Two Cadets and one Officer from Warwickshire & Birmingham Wing were part of the team of radio operators who controlled all of the Cadet Ground Support operation at RIAT in 2006. The remainder of the six cadet team and two other staff were from Wales & West Region and Beds & Cambs Wing, together they formed the Headquarters Air Cadets Communication Team.

The radio network put them, and the tasking control officers, in continuous contact with the 465 cadets and 93 staff that provided the actual workforce for the event. They also had to deal with a number of safety-of-life and site security incidents.

To remove the chance of radio interference from other Squadrons visiting the site, the MOD provided the Air Cadet Organisation with a number of radio channels specifically for control of RIAT.

All of the radio transmissions for the 6 days were recorded and when combined make up 950 minutes of on-air activity. The highlights will be made available for distribution as a training aid.

Article Submitted by:-
Fg Off David Pink, Warwickshire & Birmingham Wing Radio Officer / 2IC Ground Comms, HQAC Comms Team
05Sep06