Training over.now the work begins!

Cdt Sgt Shane Pelchat and Cdt Cpl Matthew O'Loughlin are celebrating the award of their staff lanyards. These were awarded following them both successfully completing the last Wing Staff Part 2 course. Both NCO's have been working hard at their classifications since they joined 2286 ( Arden ) Squadron in May 2005 and September 2005 respectively, but there's no time for a break! They are now busy planning their subjects and preparing for their squadron roles now that they are supporting the staff in the running of the Squadron. 

Provisional Radio course.over!

Ten cadets from 2286 ( Arden ) Squadron are celebrating being the first cohort to successfully complete the VHF/UHF Provisional Radio operators course following an "in house" programme. The ten cadets have followed a mixed programme of classroom and outdoor practical activities. They have learnt to use call signs, the meaning of prowords, how to pass short and long messages and how to authenticate amongst other things. They will all now go on to the training course for VHF/UHF Full Radio operator and they can't wait. Cdt Harris said "The course was great fun and very useful. It's fantastic that we can do this at the Squadron, especially as we haven't had radios for that long." Flt Lt Chris Quinney Officer Commanding 2286 ( Arden ) Squadron commented that "I'm incredibly proud of all them it is a great achievement for them as individuals and the Squadron as a whole."

Cadets take first step and pass out!
December 2007

On the 18th December 2007, 2286 Squadron welcomed 10 new cadets with it's first Passing Out Parade. Parents and friends joined the squadron staff and cadets in celebrating this special occasion with a formal parade at which the Commanding Officer Chris Quinney RAFVR(T) inspected the new cadets and addressed those gathered, before presenting the cadets with their 3822 and first class badges and announcing their new flight. A special certificate of commendation for the best in the syndicate was awarded on the night to Cadet Gullick for a high level of commitment and attainment during the training period. The standards of dress and drill were extremely high from all those joining the squadron and they are now looking forward to the next step in their cadet training after passing the First Class Cadet exam.

The formal parade was followed by a photo call to rival the Oscars red carpet and coffee and mince pies for the troops and their loved ones. Many congratualtions to all 10 of you and good luck for the rest of your cadet careers!

Passing Out Roll December 2007: Cdt Askew H, Cdt Gullick, Cdt Ballard, Cdt Archer, Cdt Harris, Cdt Strong, Cdt Walker, Cdt Malli, Cdt Powell, Cdt Cholera.

Ow, my feet and other interesting stories!

Cadets and staff enjoyed  a weekend camp at the Warwickshire and Birmingham Wing Adventure Training centre at Elan Valley this weekend with cadets walking for Bronze and Silver Duke of Edinburgh Awards. For some cadets it was the first time they had ever been out walking in the countryside and for others it was a warm up for a Gold Expedition next week! The cadets, fired up and full of the delicious breakfast (cooked by Sgt Annison) set out on Saturday morning in the drizzle and dampness and managed to find their way (more or less without getting lost) back to the centre just in time for tea! A tired looking lot decided not to listen to the Rugby with the staff and had an early night ready for another day in the hills on Sunday.

 For those who had never been out in the hills and done a walk of this level before the weekend was a tremendous achievement and they should be especially proud. All our cadets did exceptionally well during this camp. Well done all!!

The last Goodbye!
(October 2007)

This week 2286 Squadron waved goodbye for the last time to it's longest serving member. CWO Robert Young has been at 2286 squadron longer than any other cadet or current member of staff but this week he had to leave the Air Training Corps after reaching the age of 21.

Rob joined the A.T.C. in 2002 and quickly joined in cadet life achieving A first flight in a Grob Tutor, a flight in a Hercules, his first camp (at R.A.F Lyneham) and his Bronze Duke of Edinburgh award in the first 12 months of his joining! His willingness to attend and try new thngs was unfaultering and he quickly added up his experiences. His favourite things continued to be the things he enjoyed in his first few months - flying, camps and DofE. In 2006 he achieved the Gold Duke of Edinburgh award, the first at 2286 for 14 years and one of his ultimate aims as a cadet. In January 2007 his second dream became a reality when he was promoted to Cadet Warrant Officer.

CWO Young's final parade was on Friday 19th October when he was presented with an etched glass Squadron crest. Not one to be missing out on one last opportunity though - he managed a final Tutor flight on Saturday to round off a tremendous career in the Air Training Corps!