Social trip to Red Kangaroo in Coventry went off pretty well. 21 cadets, 5 staff helping. Good fun session and nice to see lots of GCSE-ers having fun together and newbies. Great idea from Cpl H.  1368 is apparently born to bounce (and whack each other using soft play things).

Half-term week saw sqn use down-time for another sports night, incl. legendary 1368 capture the flag game. Wed saw new intake accelerated induction daytime (not many photos) but we also had a talk from an ex-RAF engineer, an incite in training pathway and RAF slang such as liney (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/RAF_slang).  In terms of badges, Cdts C/A both passed Blue Radio taught by Cpl B and Cpl H.  Also, leading the way with Leading badge passed were Cdts B-R and G. Cdts P, B and G MkIII first to get the First Class badges. We also did a little pre-kick-off for Wednesday with practice pads and intro to SMEAC/blue leadership.

1368 Squadron is still waiting for Department of Defence Infrastructure to appoint a contractor able to fix a door soft close mechanism. It's been 4 months now with no fix and no plan. Parents have contacted the local MP Matt Weston.

1368 Sqn has been finishing off Classifications. Sgt F's been doing pilot nav for Snr/Master, CI M's finishing off Principles of Flight for Leading. Cadets' have ploughing thru 3 exams of RAFAC Learn for badges (call out if done). 0925 close to finishing First Class, apparently.  Mon 2nd half NCOs tried out the Debatable game rather than drill. Also tried a head-to-head Balloon debate. Just enough time to throw the Politicians out (although I don't think that was down to the debating skills). 7 cadets got their Blue Radio badges from course in Dec. Well done. Also well done to Cpl F on being first 1368 cadet in 2026 to achieve their instructor cadet lanyard. We expect all NCOs to achieve this so they can formally deliver training in the RAF Air Cadets' progressive training syllabus.

Well done to all the cadets and staff who turned up for today's church parade to celebrate the 85th anniversary of the founding of the Corps with Commandant of the Air Cadets and other dignitaries. Special thanks to all the mid/oldies doing exams at the moment for making the effort. Some great photos, incl. some with the Air Commodore Al Lewis. OC also got some badges to give out from amazing subject matter experts in Warwickshire & Birmingham Wing who manage the progressive training syllabus areas like Radio and DofE.

Well done to FS R, the 4th of our July 25 expeditioners to bag their Gold Duke of Edinburgh Award in the 2025/26 season. Similar to his beloved Ferrari F1's position in 2025 but what will 2026 bring with a new chassis? Maybe a trip to the Palace with his most favoured parent (Ooo) ?  Great effort though, esp. as he planned the exped route from scratch (most who start Gold don't finish).