Since our last post on the 10th January 2019, the Squadron has been extremely busy delivering a wide range of activities and training events.
January 2019
Throughout January, the Squadron has had a group of Cadets joining the Wing Road Marching team, training for the RAF Walking and Road Marching Association (RAF WARMA) and the International Nijmegen 4 Day March. Both mentally and physically demanding, this training is the start of a weekly commitment which runs over a 7 month period, but builds fitness and camaraderie.
We also saw a group of four Cadets attended Air Experience Flying at RAF Benson, and three Cadets at 637 VGS, RAF Little Rissington for gliding opportunities.
Both teach Cadets about the principles of flight, meteorology and mathematics which are all crucial in aviation. We are thrilled that Cadets left both locations having learnt something new and attained their Progressive Training Syllabus ‘Blue’ Wings for either Flying or Gliding.
We also hosted our first open evening of 2019 and are excited to welcome the newest Cadets to join our little family, participated in the Regional Cross Country championships and participated in some staff development training, with 4 staff members qualifying as assessors for the National Navigation Award Scheme, and the OC assisted the Wing DofE Officer deliver the first Introduction to DofE Course for Leaders, which allows other Squadrons across the Wing to successfully support their own Squadron participants.
As ever, our QAIC students attended their training at MOD Boscombe Down and continue to make excellent progress and are on track for their April graduation. We were pleased that they were able to practice their simulator session delivery with Cadets at 2120 Squadron.
Lastly, at the end of the month the Squadron held its first weekend training session, focussing on Radio, Cyber, Heartstart Award and Leadership. By the end of the day, a number of Cadets had done enough to achieve a number of PTS badges. Congratulations to all that attended and we look forward to seeing you progress to the next stage.
February 2019
An equally busy month for the Squadron, but we start with the fantastic news that for the second consecutive year, we have reached the finals of the West Oxfordshire Business Awards in the Charity category. We had a super evening at Burford Garden Centre where the results were announced, and this gave Squadron staff an opportunity to network with local businesses and explain the benefits of the Cadet forces for both volunteer staff and Cadets. The grand final takes place in late March and we’re looking forward to celebrating the evening with other terrific local charities and businesses.
At the start of February, the Squadron held its first Cadet NCO meeting of 2019 and outlined the paths that we intend to follow for the remainder of the year. The ideas of the NCOs were captured and will assist the staff in ensuring that the delivery meets the expectations of the Cadets who make up 2120 Squadron.
,The QAIC students attended their next session, this time at RAF Cranwell where the simulator session was assessed. Both 2120 Cadets on the course passed their assessments with flying colours, and next month will return to MOD Boscombe Down to practice presenting their Graduation piece on an aspect of Air Power.
At the start of February, Cdt Flight Sergeant Alex Roberts attended a Wing Selection Board which aimed to choose which Cadets would take the high coveted International Air Cadet Exchange (IACE) places in 2019, and who would go on to become the Lord Lieutenant of Oxfordshire’s Cadet (LLC). After rigorous interview and in a highly fought competition, Roberts was chosen as the LLC and will be formally appointed later in the year, giving him the opportunity to accompany the Lord Lieutenant on official duties through the year.
As the month drew to a close, we had Cadets undertake their Air Rifle weapons handling training and live firing, with all participants really benefitting from the fastidious training and coaching, as each and every one achieved the marksmanship. The Squadron also joined others from the Wing to represent Thames Valley at the inter-Wing netball and football championships. Whilst not the overall victors, both sporting teams entered into the spirit of the event, worked hard as a team and did everything they could to show their sporting prowess.
Lastly, this being a half-term month, the Cadets were invited to tour the Palace of Westminster by our constituency MP, Robert Courts. The trip was a fantastic insight into the workings of both the House of Commons and the House of Lords, and we are grateful to Mr Courts for arranging the visit and letting us bring fellow constituent Squadron, 136 (Chipping Norton).
March is shaping up to be just as busy with QAIC, Road Marching, Op Star Safari, guest speakers, Air Cadet Pilot Scholarship and much, much more.
If you interested in discovering more about the Air Cadets and would like to talk about joining our next intake, please contact us via the website.