RAF chief hails young cadets (From Basingstoke Gazette)

RAF chief hails young cadets

9:38am Thursday 9th July 2009

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HUNDREDS of Air Cadets from Hampshire and the Isle of Wight stood to attention at RAF Odiham as the Red Arrows shot through the sky.

Almost 500 young members of the Air Training Corps marched across the parade ground and drew up in formation ready for formal inspection by Air Commodore Ian Stewart from RAF Cranwell as part of their six-yearly review.

Air Cmdre Stewart was followed with precision timing by a flypast from the Royal Air Force Aerobatics Team, the Red Arrows, trailing coloured smoke.

The smartly-turned out cadets and volunteer staff from across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight – including 2412 Odiham Detached Flight and 443 Basingstoke Squadron – were also honoured with music by the parading Central Band of the Royal Air Force.

Before addressing the cadets – who were relieved to hear the order “cadets, sit down” – Air Cmdre Stewart presented a cadet and several volunteers with commendations for their work. Wing Chairman Geoffrey Hooper and retired staff officer Squadron Leader Dudley Howard RAFVR(T) Ret’d, were given Defence Council Letters of Appreciation for their service to the Air Training Corps (ATC).

It is the first time in 30 years that the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Wing’s six-yearly review has taken place at RAF Odiham.

Station Commander, Group Captain Andrew Turner, said: “It’s a huge privilege to have such dedicated people here and we are celebrating their service.

“I think these young men and women are an inspiration and they are involved in such a variety of activities and learn all sorts of skills – it’s a great start in life. They have done really well.”

There are 36 Wings across the UK, which is divided into six regions, each region consisting of six Wings.

Every year, one Wing per region holds its six-yearly review, giving the cadets a taste of what a formal parade is like and the chance for everyone to come together.

In the ATC, cadets have the opportunity to try a broad range of activities, including flying and gliding, target and clay shooting, canoeing, climbing and skiing, as well as a range of courses such as First Aid, drill and leadership, and Duke of Edinburgh Awards.

From 16, cadets can start a course to fly solo in a glider and even go on to become an instructor, and cadets also support public events and assist in marshalling.

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