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21st Jan 2013

On The Range

Air Cadets from 134 (Bedford) Squadron recently enjoyed a busy day service rifle shooting on the 50m Barrack Range at the Defence Intelligence and Security Centre Chicksands, Bedfordshire.

Using the L98 A2 General Purpose Cadet Rifle, the cadets, together with colleagues from 73 (Huntingdon) Squadron, honed their marksmanship skills as they attempted to gain additional shooting qualifications.

Having zeroed their weapons, the cadets practiced grouping, rapid firing and snap shooting with a view to gaining a coveted Wing, Region or Corps marksmanship award.

The cadets, each supervised and coached by qualified range staff, demonstrated excellent weapons handling skills and were able to deliver some impressive results.

Sergeant Luke Denham, 16 yrs, gained a Wing Marksman badge which will replace the Squadron Marksman award that he currently holds. It is hoped that in the coming months he will be able to develop his skills further and gain a coveted Corps Marksman qualification.

Sergeant Denham said, “I’m really pleased, I have gained a new shooting qualification and was given the chance to prepare for further awards, which I hope to achieve in the coming months.”

Bedford Squadron shoots on a regular basis and is looking forward to another successful year on the range and has its sights set on competing at the National Level again later in the year.

Warrant Officer P Taylor, the Range Conducting Officer for the shoot said, “The cadets have enjoyed the first many range days we intend to hold this year and they have delivered some promising shooting. I’m delighted with the results so far and congratulate Sgt Denham on his Wing Marksman award.”

The unit will return to the range in early February and hopes to see more marksmanship awards presented to its cadets.