Bradford Cadets interview the Chief of the Air Staff

North Region Air Cadets are currently running a project to produce a new Air Cadet Organisation promotional DVD and are gathering footage to include in the final version. When they found out that the head of the Royal Air Force, Chief of the Air Staff, (CAS) Air Chief Marshall Sir Stephen Dalton, was going to be in the area, North Region Media Communications Officer, Squadron Leader Mike Wadsworth saw this as an opportunity not to be missed.




The Yorkshire Air Museum at Elvington was the location for a Battle of Britain parade and service on 6th September 2009 and Sir Stephen was the principle guest. Some hasty requests went into Headquarters Air Cadets and approval was granted to speak with CAS. Supported by the Yorkshire Air Museum, a slot was found in a very full diary of events and project officer, Assistant Wing Media Communications Officer (South & West Yorkshire), Civilian Instructor Yaseen Rahman was tasked with directing the interview. Luckily Yaseen works for the BBC in Yorkshire as a director for Look North News and was keen to do the task.
 
So it was, just after lunch on Sunday 6th September 2009, that Cadet Corporal Jordine Bostock, 15, and Cadet Corporal Sami Rahman, 14, of 44F (City of Bradford) Squadron waited anxiously at the Spitfire exhibit for CAS to arrive. Following a quick introduction and the fitting of a radio microphone, the interview began with each of the Cadet Corporals asking a series of probing questions of Sir Stephen and receiving a comprehensive reply.



With the coolness of professional presenters, Jordine and Sami completed the interview in time for Sir Stephen to head off to take part in the parade and service. The only other task was for the fill in shots, called “Noddies” to be done before the whole thing was “In the can”.
 
“I never thought when I joined Air Cadets that one day I would be interviewing the head of the Royal Air Force on camera” said Jordine and added “I was really nervous about meeting him but he was really nice and friendly and soon put me at ease.”




Sami added, “Sir Stephen was really supportive of the Air Cadets and as a former cadet himself said he was keen to see the organisation grow and prosper. I was really honoured to meet him and even better, have that meeting recorded as part of the DVD project.”
 
Regional MCO Squadron Leader Mike Wadsworth commented, “Sami and Jordine did a superb job of the interview. It’s a daunting prospect doing an interview on camera for anybody but they were really cool headed and very professional. Both of them were a credit to the organisation and aquitted themselves very well indeed. I’m looking forward to seeing the final product.”

44F Squadron Boosted by new staff

44F Squadron Air Training Corps has been boosted with the arrival of two new staff members.

Nasir Ahmed Bradford joined 44F Squadron as a Civilian Instructor (CI), CI Ahmed, is an ex cadet who joined 44F in 1989 when the squadron was based at the old ,location of Leeds Road in Bradford. Nasir left the Squadron to pursue other activities outside the ATC but is now the Events Officer, organising events for the cadets. Nasir works for The Royds Community Association on Bradford as an Employment Officer covering Girlington, Thornbury and the Mannigham Areas.

CI Ahmed is delighted to be part of the ATC once again and is looking forward to working with the “Next Generation.” He said: “As well as returning back to the Squadron, I intend to join the RAF Volunteer reserve as an Officer in due course. Working in the Community, has given me valuable experience which would benefit the Squadron.”

Yaseen Rahman from Bradford joined the 44F City of Bradford Squadron as a Civillian Instructor (CI). Yaz works fulltime with the BBC in Yorkshire, directing the Look North news bulletins. Amongst his other duties he is the BECTU Union Lead Safety Rep for the BBC Yorkshire Region, covering Leeds, Bradford, Sheffield & York also a Union Shop Steward. Cadet Rahman (his son), joined the 44F (City of Braford) Squadron, and this sparked an interest for Mr Rahman to join as an adult staff member.

He said: “It was great being able to give something back to the Community and the ATC, this is new and exciting, truly a challenge in itself. I intend to join the VRT as an Officer in due course. I thought I was going to enjoy myself, which I am, but now I am also responsible for highlighting the many achievements and events as well as getting the Squadron noticed as the Squadrons Media & Communications Officer”

Adult volunteers, uniformed or civilian, have a crucial role in the organization, as without them the Air Cadets could not offer the vast range of activities it does.

As well as helping cadets realise their potential, adult staff can also gain valuable academic qualifications and leadership skills which are highly valued by employers. So what exactly is the secret of helping young people to become high flyers?

Air Commodore Ian Stewart, Commandant Air Cadets, said: “Air Cadets aged 13 to 18 are given the chance by our team of staff and adult volunteers to learn to fly aerobatics, learn skills to lead expeditions, tour foreign countries, become target shooting marksman, join a band, learn about aviation and aerospace - only a small list of the many activities and opportunities for an enviable social life with many new friends.”

The activities and opportunities available to members of the Air Cadet Organization (ACO) are certainly impressive. Many cadets take control of an aircraft before they drive a car!

Getting involved as an adult instructor and help shape the future of tomorrow’s leaders is easy. Anyone who has a few spare hours a week is welcome in the Air Cadets.


44F City of Bradford Squadron is keen to meet anyone aged 13 – 17, interested in joining in the adventure. If you are Interested in joining the Air Training Corps you can contact 44F Squadron City Of Bradford at Bell Vue Barracks, Drill Parade, Mannaingham,BD8 7HY please ring 01274 742954, email: office@44f.org.uk or visit the rest of the site. The Squadron parades every Monday and Friday’s between 7-9pm.