On a particularly wet and windy weekend at Wattisham Airfield, Cadet Sergeant Ellen Seymour from 497 (Daventry) Squadron became the first person from the squadron to attend a Basic Coaching Course.

Ellen holds a squadron marksman, and for her Gold Duke of Edinburgh Award has begun shooting in the 100 yard Precision Benchrest discipline at Bisley, which is shot at paper targets at 100 yards from a seated position on a concrete bench. This involves a great deal of accuracy, precision and wind reading ability. The 6mm PPC caliber that Ellen uses holds almost all of the world accuracy records but requires Ellen to create her own ammunition. Ellen was attending the course because she is keen to improve her skills and shooting qualifications.

Ellen said “the course was hard work and very intensive, but was very worthwhile”. The course included the basics of range safety and marksmanship principles as well as the principles of zeroing. In addition to practical assessment, there was also a written exam. Ellen was very pleased to pass with 100% against a course average of 97%, and additionally to qualify as a Safety Supervisor, and is now looking forward to being able to assist cadets to improve their shooting abilities.