Progressive Training Syllabus | Thames Valley Wing

Progressive Training Syllabus Objectives
The Progressive Training Syllabus has been designed to allow all cadets to engage with a wide variety of training activities from the day they join the RAF Air Cadets. Advancement through a series of progressive awards at blue, bronze, silver and gold levels aims to provide opportunities to enhance skills and achieve nationally recognised qualifications and awards, whilst at the same time, building confidence and developing teamwork and leadership qualities. All new cadets will undertake training within the First Class Cadet syllabus and this allows blue level awards and badges to be achieved in a variety of subjects including; Basic Radio Operator and Cyber Awareness, Essential First Aid, Foundation Level Leadership and a pre-Duke of Edinburgh’s Award. Additional badges are available for air rifle shooting and a musicians badge can be awarded if a cadet has a recognised music board examination at Grade 3 level. Flying and Gliding Aviation Training Packages are available from the age of 13 years and 3 months and blue wings will be presented once the elements of ground school, Part Task Trainer and airborne sorties are completed.

Training Progression
Once a blue badge has been awarded, cadets can engage in further levels of the Progressive Training Syllabus which allows them to maintain a positive level of engagement with training and provides a focus on achievement throughout their time as a cadet. The highest awards at gold level recognise significant levels of achievement and some are linked to instructor qualifications or nationally recognised awards. These include; Instructor First Aid, Cyber Specialist, National Musician, Advanced Leadership, Competition Marksman, Pilot Scholarship and gliding to solo standard. Blue Badge Logbook The aim of the logbook is to identify the blue level awards from the Progressive Training Syllabus that can be achieved either during First Class Cadet Training or at any other time during a cadet’s service.

Cadet Aviation Classifications Syllabus – Reference: ACTO 01
First Class Cadet
	Description The following elements are included in this introduction to Cadet Training: The ATC, the RAF, History of Flight, Principles of Airmanship, Map Reading, Initial Expedition Training, Basic Radio Communications and Drill Assessment First Class Cadet Logbook Eligibility Junior Cadet
Leading Cadet
	Description Intermediate training in the following subjects: Airmanship Knowledge, Principles of Flight and Basic Navigation Using Map & Compass Assessment Ultilearn online assessment Eligibility First Class Cadet
Senior Cadet
	Description Advanced aviation training, to include any 3 subjects: Air Navigation, Pilot Navigation, Aircraft Handling & Flying Techniques, Airframes, Piston Engine Propulsion, Jet Engine Propulsion, Rocketry, Military Aircraft Systems, Principles of Air Power, Radio & Radar, Satellite & Data< Communications and Avionics & Aircraft Electrical Systems Assessment Ultilearn online assessment Eligibility Leading Cadet
Master Air Cadet
	Description Specialist aviation training, to include any 3 subjects not undertaken at Senior Cadet: Air Navigation, Pilot Navigation, Aircraft Handling & Flying Techniques, Airframes, Piston Engine Propulsion, Jet Engine Propulsion, Rocketry, Military Aircraft Systems, Principles of Air Power, Radio & Radar, Satellite & Data Communications and Avionics & Aircraft Electrical Systems Assessment Ultilearn online assessment Eligibility Senior Cadet
Instructor Cadet
	Description This trains a cadet to be able to deliver lessons to other cadets on their squadron Assessment Pass Methods of Instruction Course. Deliver lessons Eligibility Master Air Cadet

Shooting and Marksmanship – Reference: ACP 18
Shooting and Marksmanship Badges
There are 4 sets of badges available within the shooting and marksmanship syllabus:
Blue – Air Rifle \| Bronze – Small-Bore Rifle \| Silver – L98-A2 Service Rifle \| Gold – L81-A2 Target Rifle
Trained Shot Badge
	Description This indicates a cadet has become competent in safely handling and firing a weapon. Eligibility Awarded upon completion of: Weapon Lessons, Weapon Handling Test, Initial Live Fire Lessons
Marksman Badge
	Description This encourages participation in shooting and progression through the Live Fire Lessons. Eligibility Achieved Trained Shot Badge, completed required lessons. Standards Achieved the required standard out of the highest possible score of 200.
Advanced Marksman Badge
	Description This encourages further participation in shooting to develop a higher level of marksmanship. Eligibility Achieved Trained Shot Badge, completed required lessons. Marksman for L98 complete further Live Fire Lessons. Standards Achieved the required standard out of the highest possible score of 200.
Competition Marksman Badge
	Description This provides a further challenge through participation in National shooting competitions Eligibility Achieved Advanced Marksmanship Badge. Compete in a National shooting competition. Competitions Cadets who participate in the following competitions, having successfully completed the required Live Fire Lessons on the weapon system, will be eligible for the Competition Marksman Badge.
	Blue Air Rifle	Bronze Small-Bore Rifle	Silver L98-A2 Service Rifle	Gold L81-A2 Target Rifle
	ATC Postal Comps	ATC Postal Comps	CISSAM	CISSAM
	CCRS Postal Comps	CCRS Postal Comps	CCRS Postal Comps	CCRS Postal Comps

Leadership – Reference: ACTO 85
Cadet Foundation Leadership Blue Badge
	Description and content This training is an introduction to the principles of leadership and covers how to use the SMEAC (Situation, Mission, Execution, Any Questions, Check Understanding) to brief a group of cadets and then put this into practice by successfully leading 2 approved leadership exercises Complete the leadership theory test Complete 2 leadership exercises where the delivery and understanding of leadership can be assessed Eligibility Enrolled cadet with a minimum of 3 months attendance
Cadet Basic Leadership Bronze Badge
	Description and content This training aims to provide leadership activities to be undertaken with cadets from other Squadrons Eligibility Achieved Cadet Foundation Leadership Blue Badge
Cadet Intermediate Leadership Silver Badge
	Description and content This training aims to introduce a higher level of theory and practical ability during leadership exercises Eligibility Achieved Cadet Basic Leadership Bronze Badge.
Cadet Advanced Leadership Gold Badge
	Description and content This training aims to deliver a challenging leadership programme that produces a higher level of competency and develops the potential for leadership instructors Complete the Air Cadet Leadership Course (ACLC) Complete the Junior Leaders’ Course (JLC) Complete a HQAC led advanced leadership course Eligibility Achieved Cadet Intermediate Leadership Silver Badge or be a direct entrant to the Air Cadet Leadership Course (ACLC) or Junior Leaders’ Course (JLC)

Aviation and Gliding – Reference: ACTO 32 Gliding – Reference: ACTO 32 Aviation – Reference: ACTO 34 / ACTO 36
Aviation Training Package (Blue ATP) Blue Wings
	Description and Content The Blue ATP introduces cadets to aeronautical concepts including the primary and further effects of controls, lift vectors and airfield procedures . There are 4 elements to the training: Cadet Aviation Familiarisation Course (FAM) Ground school Part Task Trainer (PTT) Airborne sortie(s) at an Air Experience Flight (AEF) for A Wings or Airborne sortie(s) at a Volunteer Gliding School (VGS) for G Wings Eligibility Minimum age of 13 years and 3 months Medically fit for airborne sorties
Aviation Training Package (Bronze ATP) Bronze Wings
	Description and Content Following on from the Blue ATP, there are 3 elements to this training to further develop aviation knowledge: Ground school elements will revise primary effects of control and introduce attitude maintenance and selection and cockpit drills PTT training will focus on trimming, normal approach and circuit, undershooting and overshooting approaches Airborne sorties at an AEF will demonstrate FRC drills, datum attitude and stability, medium turns and the approach and landing for A Wings or Airborne sorties at a VGS will demonstrate FRC drills, datum attitude and stability, medium turns and the approach and landing for G Wings Eligibility Minimum age of 15 years Completed Blue ATP Medically fit for airborne sorties
Gliding Scholarship (SGS) Silver Wings
	Description and Content The Silver SGS provides the opportunity to fly a glider to solo standard. There are 4 elements to the training: Knowledge of primary effects Development of skills including straight glide, medium turns, approach, landing, stalling and circuits Pre-solo check Solo flight Eligibility Minimum age of 16 years Completed Bronze ATP Complete a selection process Medically fit for solo flying
Air Cadets Pilot Navigation Training Scheme (ACPNTS) Silver Wing
	Description and Content The Silver ACPNTS provides 8 hours of flying training at an Air Experience Flight (AEF) There are 2 elements to this training: Experience aspects of applied Service flying Experience aspects of applied Service navigation Eligibility Minimum age of 18 years GCSE Grade C or above in English Language and Mathematics, or equivalent Achieved the Air Navigation subject in the Cadet Aviation Training Syllabus,
Gliding Training (GWGT) Gold Wings
	Description and Content The Gold GWGT is divided into 2 elements: Part 1 will revise previous techniques of handling, stall prevention, circuits and launch failures. Additional training will focus on the use of FLARM, a full height winch launch, sortie management and circuit re-joins and advanced turning and landing. This will all be consolidated with a further 5 solo circuits Part 2 will broaden flying experience by teaching one or more thermal soaring techniques and consolidate with 2 further 30 minute solo sorties Eligibility Flight Staff Cadets (FSC) appointed to a VGS
Cadet Advanced Leadership Gold Badge
	Description and Content The Gold ACPS provides 12 hours of flying training in a single engine piston aircraft Training completed at a civilian flying training school accredited by the Central Flying School (CFS) The Gold ACAEFC course provides 10 hours of flying training at an RAF Air Experience Flight (AEF) Cadets will experience aspects of applied Service flying, including advanced handling and low level flying Wings will be awarded on completion of a solo flight Eligibility Minimum age of 16 years for ACPS Minimum age of 18 years for ACAEFC GCSE Grade C or above in English Language and Mathematics, or equivalent Silver Wings Gliding Scholarship (SGS) to solo standard is desirable

Duke of Edinburgh’s Award – Reference: ACTO 74
RAFAC Pre-Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Blue Badge
	Description This is an RAF Air Cadet award that can be completed by those cadets who are not yet old enough to start the Bronze Duke of Edinburgh’s Award. There are 4 Sections to complete. Volunteering Section Attend 75% of Sqn parade nights over a 3 month period and participate in a fund raising, charitable or community event or project. Skill Section Complete 1 of the following First Class Cadet subjects: Principles of Airmanship. Map Reading. Basic Radio Communications. Physical Section Select any 3 of the approved physical tests and show improvement over a 3 month period. Expedition Section Complete the First Class Cadet Initial Expedition Training. Eligibility Any cadet.
Duke of Edinburgh’s Bronze Award
	Description Complete all 4 sections with a further 3 months in either the Volunteering, Physical or Skills section.
	Volunteering	Skills	Physical	Expedition
	3 months	3 months	3 months	2 days / 1 night
	Eligibility Minimum age of 14 years or Year 9 in England or equivalent in Scotland
Duke of Edinburgh’s Silver Award
	Description Complete all 4 sections. For Direct Entrants a further 6 months must be completed in either the Volunteering or the longer of the Physical or Skill section
	Volunteering	Skills	Physical	Expedition
	3 months	One for 6 months and the other for 3 months		3 days / 2 night
	Eligibility Minimum age of 15 years or Year 10 in England or equivalent in Scotland
Duke of Edinburgh’s Gold Award
	Description Complete all 4 sections. For Direct Entrants a further 6 months must be completed in either the Volunteering or the longer of the Physical or Skill section
	Volunteering	Skills	Physical	Expedition
	12 months	One for 12 months and the other for 6 months		4 days / 3 nights
	Residential Undertake a shared activity in a residential setting away from home for 5 days and 4 nights Eligibility Minimum age of 16 years

Musician – Reference: ACTO 123
Musician Blue Badge
		Description Awarded on the basis of musical ability Eligibility Play an instrument to the required standard. This can include singing or being a member of a choir. There are 3 ways to qualify for a Blue Musician Badge: Pass a recognised music board examination at grade 3 (practical) Provide an expert witness testimony (for example a school music teacher) to state that an instrument can be played to grade 3 standard Assessment by a competent person to state that music ability has been demonstrated

Wing Musician Bronze Badge
		Description Awarded for Wing musical representation Eligibility Achieved Blue Musician Badge

Regional Musician Silver Badge
		Description Awarded for Regional musical representation Eligibility Achieved Blue or Bronze Musician Badge

National Musician Gold Badge
		Description Awarded for National music representation. Eligibility Achieved Blue, Bronze or Silver Musician Badge For National Piper complete an ACF Annual Pipes and Drums Concentration and performance at Inverness and Dingwall

First Aid – Reference: ACTO 8
Essential First Aid Blue Badge
	Description The blue Essential First Aid badge is the introduction to First Aid in the Air Cadet Organisation. The training uses St John Ambulance training materials and covers CPR Unconscious, breathing casualties Dealing with heart attacks Choking Severe bleeding The training will be delivered over 2-hours Eligibility Any cadet
Youth First Aid Bronze Badge
	Description The aim of this award is to provide enhanced first aid training. The qualification is valid for 3-years. The training will be delivered over 12-hours Eligibility Achieved Essential First Aid Blue Badge
Activity First Aid Silver Badge
	Description The aim of this award is to provide comprehensive first aid training. The qualification is equivalent to First Aid at Work. The training will be delivered over 18-hours. Eligibility Achieved Youth First Aid Bronze Badge
Instructor First Aid Gold Badge
	Description This award provides training that will allow a cadet to become an instructor and assessor for Youth First Aid Eligibility Minimum age of 16 years. Master Air Cadet or above who has achieved Activity First Aid Silver Badge

Road Marching – Reference: ACP17 ACATI 18
Road Marching Bronze Badge
	Description The Bronze Road Marching Badge is awarded for completing 2 days of road marching at recognised events Eligibility Complete one of the following 2-day marches: RAFWARMA 2-Day March, Scottish Garelochhead 2-Day March, International Waendel Walk, The Forces March / The Cadet Challenge, Langport Walking Festival. Other events will be considered on written application to the Nijmegen Marches Registration Officer Assistant.
Road Marching Silver Badge
	Description Awarded for completing 4 days of road marching at recognised events Eligibility Complete one of the following 4-day marches: The Forces March, Ijzer March (Belgium), Dodendocht (Belgium). Other events will be considered on written application to the Nijmegen Marches Registration Officer Assistant.
Road Marching Gold Badge – Nijmegen
	Description Awarded for completing 2 days of road marching at a qualifying event and 4 days of road marching during the Nijmegen International 4-Day Marches Eligibility Minimum age of 16 years. Complete one of the following qualifying events: RAF WARMA 2-Day March, Scottish Garelochhead 2-Day March, another qualifying event authorised in advance by the BMC NMRO / NMRA. Complete the Nijmegen International 4-Day March (Holland)

Basic Radio Operator and Cyber Awareness – Reference: ACTO 73 Radio Specialist – Reference: ACTO 73 Cyber Specialist – Reference: ACTO 71
Basic Radio Operator and Cyber Awareness Blue Badge
	Description and content The Blue badge is an introduction to the competent use a radio for general administrative duties and small exercises where the use of correct procedures must be demonstrated. There is also a requirement to watch the introduction to Cyber Security video that looks at; online footprints, texting, sexting and cyber bullying Complete the Basic Radio Communications subject at First Class Cadet level Demonstrate the competent use of a radio for communications Watch the introduction to Cyber Security video Eligibility Any cadet
Radio Operator Bronze Badge
	Description and content The aim is to give a cadet the skills required to be a radio operator for a flight of cadets during an exercise Complete the Radio Operator training package Pass the Radio Operator theory examination Pass the Radio Operator practical assessment Eligibility Achieved the Basic Radio Operator and Cyber Awareness Blue Badge
Cyber Foundation Bronze Badge
	Description and content This training aims to develop the skills and knowledge required to understand and protect oneself from the dangers inherent in modern information and communication technology. Complete a 1 day introduction to Cyber communications course Eligibility Achieved the Basic Radio Operator and Cyber Awareness Blue Badge
Radio Communicator Silver Badge
	Description and content Following on from the Radio Operator Bronze Badge, the following training aims to develop the skills required to run a network control station during a radio led exercise and further develop communication skills: Complete the Advanced Radio Operator module Complete 1 of the following: Amateur Radio Foundation Qualification. This is a nationally recognised civilian certificate in radio operating and basic radio engineering Radio Data Communications. This module teaches cadets how to transmit data long distances over the radio Local & Wide Area Networks. This teaches cadets how to build and configure a computer network for a home or small office Eligibility Achieved the Radio Operator Bronze Badge
Cyber Specialist Silver Badge
	Description and content This training aims to develop the skills required to creatively use information and communication technology in a responsible, competent and confident way. Complete a 2 day course with the following key learning objectives; Understand and apply the fundamental principles and concepts of computer science, including abstraction, logic, algorithms and data representation Analyse problems and have practical experience of writing computer programs in order to solve these problems Evaluate and apply information technology, including new or unfamiliar technologies, analytically to solve problems Eligibility Achieved the Cyber Foundation Bronze Badge
Radio Communications Specialist Gold Badge
	Description and content This training aims to develop the skills required to build a complete radio station, either in a building or in the field. There are two modules within this training: Technical Skills and Radio Deployment. Complete a Residential course delivered by HQ Air Cadets Eligibility Achieved the Radio Communicator Silver Badge
Advanced Cyber Specialist Gold Badge
	Description and content This training aims to develop the skills required to protect networks from intrusion and test those networks using Penetration Testing techniques Pass the Local and Wide Area Networking course by self-study of the training material, if not already achieved Complete a one week residential Cyber course at either No1 Radio School at RAF Cosford or by an industry partner Eligibility Achieved either the Radio Communicator Specialist Silver Badge or the Cyber Specialist Silver Badge

Parachuting – Reference: ACTO 54

Air Cadet Parachuting Badge

Description
The Air Cadet Parachuting Course takes place at The Force Development Training Centre at RAF Weston-on-the-Green

There are 2 elements to the training:

Ground school
Static-line parachute jump

Eligibility
Minimum age of 16 years, maximum weight limit of 96kg, medically fit to undertake training and must become a member of the British Parachuting Association before undertaking any training