Well done to the 1368 cadets that did their Bronze DofE last weekend. Very short turn around to get kit issued/checked, route cards and food done but we did it! The mother of all water fights with a 3 year old (who is going to keep that as a first memory, I suspect). Staff pretty impressed with map reading/good pace and they even took away some learning points in the effect of water on kit weight. Great to get first tranche of Bronze expeditions out of the way, as we have a lot more to get through. 

Thu/Fri saw 3 of our instructor cadets Sgt B, Sgt G, and Cpl H undertake 1368 Sqn's inaugural delivery of the NNAS Bronze Navigator Award. Focused on core basics of map reading, the National Navigation Award Scheme offers a chance to explore fun ways of delivering outdoor lessons in basic navigation using map & compass, and solid foundation knowledge for future Lowland Leader Award candidates. Lots of interesting things seen, wild deer's and friendly bullocks, and excellent skills demonstrated.

Wednesday saw three cadets from 1368 Sqn go to RAF Cosford to fly RAF Tutor training with AEF8: Sgt B, Cdt C and Cdt M. They may have taken more exciting ones in plane but here's a few ground shots. A couple more blue aviation badges for 1368 for first flights (plus completion of PTT/First Class airmanship).

OC's cadet of the month for July 2025 went to Cdt B-R (not just the ability to talk (others into things)/first to sign up/+ve energy). Cdt C got his First Class badge (after his workbook turned up). Cdt M got her blue aviation badge (we found 1 spare). Also special mention to adult Sgt G who earned her Grade 1 gliding qualification with VGS 612 last weekend. She can now fly cadets doing Gliding Induction Flights plus another staff member who can deliver PTT (Flight Sim) syllabus on the squadron. A great milestone in her gliding instructor journey with VGS 612 (she also gets to wear another ridiculously large badge).

1368 (Warwick and Royal Leamington Spa) Sqn now has 37 cadets now holding St John's Youth First Aid (YFA) qualification (12hrs). A massive step up from a year ago. On this Monday we did a competition night to see who stood out. Anecdotally best in class performances were noted on the night from Cpl B, Cpl H, and Cpl W for showing they were able to follow correct protocols, actively managing a multiple casualty incident, and reassuring casualties (usually the quiet one is more injured and the noisy one distracts). Age/confidence showed in a competition situ. Impressive acting performance from Cdt B and FS H who had a scream. 

Friday saw cadets make the best use of a summer's day with a River Leam kayaking session at Royal Leamington Spa Canoe Club (RLSCC).  There was a nice mix of seniors, mids and juniors and plenty of wet games at the end.

Cdt Y first to take up mantle of doing MOI dry-run. Inter-flight Drill battle on 8 Aug won by A, B and then C with Cpl H last person standing. FS H gets her Silver Cyber badge.  Radio focused night suggests more work needed, with a couple of shining lights.

6 cadets from 1368 (Warwick and Royal Leamington Spa) squadron managed to get selected for this 2nd batch of science-based interest visits to Williams Formula 1 organised by the Wing training team. The day included racing game simulators including a full crash pile up (so similar to our the last 1368 karting trip, it sounds like). Apparently it was 'amazing' and rumour has it that Cdt D was a bit of a winner for 1368 Sqn.

Only 3 cadets flew on 29 Jul but managed very late notice scratch places on 1 Aug 2025 hence 5 cadets got to fly Tutor T1 last week, hence 4 more cadets from 1368 Squadron will get their blue aviation wings having also done Part Task Trainer (PTT) Blue flight sim as well. We have some more AEF slots coming up in August, so hopefully some more newbies up for their first flights. Many thanks to AEF8 for maximizing slots when weather allows.