Introduction - Microsoft



Introduction

These notes are intended to give you and your family an insight into the Air Training Corps in general and 2470 (Sudbury) Squadron in particular. They give only an outline of each topic; for more information, do consult anyone on the Squadron or staff. Please read these notes carefully and show them to your parents/guardians, then keep them safe for future reference.

Please fill in and return the following forms which are included as part of this pack:

Personal details form

RAF Form 3822A (parents/Guardians Consent form)

Uniform size chart

Attendance

The squadron meets twice a week, on Monday and Thursday evenings. You are expected to attend every parade evening, in uniform, unless you have a good reason for non-attendance.

Parade evenings commence at 19:00hrs (7.00 pm) and finish at 21:30hrs (9.30pm) you should make every effort to arrive in time for the start of the parade. The programme for a parade evening is usually as follows:

19:00 Arrival, initial parade, subscriptions and attendance register

19:30 Training period 1 (lessons or projects)

20:10 Refreshment break

20:30 Training period 2 (lessons or projects)

21:25 Final parade

21:30 Dismiss

If you know in advance that you cannot attend a particular parade evening, for whatever reason, you should inform the squadron.

Duty flight and Duty NCO

Each flight will have an evening as duty under the control of the flight NCO. It is then their responsibility to ensure that all windows are shut, heaters and lights are switched off and bins emptied. Parents may assist cadets in allowing them to complete their duties before leaving for the evening.

Subscriptions

The majority of RAF related activities (including flying, gliding and shooting) are provided free of charge. There are, however two charges that are made on a regular basis.

The first is your quarterly subscription. This is currently £25.00, payable quarterly in advance, at the start of January, April, July and October. To ease the problem of collecting it, we ask that payment be made promptly by cheque, payable to "2470 (Sudbury) Squadron, Air Training Corps". This becomes due from the date a cadet is issued with his/her uniform. It continues to be due until a cadet returns their uniform and has their 3822 signed off by a member of staff. Cadets should therefore ensure that all kit is returned promptly should they decide to leave the Corps.

The second is a "daily messing fee". This is payable on occasions when you receive one or more meals at an RAF station whilst on an ATC activity e.g. Annual Camp. Details of the amount will be published with the event details.

Additional activities arranged by the squadron e.g. Squadron camps, sometimes incur additional costs. These events are always optional. Should you experience any financial difficulty in taking part in squadron activities, you should consult the Commanding Officer or Squadron Adjutant (in strictest confidence); most problems have a solution.

Uniform & Appearance

Uniform is issued free from RAF sources, with the exception of footwear..

Some cadets like to purchase their own items of kit for adventurous pursuits as they progress through the training syllabus but it is not necessary as the squadron has a large stock of clothing and equipment available for loan.

Your first uniform will be issued between four and 6 weeks from joining, in accordance with the sizes you have indicated on the enclosed uniform size chart. You are permitted to make any minor alterations necessary to achieve a good fit in accordance with current dress regulations. Thereafter, uniform changes may be made on the last Thursday parade in each month. Coveralls are available for wear by those cadets who have not yet been issued their uniforms.

Record of Service

At the end of a cadet's probationary period (generally 4 weeks), they are issued with their Record of Service Book (RAF Form 3822). This book is your personal property and enables you to records all your ATC activities and achievements. It is your responsibility to ensure that it is kept up to date and signed in the right places. A word of warning to all parents/guardians. Please ensure that this book is not in your cadet's uniform when it is washed. Washing machines have been the prime cause for the loss of many a 3822 !

Your 3822 also serves as your identification as an ATC cadet and should be carried with you at all times when on ATC activities. Please inform us immediately if details of your address, telephone number or next of kin change, so that we may update the squadron records.

Notice Board

The notice boards in the canteen contain details of the training programme; all forthcoming events and opportunities open to cadets. It is your responsibility to ensure that you put your name down for any events in which you wish to participate. Some events are limited to cadets of a certain age or level of experience e.g. flying, shooting etc. Having put your name down, we then expect you to attend. Should it become impossible for you to do so, you must inform the OIC of the event immediately.

Smoking

The squadron operates a no smoking policy throughout the headquarters building in Sudbury. Cigarettes, matches and lighters should not be brought onto the premises.

Fire Drills

Fire drills are held on a regular basis and are signaled by the continuous ringing of the alarm. Upon hearing the fire alarm, you must evacuate the building immediately by the nearest fire exit and form up at the fire assembly point in front of the squadron building.

The roll of cadets will be called, based upon the attendance register. For this reason, it is vital that you ensure your presence has been recorded in the register, particularly if you arrive late for any reason. Similarly, if you leave the building at any time during the parade, you should inform the duty NCO.

Security

During your time with the ATC, you will almost certainly see or hear information that is classified under the Official Secrets Act. As it may not be immediately obvious that such information is of a classified nature, you should not as a general rule discuss anything you have seen or heard with anyone outside the squadron.

Leaving

Should you decide to leave the squadron, we would ask that you inform the adult staff rather than just not turning up, as you will still be charged subs. If you have a uniform or any squadron equipment on loan, you will be expected to return it in good idea any loss may need to be made good.

Throughout your time in the ATC, you are responsible for the upkeep and cleanliness of your uniform; any loss or serious damage should be reported immediately to the Squadron. The uniform must be cleaned and returned to the squadron when you leave. Any loss may be charged, so all cadets should ensure that their kit is named. Once a cadet is issued with their kit, they sign to show that they take responsibility for it.

Cadets should be aware that once they are in uniform they represent the squadron and the RAF and so should present a smart appearance. All cadets will be taught how to care for their uniform and should take note. Hair should be tidy. Girls' hair should be tied up and in a bun net; boys' should not be over the collar. Jewellery should not be worn, nor excessive make-up. All cadets will be taught the basic regulations required.

Inter-flight Competition

The squadron is currently split into two flights, which, throughout the year, compete for various trophies. You will be allocated to a flight and all aspects of your training, attendance and participation in ATC events count towards your flight's total marks.

Award Presentation Evening

The squadron holds an annual presentation of awards at which all awards gained throughout the year are presented. In addition, trophies are presented for the best all-round cadet, best NCO etc. This event is a special occasion and all cadets' families are invited to attend.

Canteen

A canteen break is held during the evening, when you have the opportunity to purchase soft drinks and sweets. All proceeds go towards the Christmas party, so the more you buy throughout the year, the better the party !

Civilian Committee

The squadron has a civilian committee run by local people and parents and who support the running of the squadron in various ways such as raising funds for cadet activities not met by RAF sources, controlling squadron finances, assisting on parade nights as well as being an unpaid Taxi service when the minibus is full. All Parents are welcome to join the committee; for further details contact the Commanding Officer,

Training

There are four different forms of training that you will participate in and they are as follows:

Examination training

Extra-mural training

Project training

Duke of Edinburgh Award training

Examination Training

Approximately half the winter parade evenings are spent on examination training, in which you are taught a number of aviation-related subjects. There are four levels (or "classifications"), called First Class Cadet, Leading Cadet, Senior Cadet and Staff Cadet. Training for each varies on the subjects studied, but examinations are generally held every year in February, May or November, to enable cadets to make progress as quickly as possible. It is now possible to obtain a BTEC in Aviation Studies by completing the Leading through to Staff Part One syllabus.

First Class Cadet

Subjects to be taken are: Airmanship Part I, Basic Radio Communications and map-reading (Module 1), the ATC, the RAF and the Rifle (Module 2), Initial Expedition Training and drill theory (Module 3). Completion of Module 1 allows cadets to go flying (at age 13 & 3m), Module 2 shooting at an RAF Station and Module 3 attendance at annual camp.

Leading Cadet

Subjects added at this level are: Principles of Flight, Basic Navigation and Airmanship Part II. Passing the Leading Cadet Examination is particularly important for those cadets wishing to further their glider pilot training and/or Duke of Edinburgh Bronze Award. You must also complete 25 hours of project training before the award of a Leading Cadet badge.

Senior and Staff Cadet

Subjects to be studied at the Senior and Staff level may vary depending upon the availability of instructors. Two subjects are taken from the following list for Senior Cadet level: Air Navigation, Propulsion, Aircraft Handling and Advanced Radio & Radar. For Staff Cadet level, candidates further their studies of the above subjects not taken at Senior cadet level: Pilot Navigation, Airframes, Operational Flying and Satellite Communications. You must complete 25 hours of project training before the award of a Senior Cadet badge and a course on administration, followed by an oral exam (Staff Part 2) before the award of a Staff Cadet lanyard.

Extra-mural Training

Extra-mural training is normally carried out on a parade evening, but some training may be carried out at weekends and during the school holidays. There is no fixed syllabus for this form of training and no examinations to be passed; it is provided primarily for general interest and takes the form of film/video shows, visits and visiting speakers. In particular, the RAF Careers Office visits about twice a year and provide an excellent opportunity to enable you or your parents to learn about the Royal Air Force as a potential career.

Project Training

As previously mentioned, you are required to undertake 25 hours of project training as part of your examination training for Leading, Senior and Staff cadet. Project training subjects vary enormously, depending on the availability of staff, but includes car maintenance, aero-modelling, continuity drill round the pole flying and computers. One of the largest projects is the squadron's marching band this is open to all regardless of ability

Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme

All activities on the squadron count toward the Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme, all we ask is that cadets purchase their D of E Log Book, at a minimal cost.

Flying Activities

The squadron places considerable emphasis on the encouragement of flying and gliding. Several cadets have either obtained their glider wings, or passed their Glider Induction Course.

Air Experience Flying

AEF is carried out in Grob 115E Tutor (single engine, twin-seater) aircraft of the RAF, at No 5 Air Experience Flight, based at RAF Wyton in Cambridgeshire. The objective is that you should normally receive at least one flight per year; in practice, you may receive several flights. In addition, you would normally expect to fly at least once during Annual Camp. There is a minimum age of 13 years 3 months and cadets should have passed module one of their First Class Cadet examination.

Pilot Navigation Training Scheme

At the age of 16, you may apply for selection by the RAF Officer and Aircrew Selection Centre at the Royal Air Force College Cranwell for a place on a two week Pilot Navigation Course. To be eligible, you must hold GCSE Grade A, B or C in English, Math’s and 3 other subjects, have passed the Air Navigation examination and be able to attend a continuous residential period of up to 14 days on an RAF station in the UK.

Flying Scholarship

At the age of 17, you may apply for a Flying Scholarship. If you are successful, the RAF will pay the cost of 20 hours tuition towards your Private Pilots License (PPL) in a single engine, light aircraft at an approved regional flying club. A further 8 hours at your own expense is necessary before a PPL can be obtained. Competition for Flying Scholarships is fierce; you need a minimum of 5 GCSE's, a desire to join the RAF and be suitable for a commission.

Air Experience Gliding (AEG)

The aim of AEG is to provide familiarization flying in either the Viking or Vigilant gliders; to participate you must be an enrolled cadet, at least 13 years 3 months old and meet the current medical standard. This is a one-day course.

Gliding Induction Course (GIC)

The GIC is for those cadets close to 15 years or older and provides the cadets with the opportunity for approximately 30 minutes of dual control of the current ATC gliders. This is also a one-day course.

Gliding Scholarship (GS)

The GS Course offers those cadets who are 16 years and older the opportunity to undertake approximately 40 launches/8 hours flying time, potentially culminating in solo flight and the award of either blue or silver glider pilot wings. This is a week's residential course.

Advanced Glider Training (AGT)

The AGT course provides selected cadets who hold silver glider pilots wings with the opportunity to undertake advanced gliding techniques, with the prime aim of developing future staff for the Volunteer Gliding Schools. Successful candidates will be awarded their gold glider pilots wings.

Annual Camp

Every year the squadron is allocated a number of places for cadets to attend a one-week camp at an RAF station located within the British Isles. Whilst at camp, you will take part in a full programme of flying, shooting, adventure training and sports activities, as well as an opportunity to see the RAF at work. For those cadets considering a career in the RAF there is an opportunity to work in certain sections alongside regular service personnel Camps take place during the school summer holidays and are run from Saturday to Saturday. The costs of the camp include: the daily messing fee, a contribution to travel costs, as well as other expenses detailed in the pre-camp brief To assist in making sure your family holiday arrangement do not clash with your Annual Camp, you may like to note that the date of Annual Camp is usually announced around the end of February.

The opportunity also arises every year for you to attend an overseas camp in Germany, Gibraltar or Cyprus. These camps are very similar to UK camps, except that you will be required to pay the charter airfare. In general, only a very limited number of places are available. Details of overseas camps are normally announced around October/November each year.

International Air Cadet Exchange

Once you have reached the age of 17 and achieved the classification of staff cadet you may apply for nomination to represent the Air Training Corps on one of many exchange visits. These are organized each year between the ATC and other Air Cadet or air orientated organizations in 20 participating countries; USA, Canada, India, Australia, Netherlands and France to name but a few.

Shooting

Shooting is an important part of the programme, with the emphasis very much on safety. You will be taught safety practices for weapons and carry out range practices with air rifles and the No. 8 (.22) rifles on our own 15 metre indoor range at Sudbury and with the L98 (5.56mm) rifle on the barrack ranges of RAF stations and the gallery range at Thetford.

Adventure Training

The squadron runs many adventure training exercises and weekend camps throughout the year, where you are taught the skills of field craft, map reading, orienteering, and survival. You will also have the opportunity to participate in initiative and first aid exercises. You may also attend weekend courses at the Wing Adventure Training centre at RAF Barnham near Thetford. The squadron uses a local site for camping purposes, which has all the necessary shelter and space for a weekend camp.

There are also opportunities for cadets to attend the Air cadet centers in the Lake District and snowdonia where more challenging activities such as hillwalking, climbing, skiing and wild country camping can be enjoyed.

Sports

The squadron has had a turn-round in its fortunes in sport over the last year and has become one of the stronger squadrons on the Wing. Wing sports events are available and if good enough, you may be selected to play for either the Region or the Corps. The main sports are athletics, football, rugby, swimming, hockey and netball. On a local level, informal sports days are arranged during the summer to enable sports practice and for some fun.

Cadet Courses

Cadet courses occur from time to time, usually based on selecting a small number of cadets from the Wing. As such, these places are highly competitive and demand a high standard. Courses are normally of one-week duration and generally at no cost, apart from the messing fee. Courses include: parachuting, hang-gliding, micro-light flying, Nordic skiing, offshore sail training, NCO training and moral leadership. In addition, pre-entry visits to the RAF College at Cranwell and other RAF training schools are available and of particular interest if you are considering a career in the RAF. Each course has different requirements - age, classification and physical fitness - so you are advised to watch the notice boards for details.

Weekend Parades

Although there is no requirement to attend normal weekend activities, three weekend parades are considered as "compulsory attendance". These are: -

Wing Parade - usually first Sunday in July, but does not happen every year.

Battle of Britain Parade - Sunday closest to 15th September every year.

Remembrance Parade - Sunday closest to 11th November every year,

There is also one parade night that is compulsory and that is Annual Inspection night. The date varies but is generally September or October. The Annual Presentation evening is not compulsory but cadets are urged to attend. There will be other occasions when it is necessary to put out good numbers and so cadets may be required to attend at other infrequent, but no less important, events.

We hope this has given you a small insight into the ATC but if you or your parents have any questions please contact us on the numbers below.

Enjoy your time with the ATC!

2470 (Sudbury) Squadron

Duties and contact numbers

Officer Commanding Flight Lieutenant Ralph Appleby (01206) 395037 (Home)

Squadron Warrant Officer Warrant Officer Darrell Webb (07798) 745327 (Mobile)

Duke of Edinburgh

Sports

Civilian Instructors -

Squadron Padre -

Squadron Chairman -

Squadron E-Mail sudburyaircadets@

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