1982 Air Cadets - May 2017 Newsletter

2017 Quarter 2 Edition `

‘He who would command must first obey’

A word from the Officer Commanding It is always going to be difficult to maintain the amazing results achieved throughout 2016 but already in 2017 we are continuing these trends of success. There are some interesting times ahead for the organisation, with changes to the training programme now starting to take effect. Challenging times are what we thrive on at 1982 so I look forward to taking them on. We now move into a busy time of year both for the cadets with exams at school, plus our efforts towards field training day.

Keep up the hard work and commitment, my thanks to all cadets, NCOs, staff and association members of 1982.

Flt Lt NJ Osborne Officer Commanding

This month’s issue…

• Civilian Committee update • RAF WARMA • Sporting Success • 1982 Recruit Weekend • Santander Moneywise • STEM at the Squadron • NCO Promotions

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Civilian Committee Update

1982 Squadron Newsletter - Quarter 2 - 2017

At the end of the 16/17 financial year we reflect on what has been a very successful year for 1982 (Huyton) Squadron RAFAC, both on the uniform/staff and cadets side; and the Civilian Association pillar.

Any fund raising ideas are most welcomed by the association. Funds need to be raised on a regular basis, so we can provide financial support to the Squadron for purchasing Radio Equipment, Adventure Training Equipment, stationary, subsidies and much more.

In August 2016 our main goal was achieved by purchasing a Squadron Minibus after quite a few years of fund raising efforts, we now need to look after and maintain it properly. We have a very strong Civilian Association and their efforts in fund raising activities, along with Fund Matching has enabled us to more readily make funds available to the Squadron for the benefit of the cadets.

Civilian Association: John Sharkey BEM (Chairman) Andrea Hearn (Treasurer) Denise Igglesden (Secretary)

To this end I would like to thank the Civilian Association for all their hard work and support in fund raising activities throughout 2016 and into 2017 ably assisted by the staff and cadets.

Members: Gwen Osborne Len Osborne Cecelia Huckell Marie Lee Tracie Lee Jo Black Hollie Stott Bob Tattersall (Below) Civilian Association enjoy an evening at 1982 Dining in 2016

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1982 Squadron Newsletter - Quarter 2 - 2017

Ex-Cadet Story: From Cadet to Company Commander Written by Maj Nick French PARA, formerly F/Sgt French, A Flight, 1982 Huyton Sqn. It’s always great to hear how ex-cadets are getting on, what they have achieved and how their time in the ATC has helped them along the way. Ex-Cadet Nick French has fond memories of his time spent at 1982 and shares with us his journey since joining the Parachute Regiment.

I’m very proud to say that in a previous existence I was a member of 1982 (Huyton) Squadron between 1990-95.

Among my proudest achievements during that time were achieving my Flying Scholarship, Silver Duke of Edinburgh Award and getting my ATC Marksmanship badge the first time I fired a .22 rifle.

I only left the ATC as I was going to university.

Whilst at university I realised I would make a pretty rubbish pilot. Instead of flying planes I made the decision to make jumping out of them my living.

I flirted with the idea of the RAF Regiment, but whilst at university I joined the local Territorial Army unit and focused more on the Army as a profession.

I passed out of the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst in August 2002. I then had to go through the gruelling selection process to join the Parachute Regiment, known as ‘P Company’.

Outside of special forces selection this is considered the hardest physical entry requirement for any unit in the Army. After passing this, and as a new Second Lieutenant, I first saw combat leading my platoon during the invasion of Iraq in 2003. This was quickly followed by a tour in Belfast supporting the police doing riot control in 2005 Below: After rebuilding a local school, Afghanistan

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1982 Squadron Newsletter - Quarter 2 - 2017 I was promoted early to Major in 2010 in order to command a Company to undertake another combat tour of Afghanistan, this time in Nar-ESaraj. This tour saw my Company having to seize control of a town from the Taliban, then to rebuild it.

Above: Nick at the Kajaki Dam, Afghanistan 2006 Ex-Cadet Story: Do you know an ex-cadet who would be happy to share their story.

Get in touch @1982

I’ve been in the Parachute Regiment now for nearly 16 years, and I’m currently OC B Company 2 PARA, based in Colchester in Essex. I genuinely look back on my time in the ATC as critical in allowing me to get where I am today. The likes of Ted Prescot and Frank Peakin, both now sadly not with us, had hugely positive influences on me (and I could certainly iron and bull shoes well, which came in handy at Sandhurst!). Looking at the 1982 web page, I’m glad to see the reputation of the squadron and the quality of the members of it are still as high as ever. Hopefully I’ll be able to pay a visit to the squadron this year.

Cadets Get Moneywise It’s not always drill, shooting and field craft down at the squadron. On 21st February cadets took part in the Santander Moneywise programme which aims to introduce young people to life skills such as managing finances and understanding banking options. Civilian Instructor Brannan presented the role of banks and cadets were asked to design a bank of their own. Cadets started to plan what they would call the bank, the logo, who they would use as a brand ambassador and more importantly what products and services they would offer to attract customers and make profit as a business.

The cadets were asked to present their ideas back to the group and the best team were selected by a panel of independent judges. All of the cadets were enthusiastic and came up with both creative and realistic suggestions as well as learning about the responsibility of banks and money management.

Congratulations to Cdt. Brannan, Cdt. Cleverly , Cdt.

Hagan, and Cdt. Hemmings who were selected as the winners on the night for their entrepreneurial approach. ‘Our bank is called INCA, we would be focused on new businesses banking with us and would make money by taking a percentage of their profit once they were established. We would want to have Alan Sugar as our brand ambassador because we are focused on business,’ the team explained. Well done to all who took part.

Right: Cadets learn about the banking industry and present their business ideas to the group

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1982 Squadron Newsletter - Quarter 2 - 2017 It’s been a busy few months at the squadron, here’s just some of what we’ve been up to.

High Standards at 82’

Athletics at The Oval

Well done to Cpl. Daniel Lee and Cadet Warrant Officer Aiden Jackson who came 1st and 2nd respectively in the Northern Area Young Standard Bearer Competition held at Blackpool. Fantastic achievement for 1982 (Huyton) Squadron and the Royal Air Force Air Cadets as a whole.

Athletics is always one of the most anticipated sporting events of the cadet calendar and this year was no different. Despite an early start and a few sleepy heads, cadets arrived at Bebington Oval on 7th May ready to take on some tough competition. Cadets of 82’ put in their all and came away with the under 17 boys trophy, plus two third places in the under 15 and under 17 girls groups. Once again the cadets did the squadron proud and as well as a group success there were of course a number of individual victories on the day. Cpl. Brannan (800m and 400m), Cdt. Naddamba (Javelin) and Cdt. Hemmings (100m Relay) went on to represent Merseyside Wing at RAF Cosford where the team won overall on the day taking home 6 out of 8 trophies available. Well done to all cadets who took part and thanks to the staff for organising the event and supporting on the day.

Science at the Squadron Cadets from 1982 squadron air cadets took part in a Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM) evening, activities included Electronics with Flight Sergeant Jennings, Mobile App building with Civilian Instructor Stott and Bath Bomb making with Cadet Warrant Officer Jackson. It was a fun evening for all involved and shows that there is no end to the skills you can learn as a cadet!

Above: Cpl Daniel Brannan crossing the finish line in 1st place in the 800m at InterSquadron athletics

Joining the Ranks Above: Flight Sgt Greg Jennings teaching electronics

Congratulations are in order as we welcome Cpl. Black, Lee, and Igglesden to the junior NCO ranks of 1982. Your hard work and commitment has been recognised and we look forward to watching you make your mark at the squadron.

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1982 Squadron Newsletter - Quarter 2 - 2017

Duke of Edinburgh The Duke of Edinburgh award continues to be a key activity of the ATC and aims to inspire, guide and support young people in their selfdevelopment. The DofE programme takes cadets through a range of activities including volunteering, learning a skill, improving fitness and planning an expedition all of which are designed to challenge, motivate and build confidence. Well done to Cadet Hemmings, Hodgers, Hagan, and Cleverly who completed an expedition as part of their Bronze DofE award.

82’ Strikes Again Congratulations to Cdt. Loughran and the Merseyside Wing under 14 boys team who were crowned champions in the Inter Wing competition in April. Another great example of the talent we have at 1982.

Below: Cadets training for their expedition.

Good Luck CI Roberts Cadets Give Rugby a Try Well done to Cpl. Daniel Brannan and Cdt. James Carson who were selected to represent Merseyside at the Inter Wing Rugby competition held at RAF Cosford. The pair put in a tremendous effort on the day against strong competition and certainly did the squadron proud.

Cadets and staff of 1982 would like to wish Civilian Instructor Emma Roberts the very best of luck as she prepares for her trip to Camp America where she will be teaching young people ropes courses. We know that you will take with you a wealth of experience from your time at the squadron and whilst you will be greatly missed we hope you have a fantastic time and look forward to hearing all about your adventure on your return.

Below: CI Emma Roberts nominated for Knowsley Volunteer of the Year in 2016

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1982 Squadron Newsletter - Quarter 2 - 2017

Cadets visit the Aerospace & Tech Centre Congratulations to Cadet Warrant Officer Jackson, Sergeant's Forster & Tattersall, Corporal McTigue and Cadet's Brannan, Witham, Hunter-Jones, Thomas & Hagan who all gained their Blue Wings at Staffordshire Wing's Aerospace and Technology Centre. ‘We went in the flight simulator and had to try and land it, we also practiced putting on a parachute and jumping out of the plane. It was interesting and something different that you would only experience through cadets.’

Runners Up at InterWing Netball Well done to Cadet Hagan and Cadet Hemmings who put in a remarkable effort along with the team from Merseyside Wing Air Cadets and came 2nd in the Junior Netball Competition at RAF Cosford. Cadet Hagan was also selected to represent Wales & West region such a fantastic achievement, keep up the good work!

RAF WARMA March After a hard few months of training and preparation cadets from across Merseyside joined together to take part in a 50 mile road march at RAF Cosford which took place over just two days.

Cadets Naddamba, Hunter-Jones, Carson and CI Osborne represented 1982 Huyton squadron and Mersyside Wing were once again the second largest contingent to take part in the event.

Well done to all who took part, such great teamwork and determination is what the cadet organisation is all about.

Staff have fun too at 82’ Despite an extremely busy schedule over the last few months, staff of 1982 managed to find one spare weekend for their own extra curricular activities and headed to Abersoch for a fun filled weekend. After a walk to Criccieth on the Saturday followed by an evening of socialising those that had enough energy left by the Sunday visited Bounce Below. A great weekend was had by all.

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1982 Squadron Newsletter - Quarter 2 - 2017

Recruits Learn the Ropes at 1982 Congratulations to Recruit Training Course 17/01 who consolidated their cadet training over the weekend 25-26 March. The purpose of the recruit weekend is to teach the cadets the basics they will need to take part in many of the activities that the Air Training Corps has to offer.

The course brings together many aspects of the training conducted on parade evenings as well as allowing the cadets to gain their blue Heart Start badge and Leadership Badge. During the weekend cadets enjoyed taking part in sports, first aid, leadership and initiative exercises whilst mastering drill and uniform. Civilian instructor Mark Williams also gave a presentation to the recruits on life in the Air Force and the benefits of the ATC. Cadets finished the weekend on a high at Knowsley’s Aerial Extreme ropes course and continued to develop confidence and team work away from the squadron.

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1982 Squadron Newsletter - Quarter 2 - 2017

What Are You Doing This Weekend?

Drill | Leadership | Sport | Teamwork | Flying | Field Craft First Aid | Camps | Duke of Edinburgh | Radio | Volunteering

#WhatWeDo @1982

The opportunities made available to you as a cadet are endless. From flying, shooting, sports and camps you will make friends from all different walks of life and learn skills you never even knew existed! If you or someone you know may be interested in joining a fantastic team why not get in touch or visit our website to find out more.

How old do you have to be to join? You must be 12 years old and in school year 8 to join How much does is cost? Subscriptions are ÂŁ12.50 a month, with your first month free

Where do you meet? We parade at our Squadron Headquarters in The Park, Huyton.

When do you meet? We parade on Tuesdays and Thursday from 7pm till 9:30 pm.

You can find more information at www.1982.org.uk

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