Leadership, Litter Picking, Life Skills and Long Service!
Developing leadership skills within the cadets is a key part of the Air Training Corps (ATC). This occurs at all levels of a cadet’s career, utilising the progressive training syllabus to structure the progression. At the lowest level, the blue leadership badge, cadets are taught the fundamental leadership skills, including how to brief a team. They are then assessed on two separate leadership tasks, with feedback being provided at all stages. Bronze and silver leadership badges are earned by those cadets who go on to successfully complete the Junior Non-Commissioned Officer (JNCO) and Senior Non-Commissioned Officer (SNCO) course respectively. From here, progression to the gold leadership badge is through higher intensity courses, such as the Air Cadet Leadership Course (ACLC) or Junior Leaders.
The squadron regularly organises their own litter picks in and around Seaham, supporting both Seaham Town Council and Durham County Council as well as other local organisations. Over the past 18 months, the cadets have removed over 300 bags of litter from in and around Seaham, as well as 30 trolleys, tyres and other large items which could cause a hazard to wildlife. The squadron will continue to help develop and improve the local area in this way.
It is not only the exciting and once in a life time activities which the air cadets offers – developing life skills is also key. This could be, for example, through the development of communication skills, or the introduction of new skills such as first aid. All activities conducted within the ATC develop a range of life skills, often without the cadets even realising it.
Long service of adult volunteers is recognised within the Air Training Corps by means of certificates, such as those presents to members of the squadron civilian committee at last year’s award ceremony, or in the case of uniformed staff members, medals and clasps. The long service medal is present for 12 years of continued uniform service, with a clasp every additional 6 years.
Do you fancy getting involved in any of these activities? Are you up for fun, adventure, incredible experiences and making new friends? Aged between 12 (and in year 8 ) and 17? JOIN AIR CADETS. We are recruiting now, send us a message to find out more and join us next week as we continue our #WhatWeDoWednesday articles.
Durham Northumberland Wing Air Cadets
North Region – Royal Air Force Air Cadets
Commandant Air Cadets
