Each year cadets are invited to attend a selection weekend to be successful in gaining a place on the Junior Leaders Course. This year 4 cadets from Thames Valley wing took part in the selection process at Bodney Camp and cadet FS J Taylor tells us what was involved during the weekend. This opportunity is offered out each year so make sure you keep an eye out and apply.

“Having heard some worrying tales about it, I had apprehensions on the four-hour train journey to Thetford and was relieved to see what I assumed was the rest of the course waiting outside the station when I arrived; at least I knew I was at the right place. Continue reading →

The Air Training Corps is an organisation supported by hundreds of volunteers in many capacities from Civilian Instructors, Uniformed staff to committee members. At the Thames Valley, Wing Activities Day three staff members from within the wing were presented with the ‘Commandant’s Commendation for Meritorious Service’ by OC Wing, Wg Cdr Fisher. These individuals were recognised for their support to the ATC mission ‘to facilitate a modern, dynamic, sustainable air-minded youth organisation of choice that offers fun and challenging opportunities’. Continue reading →

Thames Valley Wing has, over the past few months, been running a series of ‘Self Defence and Conflict Management’ courses via TDSU that are available for cadets and staff; the most recent being on Saturday, 28^th September. The courses are run by WO Miller of 1996 (Earley) Sqn who is a Master Level Self Defence Instructor with the Self Defence Federation, and his colleague WO Powditch of 2121 (Abingdon) Sqn. The courses are aimed at teaching cadets to manage conflict in confrontational situations and basic self-defence actions in a controlled environment. Continue reading →

Each year cadets and staff from across Thames Valley wing gather at Wing HQ to take part in the various competitions that make up the wing activities day. With an early start for many squadrons cadets arrive ready to compete in a range of events show casing the skills they have learnt whilst being in the Air Training Corps. The event shows a high level of standards across all disciplines and this year was no exception across all the entries and levels of participation by the cadets.

With over 200 cadets at WAD 2013 squadrons took part in a range of events including the following: Aircraft Recognition, Aviation Art, Drill, Media Skills, Aero modelling, Photography, Public speaking and website entries. Continue reading →

One of the highlights of the wing sporting calendar saw 130 cadets take part in the Wing Swimming Championships at Temple Cowley Swimming Pool on Saturday, 7^th September. Cadets arrived in high spirits ready to swim likes fishes and gain points for their squadrons to try and take home the combined trophy from the day.

As the first races started it was clear there was some excellent swimmers within the wing and the competition was going to be tough. Continue reading →

Over the summer many squadrons take the opportunity to provide expeditions to support their cadets through the ‘Duke of Edinburgh’s Award’ expedition section. Whether this is at Bronze, Silver or Gold level, by foot, canoe or bikes cadets work hard to prepare their route cards, kit and meal plans to ensure a successful expedition.

On Saturday, 3^rd August 7 cadets headed off to the Chiltern Hills, Oxfordshire to take part in a practice expedition. Fg Off Jane Wicks from 2410 (Didcot) Squadron organised the weekend to enable cadets from the central sector of Thames Valley Wing to put their expedition training into practice under remote supervision of staff from within the sector. Continue reading →

Chocks away as Air Expereice Flights (AEF) resume at 6 AEF based at RAF Benson following a period of inactivity for the Grob Tutor fleet from October 2013. Squadrons from next week will start to see allocations re-appear on notice boards to offer cadets the chance to complete their Air Experience Flights with 6 AEF, further supporting cadet’s studies into aviation.

Air Experience flying is a big part of the cadet experience and alongside gliding is a key element that makes the Air Training Corps stand out from the rest. By been able to offer again cadets the chance for their sortie in the Grob Tutor cadets will be able to add another tick against their ‘Are You On Target’ achievements. Continue reading →

The weekend of the 28th-30th of June saw Air Cadets from across the Oxfordshire area come together to take part in Exercise Tri-Hard, the Oxfordshire Cadet Challenge. Working with cadets from the Sea, Army and Combined Cadet Force, they took part in a range of exciting and challenging activities.  The aim of the weekend was to work together in teams to win the Challenge.

Throughout the weekend the cadets took part in water-based activities like kayaking and power boating with the Sea Cadet Corps, the Army Cadet Force provided first aid scenarios to test the cadets and the Air Training Corps challenged the groups to find a downed pilot by completing a number of different leadership exercises. Continue reading →

Thames Valley Wing of the Air Training Corps are in celebratory mood after their A Team won the best air cadet team award at the recent Royal Air Force Walking and Road Marching Association 2 day march held at Defence College of Aeronautical Engineering.

The Wing are no strangers to this achievement as it is the third time Thames Valley have picked up this award under the guidance of their coach and leader; Flight Lieutenant Karl Kisley. Continue reading →

On a very cold Sunday 24 February, 54 cadets and 40 staff and friends, from 10 Squadrons across Thames Valley Wing, attended the Madjeski Stadium in Reading to see London Irish play London Wasps in the Aviva Premiership Rugby.  The event was organised between the RAF Benevolent Fund and London Irish, with the Club offering concessionary tickets to all within the RAF community, with a donation on RAF/ATC ticket sales towards the Fund.

Whilst an RAF Recruiting Trailer, and the Wing’s WASP Media trailer, demonstrated the ‘Light-Blue’ presence outside the Ground, the cadets enjoyed ‘team’ photos on the pitch before the match, and then provided a Guard of Hour, tunnel-lining party, for the teams as they came out for the second-half. Continue reading →