by the company complies with current electrical and building regulations.”

Jane is a happily married mother of two working as office manager for a print finishing company. She became involved with Air Cadets when her son joined 2410 Didcot Squadron in Thames Valley Wing four years ago.

Initially, as a civilian instructor, Jane benefited from a series of courses before taking control of squadron administration. Mentored by her commanding officer, Jane became squadron sports officer as well as assisting with adventure training, Duke of Edinburgh’s Award and public relations.

Since passing the Basic Expedition Leader Award in 2003, Jane developed an enthusiasm for adventure training and assists on week-long cadet courses at the National Air Cadet Adventure Training Centres in Wales and the Lake District.

When moving to a uniformed position support was made available from squadron and area staff and the Wing Warrant Officer. As a full Adult Sergeant she was ready for new challenges, having attended the Sergeant’s course at Royal Air Force College Cranwell.

Recently commissioned, Jane relishes the challenge:

"Air Cadets has enriched my son’s life beyond belief and I wanted to give something back. I’ve found the help and encouragement really great, from my own staff and all over Thames Valley Wing. They understand the commitments you make and I never realised I would get out so much myself.”

Chris joined 2182 Dorchester Squadron in Dorset Wiltshire Wing at age 13. He was made a Cadet Warrant Officer on his 18th birthday. Shortly afterwards, he “went up” to Oxford University to read for a mathematics degree and joined 150 City of Oxford Squadron with whom he paraded during term time. At the end of his first degree, he found himself signing up for another one – this time a Masters.

Chris was commissioned in January 1995 as an officer with Highworth Squadron in Wiltshire but retained his affiliation with City of Oxford Squadron by becoming a Supernumerary Officer. Following his Masters, he decided to remain a student for even longer and studied for his Doctorate. In January 1997 he founded Lechlade Detached Flight which he developed for two-and-a-half years. It achieved squadron status shortly after his departure.

Unfortunately, Chris was unable to put off a “real” job any longer and in June 1999 he moved to Sheffield to work in a hospital modelling how cancer spreads. He spent his two years in the North as a squadron officer with 367 South Sheffield Squadron before returning to Oxford in June 2001.

Currently commanding Bicester Squadron, Chris is an active member of his wing’s training team and is back at Oxford University doing research and research facilitation at St Anne’s College where he teaches undergraduates hard sum.

meet …. Flt Lt Chris Breward

Officer Commanding, 2507 Bicester Squadron, Thames Valley Wing

meet ….. Squadron Leader Keith Shepperd, Wing Staff Officer, Plymouth Cornwall Wing

Although an Air Cadet at my school, it was some years later that I was invited to a squadron in Plymouth where I was a police constable. After a year as a civilian instructor I was commissioned in 1968 and went on to command another squadron in Plymouth and then one in North Devon. I became a Wing Staff Officer in Devon and, as a result of a police career move, transferred to Plymouth Cornwall Wing in 1987 in the same role, later becoming Wing Training Officer with responsibility for wing-level courses for both adult staff and cadets.

Locally provided adult courses meet three needs: instructional techniques, the knowledge and skills command a unit and effective leader. Cadet programmes include Junior and later Senior NCO courses to a national Air Cadet syllabus, progression to a BTEC Intermediate Award in Aviation Studies (all are registered) for which I am responsible for standards across the Wing, and the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award.

As a Wing Staff Officer, I also oversee a number of squadrons, including an annual inspection of each and, for many years, regularly attended the Pre-Bisley Shooting Course for top shooting teams attending the Inter-service Cadet Rifle Meeting at Bisley each July.

I retired from my police career as a Superintendent. I found that my experience and training as a member of Air Cadets stood me in good stead during this phaseof my working life. It is not always easy to combine a police career with an Air Cadet career but the help of an understanding wife has made it possible.

I derive a great deal of satisfaction working with keen and ambitious youngsters. It is a welcome break from dealing with juvenile delinquents.

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