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.”

RAF Halton Summer Camp 2009

I and 4 other cadets form 44F (City of Bradford) Sqn were part of the 47 strong summer camp at RAF Halton, Buckinghamshire, the Recruit Training and Airman’s Command Squadron home base. We arrived to refreshing southern rain after a coach ride down from Yorkshire.



RAF Halton, established July 1914, is a non-technical ground training station which deals with initial training (usually 9 weeks) for all non-commissioned entrants to the Royal Air Force except the RAF regiment. With this in mind we were staying on one of the busiest and active RAF stations. On arrival we were sorted into flights and rooms before our initial brief, basic fire, health and safety followed by staff introductions. For the majority of the camp we were to be in uniform to distinguish us from the new civilian entrants as otherwise this would be impossible - some of the cadets were older than the recruits!

A dash through the rain to a long awaited tea was welcomed by all before setting out on our first Familiarization Exercise (Fam-ex). This involves exploring the RAF station and getting to know what’s what and where it is - making it easier for navigation later in the week.

Sunday was early up and an RAF cooked breakfast before the camp split in 2 groups; one for flying first and drill later and the other vise versa. After flying at RAF Benson 6AEF we returned to Halton ready to leave for bowling that evening. After a long day we couldn’t wait to get to bed and continue with the exciting week ahead.


Monday saw out first section visit; RTS or Recruit Training Squadron and then the Lord Trenchard Museum. Camp photo then off to the catering section for an insight into the business and training of the vital role. Monday night was planned the night-exercise so we cam creamed up and set off in our DPMs all syked for our missions. After a lesson in Cam and Concealment we were split into 4 sections to finish our given missions. Soon light levels dropped and we were working in the total darkness. Once completed we headed back to the barrack block.

Tuesday was met bleiry eyed and bleiry weathered as the usually morning routine of up, dress, breakfast and inspection commenced. We headed for the high ropes course on the station which was enjoyed by all. We then started training on the L98A1 rifle and carried this on for most of the afternoon. In the evening we were kept busy in the swimming pool with cadets participating in the basic and intermediate swimming competence awards and then chilling with a free swim.


Wednesday morning was a visit to the logistics training squadron where we experenced the full line of training and learnt about the most diverse trade in the air force. The afternoon saw Weapon’s Handling Tests, more training and drill followed by an orienteering exercise that afternoon based in the woods outside the station. In the evening we set off for our Physical Training session with huge games of rounders which was loved by all - especially the clear winners A Flight.


Thursday saw more weapons training and shooting with most cadets firing the L98A1. In the evening was the much anticipated drill competition held in the main drill hall at Halton and the occasion was marked by a Corporal with 9 years Queen’s Color Squadron experience. The competition was very close and everyone performed amazingly and compliments and crepitations were given out.


For our last real day on Friday we had a trip to Duxford Air Museum or training on the L98A2. Those that went to Duxford had an amazing time at one of the country’s best collections of airplanes and exhibitions. They were met by the lucky cadets trained on the A2 that evening for the camp’s final parade. The parade was taken by the Commanding Officer and he announced certain awards for best cadet, JNCO, SNCO, Shooter, New Cadet and more as well as announcing the winner of the inter-flight competition - B Flight. We then changed and set off for the camp disco. The disco was enjoyed by all - including the staff who joined in! It gave time and chance for more relaxed friendship building and start relationships that will last a very long time. After a short time packing we jumped into bed for our promised lie in - breakfast being pushed back almost an hour!


After an emotional last RAF meal we packed and cleaned and said good byes with the cadets ‘paper plate’ awards for fellow cadets and staff members. The final coach ride back North was slept by some exhausted cadets and staff while others spent the valuable time trading Facebook and MSN details and discussed plans for meeting up later.

On the whole everyone had an amazing week meeting new people, joining in with various activities, gaining experiences and lessons we will keep for a long time to come. We thank the staff who were with us and those at RAF Halton for making it a week to remember!

Air Cadets take part in Lord Mayors Parade

The Lord Mayors Parade through the City of Bradford was themed as the year of Astronomy. Almost everyone had a space theme. 44F (City of Bradford) Squadron were invited to take part in the parade due to meeting Astronauts and Cosmonauts during the last two years. The day was filled with excitement and thrills.



The Lord Mayor and Lady Mayoress sat in Bessie, the 3rd Doctor Who’s beloved car followed by a Brass Band and 44F (City of Bradford) Squadron who were lead by Flying Officer Lizzy Crawford RAFVR(T). As the parade progressed toward Centenary Square, everyone was met by Hagrid from the Harry Potter movies and Galileo the astronomer.



The day took an unusual twist when Lord Vader from Star Wars turned up with his Storm Troopers. The Cadets from Bradford Squadron were soon to find themselves on the wrong side of Lord Vader, who instructed his Storm Troopers to arrest the cadets.... Cadet Zain Rahman 13 and Cadet Ricket 13 were surrounded by four mean looking Storm Troopers.



What could we do, “I know” Shouted Civilian Instructor Yaseen Rahman “get Harry Potter to help us” No sooner had Harry Potter arrived than the Storm Troopers vanished. Watching all the commotion was Dr Who, who impressed at how the cadets dealt with the Storm Troopers, invited them to have a look at Bessie.



It was a fun day out and a proud moment for the cadets to march through the streets of Bradford.



Officer Commanding Flight Lieutenant Robin Farman RAFVR(T) said “We teach the cadets to think on their feet in difficult situations. It’s obviously working on the Adult Staff as well. It was a privilege and an honour that the Squadron was invited to take part in the Lord Mayor’s Parade”



Do you think you have what it takes to handle Darth Vader and his Storm Troopers? If so; 44F (City of Bradford) Squadron is looking for young people aged 13 to 17. The Squadron Parades at Belle Vue Barracks, off Manningham Lane, Bradford BD8 7HY every Monday and Friday, 7pm-9pm.

Squadron Embraces the D of E Awards

Cadets at 44F (City of Bradford) Squadron have embraced the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Scheme (D of E) with all cadets taken part in, either, their Bronze, Silver or Gold Award.
 

In order to achieve the awards the cadets have to complete various tasks, covering Skills, Service, Volunteering and an Expedition. Each cadet has chosen what they want to do for the various sections and how long it would take them to do the task. First Aid and Expedition modules are taught, including camp craft skills.With the whole Squadron involved it makes achieving the Awards a little easier when you undertake task with people you know, for the cadets it was easy, because they learn to work as a team and to help each other.
 

Officer Commanding Flight Lieutenant Robin Farman RAFVR(T) said “The Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme is an Internationally recognised Life Skill. The skills the Cadets gain are easily transferred to working life and as such the D of E is an excellent addition to the Cadets life portfolio. I am immensely proud of the Cadets for taking on this challenge and look forward to the day I see them all being presented with their Awards.

Cadets ready to assist

Air Cadets at 44F (City of Bradford) Squadron have successfully gained the Heart Start qualification which forms part of the First Class Syllabus. Almost everyone at the Squadron is now qualified and the Cadets can now move forward to the more advanced levels of First Aid.

the course was run by Sgt ATC Rouse. It is important that the Cadets learn First Aid, as they embark on activities such as camping, The Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme, Flying & Gliding. Knowing that they will be able to help and assist should the need arise. The skills learnt can also be used at home, school and in everyday situations. The cadets spent the qualifying eight hours, learning the techniques required and practising (using the resuss dummies) until they could do the techniques with ease.



Officer Commanding Flight Lieutenant Robin Farman RAFVR(T) said “As someone who is themselves a qualified First Aider. It pleases me to see the Cadets complete their Heart Start training. It is a life skill which is extremely useful outside of the Cadets.

Corporals Leading the way

Two Corporals in the Air Cadets at 44F (City of Bradford) Squadron have successfully gained the Leading Cadet badges which forms part of the Air Cadets Syllabus. The Corporals can now move forward to the more advanced levels and study for their Senior Cadet qualifications. The Corporals will use their skills & knowledge gained, as they embark on activities such as camping, the Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme, Flying & Gliding. Knowing that what they learnt can be applied in everyday situations as well as the ATC.
“With school exams and Air Training Corps (ATC) exams it was a challenge, it’s hard work but worth it...I ve done it” said Cpl Jordine Bostock 15.
“I enjoy the ATC, it has given me opportunities I would not have normally” added Cpl Sami Rahman 14, MCO 44F CI Yaseen Rahman said, “The cadets are rewarded for all the hard work and effort and this shows that the more you put in the more you can get back from the ATC”

Officer Commanding Flight Lieutenant Robin Farman RAFVR(T) said “The Leading Cadet exam is actually three exams all taken on one night. It’s a challenge, but through hard work and determination. The rewards are greater. Cpls Bostock and Rahman are positive examples to the junior cadets and hopefully will continue to develop during their time in the Corps“
 

Cyprus Camp 2009

On 15th of April 2009, fifty four air cadets from all over the country flew out to Lamaca airport in Cyprus heading for a ten day camp at Royal Air Force Akrotiri. When we arrived at the base, we were taken to the mess were we had our first meal. After dinner we were taken to monument of a BAC Lightning were we had our camp photo. Unfortunately, instead of the glorious sunshine that we were expecting, there was heavy rain which soaked us in a matter off minutes. After getting wet, we then had our arrival brief were we were told what we were doing to do throughout our ten day stay. 



Throughout our week during the day we had various section visits including the Royal Logistics Corps Bomb Disposal Unit, where we had a chance to control a robot which could rip off a car door with ease. They told us that it could fire a high pressure water blast which could go through a car or open a suitcase with a secure lock.

ater, we visited the engineering squadron, which had a Tornado GR4 and a Eurofighter Typhoon under repair. We also took part in leadership tasks at the fire section where we competed against another team; the losing team had to walk though a decontamination shower which had water shooting out at high pressure, we all ended up running through it anyway. We also went to visit the Red Arrows, which everyone was looking forward to, followed by a brief meet with the team as they were walking up from the aircraft after practicing their display.




During our stay in Cyprus we visited the capital city of Nicosia where the green line passes though separating the island in half. We learned that in the small strip called the “buffer zone”, UN patrols make sure that no-one is in there as they are likely to be shot by either the Turkish guards who guard their border, or the Cypriote Forces who guard their border. In some areas it’s no more than one hundred meters apart so in many cases the two apposite guards can see each other at all times of the day.


After we had been in the buffer zone, the UN gave us a crowd control demonstration which included three armoured personnel carriers, after which, we all got a chance to have a ride around the abandoned airport. We were then taken back to the coach in an eight vehicle convoy which included four small minibuses and four Mitsubishi Warriors all marked up with UN along the side and back. We got quite a few looks from the pedestrians!
 


Later, we visited a seaside town of Paphos and went on a three hour cruise  up the coast, where we jumped off the back of the ship and swam in the sea. Everyone really enjoyed the journey. 

Only one of the evenings out off the 10 days, we had nothing planned which suited us as we played football and basketball for hours. All the other evenings, we went out and had a good time. One night, we went out to a Greek restaurant were they taught us a little bit of Greek dancing and then showed us how it was done. Another, we went to a beach barbecue where some of us went in the sea. We also went bowling, go-karting and did some karaoke!
 
Finally, on the last night we had our presentation evening, where Sqn Ldr Duff (Red 8) presented everyone's certificates. On the final day, we travelled back to the cold and
wet climate of the UK. None of us wanted to leave.