The combined efforts of every single Squadron within Warwickshire & Birmingham have resulted in two more historic firsts for the Wing. For the first time ever during the year 1 st April 06 to 31 st March 07, all of the Wings Squadrons have actively participated in both Adventure Training and the Duke of Edinburgh's Award scheme.

Adventure Training is a core activity within the Air Cadets usually undertaken by individual units, both locally and in more challenging terrain. As we are all aware this activity has in the last few years been subject to staff having to obtain additional qualifications in order to undertake adventurous activities. The Wing, under the direction of its Adventure Training Technical Officer Squadron Leader Stuart Iles and his team, has been running its own BELA award training courses which have resulted in increased numbers of staff becoming qualified to conduct adventure training on their own units.

As a direct result of the increasing number of Squadron staff attaining the BELA award, 100% of the Wings units have applied for and undertaken at least one adventure training activity during the year. This increased level of adventurous activity has also resulted in another first for the Wing in the Duke of Edinburgh's Award scheme with 100% of Squadrons gaining at least one Award during the same period.

Squadron Leader Bryan Coats the Wing Adventure Training and Duke of Edinburgh's Award Officer said, "There is little doubt that the tremendous increase in the number of qualified staff has enabled all of our units to undertake and arrange their own Adventure Training for this year. It is the first time that this has occurred, and gives us an excellent base to grow from. The variety of Adventure Training that units undertake varies considerably, and is I believe a major part of what the cadets expect from the ATC. We are now filling that need with 100% involvement by units within the Wing".

Article Submitted by:-
Flt Lt Paul Hincks RAF VR(T)
Sqn Ldr B Coats RAF VR(T) Wg DoE / MV Officer
10Mar07