Air Cadet Training Order 123 (Musician Badges): We have quite a musical Sqn (our rock band won the Wing ensemble last year with a couple of songs they learnt and played together, including an Abba one, they seem to be very keen on Queen at the moment). As we enter final stages of current training segment we're trying to get as many badges as possible. ACTO 123 gives the requirements for musician badges either a) because of existing grades or b) as part of an assessment. As part of an assessment it's possible for new musicians to be mixed with existing. It may change but current ACTO 123 (version 7) says: Blue Badges 6. Blue badges are awarded solely on the basis of musical ability.   7. It is not necessary for a cadet to be in a band to qualify for a ‘blue’ badge – although the assessment route is designed with band members in mind.  A cadet may qualify for a ‘blue’ badge in one of three ways: a. By passing a recognised music board examination at grade 3 (practical)...

Last Saturday saw 8 of our more senior cadets experience clay pigeon shooting for the first time. It's taken staff team over 6 months of liaison and admin to get all the pieces in place, with aim to share their passion. Priority was given to slightly older cadets on first one, which was also a nice opportunity to keep in touch with some of the year 11's. Great success though, including support from venue.  Plan, timings and approvals all seemed to work. More to come, as we look to provide new and exciting stuff in 2026.

Well done to 8 cadets from 1368 Sqn who all passed the St John's EFA course last Wednesday. The night also provided an opportunity for 2 additional staff and cadet Sgt H to be signed off EFA trainers. EFA is the base First Aid qual, and needs to be achieved within first 6 months/renewed every 3 years. Not only does it mean they are better prepared to help save (mainly) old people, but some have also achieved their first badge (aim is to get brassard & sow it on, ready for uniform).

As a result of high attendance and stalwart performance in excess of rank, "Gnorman night of the Domino Pizza order" hat ownership passed from Cpl K to Cpl G last Monday for outstanding NCO-ness. She got to take an NCO selfie with NCO team. 3 of these that she might get the prestigious NCO Millennium Falcon medal.

Well done to 0925 intake's Cdt B who was OC's CotM for last month. Consistently putting himself forward, he was one of few juniors to sign-up to represent Sqn for cross country, in first batch of First Class & Blue Leadership badges and already has a Aviation Blue Badge (showing importance of getting engaged, listening for the cues and signing up for stuff).

Another successful Wing first aid weekend for 1368 Sqn. 3 x Silver AFA badges for Cdt K, Cdt L and Cpl M. And Bronze YFA for Cdt P. Reports show 43 of our cadets have current St John's Youth First Aid qual with 6 now having the full 2 day St John's Activity First Aid. Well done to those who signed up, and also thanks to staff from across the Wing and our own Plt Off D for keeping 1368's First Aid qual snowball rolling.