Some 40 cadets and staff have just returned from a most interesting and tiring week at RAF Marham - the HQ of the Tornado Strike Force. Unusually all the cadets and staff were accommodated in tents ( which were brand new 12 x 12's and no real problems were encountered except that when lights out was announced it was the power to the tents internal lighting only being turned off), and this was a novel experience for some staff.

However with excellent ( if sometimes too hot) weather the cadets enjoyed a full and exciting programme. They all shot either 0.22 or L98 weapons ( we were fortunate to have 2 RCO's WO Arris and Sgt Raske who undertook extensive dry training whenever we had the opportunity - meaning that over 1/2 the camp became qualified on one weapon or the other - that they were not before attending camp - an achievement in itself.). They also saw the RAF at work, Fire, Police , ( and Medical centre for 1 cadet at first hand), and Tornado Maintenance from start to finish as well as the important role of Tactical Imagery in the latest conflicts. They also saw the weapons the Tornado uses ( now almost daily) and their effects and the highlight of the week was getting up close and personal with the Tornado itself. They all sat in the cockpit with one of the aircrew of 9 Sqn, and had an extensive tour of the aircraft by another. Another memorable experience for some cadets was a visit to the Holbeach Bombing range where they witnessed the awesome power of the USAF A10 Tankbuster in action.

As well as this they undertook an RAF Regiment Assault Course ( under Regiment supervision naturally), went swimming at a local polo, and visited Duxford Air Museum all of which were well enjoyed. A 1/2 day visit to the sea side at Hunstanton was in the heat most welcome.

On top of all this they also had Wg Cdr P P Ladwa visit the camp for 3 days and he also stayed on the camp site for both nights and not as many expected the Officers Mess. He managed to keep smiling and remarked " If its good enough for the cadets its good enough for me!"

The CC Sqn Ldr Bryan Coats said " An excellent week for cadets and staff with some superb visits and a programme that was full and very tiring indeed as it kept all of us fully occupied from 0700 to 2130 each day. I have no doubt that the cadets and staff will remember this for many years to come and is one of the best camps I have attended. The station was pleased to have us and that goes a long way."

View More Images from the RAF Marham camp

Article Submitted by:-
Sqn Ldr Bryan Coats RAF VR(T) (Warwickshire & Birmingham Wing)
10 Aug 11