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Tours for 1368's September 2026 (0926) intake

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1368 Squadron operates an induction programme for new cadets with the main induction being in September (typically 12-14 cadets). With intakes the young people join at same time as others and go through the same induction programme before being integrated into the squadron. It avoids repeating training, enables squadron to cope with larger numbers, and leads to stronger friendships among new recruits. We have  a 5 stage process to joining: Initial contact/register interest (ideally via form). Tour/visit to see Sqn where young person can learn more about what cadet experience is. Parent/guardian formally asks to join. Forms are sent out, returned prior to intake date. Young person starts. We have added a new cadet interest form to the website  Join Us  page to work around issues with the form on the RAF page (e.g. doesn't always work and now doesn't allow Year 7's to apply for intakes which start when they go into Year 8).
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1368 Blue Road March 12km, 25 Jul 2026

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Last Saturday saw team 1368 organise and conduct another Sqn road march. Special mention to staff team on their motivation and fortitude to get admin sorted for new routes. Great mix of experience and newbies (on their way to the blue badge). Blue badges = opportunity for Bronze= opportunity for Silver etc, with Gold normally (if you're lucky) being Nijmegen.
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Congratulations to Cdt F who was promoted to corporal, 22 Jul 2026

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His performance in first 6 months of the year has been exceptional. The first to attain MOI out of the 8 who applied, attendance on NCO Dev course attained, strong accumulated community duties, leadership and host of other badges no-one is going to catch him in terms of qualifications/badges/participation. so decided to call this one now. As Albert Einstein is quoted: "Setting an example is not the main means of influencing others, it is the only means.". Well done.
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8 Advanced, 10 Intermediate, 4 Basic swimming certificate achievements, 20 Jul 2026

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Well done everyone that attended Monday's session. Was a little worried about holiday time numbers drop but attendance was reasonable in the end, and it was definitely worth it. Attitude was amazing. So often we hold ourselves back from what we can achieve, but there was none of that. You were fire. Never had this many of the higher awards (8 Advanced, 10 Intermediate, 4 Basic). Having the extra half hour really helped. Bonus from Wing. They have agreed to help fund costs as 1368 Sqn has been denied use of its building for coming up to 10 months now due to the DIO/.RFCA/VIVO maintenance contract failures (still no news on opening date). 
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Silver DofE Expedition Team presentation, 13 Jul 2026

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Well done to the April Silver's in their effort to pull together photos and info to deliver their presentation last night to the newbies (who have their own adventures to come). A pres/report is required to complete the Expedition section at Silver (and Gold).  There was genuine appreciation of the landscape/flora/fauna and, of course, mention of red kites (which I've passed on to Sgt M, who was unable to attend, but seemed pleased). Did also sense that they got a lot of joy from the shared adventure with "the Nugget", just the unexpected things that happen and how the team reacts. All passes, of course. We can start to finish sign-offs and get certificates, hopefully. Well done team.
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Parade nights in pictures, to 13 Jul 2026

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Fun Quiz/Dominos Pizza night (end of exams + Wing Athletics Champions 2026). Ensemble rekindling has highlighted enthusiasm and talent in our mids.  Cdt R collected her Silver DofE badge/cert. Snrs tested the Astro. Blue fieldcraft for juniors on Weds, albeit with beach attire.  GCSE-ers slower to return (cheaper hols times perhaps) but last 1-2 weeks more have come back, hence remain hopeful to get everyone rowing together again in the 1368 Norwegian Viking boat (been a bit like our main rowers left the ship, the juniors/year 10's just about kept us moving). We have circled back and starting to pick em out of the water, as they've waded back from their hols, e.g. great to see some helping marching band and dusting off the banner. Fingers crossed. Also been uptake of show-arounds for Sept intake.
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Soccer World Cup Wk 4 Challenge, 8 July 2026

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Week 4's Wing World Cup inspired competition involving air cadet squadrons running a different football challenge a week proved surprisingly hard and frustrating. It appears that success in one of challenges doesn't mean success in all, hence competition is wide open. Cdt P came top on last week's passing challenge. Idea is we can at least award best in 1368 Sqn. Sgt F is keeping scores and has been submitting to Wing.   Everything to play for as we enter Wk 5. Normally, enthusiasm about England's soccer chances would've disappeared by now (2 days to go before that happens).
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