All RAF Air Cadet shooting takes place under strictly controlled and regulated conditions and is supervised by fully qualified and experienced adult volunteers.
Want to learn how to safely handle, care for and operate a variety of weapon systems, including Air Rifles, Small and Full Bore Target Rifles, “Infantry” Rifles and Shotguns?
This is collectively known as Skill at Arms and just a brief overview of what can be achieved is given below.
RAF Air Cadets may take part in a variety of activities involving weapon systems (rifles), including:
- Initial Weapon Training (IWT) – learn about the features and function of the rifle, how to maintain it and optimise its function, how to operate it safely and the basics of marksmanship in order to be able to fire the weapon accurately in varying conditions. This training culminates in a practical test to demonstrate your competence.
- Live Fire Marksmanship Training (LFMT) – on purpose designed facilities, firing from ranges of 5.5m (Air Rifle) to 600m (Full Bore 7.62mm Target Rifle), you will learn how to accurately adjust your technique in order to apply the ammunition onto the required location on the target.
- Competition Target Shooting – taking everything you have learned and competing at local, regional, national or even international levels, as an individual and as a team.
- Fieldcraft Training – combined with the fieldcraft syllabus, operating the “Infantry” Rifle with blank ammunition (no projectile or “bullet”) in simulated field scenarios.
- Ceremonial Arms Drill – combined with the foot drill syllabus, add an extra element of expertise by learning how to perform ceremonial drill manoeuvres and sequences, with a weapon, up to national competition level.
However, Skill at Arms delivers far more personal skills than just learning about weapon systems and how to shoot. Your hand-to-eye coordination, focus, determination, self-control and self-discipline will all improve over the course of your training. Your sense of achievement when mastering each element of marksmanship, seeing the results of your hard work on the target, is something not to be missed.
As part of the impeccable safety system in place to allow such activities, you will not be allowed to operate any rifle until you have demonstrated a full understanding of how to operate it safely and efficiently. This involves attending the IWT and subsequently passing a Weapon Handling Test (WHT). However, once this is done, you will be confident in your knowledge and ability and able to practically apply everything you have learned. Coaching from experienced adult volunteers and older cadets will allow you to continually improve during subsequent live firing opportunities.
Competitions allow a team of cadets to show their prowess at all levels, whilst the Progressive Training Syllabus and Badge system displays each individual’s achievement, from beginner to expert, proudly on their RAF Air Cadet uniform.
We look forward to seeing you on the live firing range, soon!
All RAF Air Cadet shooting takes place under strictly controlled and regulated conditions and is supervised by fully qualified and experienced adult volunteers.
