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6th March 2007

If it isn’t raining, It isn’t Training!

Air cadets from Bedford Squadron have recently enjoyed a seven-day training camp held near Folkestone.

In what was one of the wettest weeks of 2007, seventeen cadets from 134 (Bedford) Squadron were trained in a variety of skills, from camouflage and concealment to cooking in the field, and leadership training to delivering presentations. The week also featured a day on the Hythe Ranges, conducted by the squadron’s two qualified Range Conducting Officers: Warrant Officers Browne and Taylor.

The week, mostly planned by Cadet Warrant Officer Otulakowski and Cadet Flight Sergeant Russell, had an emphasis on training cadets and NCOs in all different areas, while it also put their newly learnt skills to the test in practical situations.

Despite the fact that it rained every day, no amount of water could dampen the cadets’ spirits, as they rose up to every challenge that they faced, with the humour and discipline expected of them. They participated in many leadership exercises throughout the week; starting on short and simple tasks, and concluding on much longer, more complicated missions, many of which were based on exercises from the Air Cadet Leadership Course, at Stafford.

Although the programme was very full, and cadets began early most days, there was time for recreation as well. There was a trip to Chatham Historic Dockyard, where the cadets had a unique tour round a retired submarine, and a World War II destroyer. The classroom was also made in to an impromptu cinema at the end of the week, though being as tired as they were, not many cadets made it to the end of the film.

The week ended with an early night before a rapid pack the next morning, and the two and a half hour journey to Bedford to look forward to.

Cadet Corporal Adam Smith, 15, who attained the ‘Best Student’ Award, said of the week, ‘I learned a lot from the Folkestone Camp; it was really challenging and tiring, but that is what made it really enjoyable at the same time’.

Flight Lieutenant Mark Robinson, Commanding Officer 134 (Bedford) Squadron, remarked, ‘All of the cadets will have taken a lot of learning from this week, and it will give all of them plenty of lessons, and memories, to take with them into the future. Well done to all who participated, and to the staff and SNCOs who planned the week.’