What We Do – 1947(Birstall) Squadron

Flying & Gliding

What better reason to join, than to go Flying. As an Air Cadet you are presented with the unique opportunity to fly with a qualified pilot at one of the many RAF stations.

We encourage our cadets to develop their communication skills as speaking to the assigned pilot is vital and proves invaluable to a cadets flying experience. Under the watchful eye of the pilot, the our cadets have an opportunity to take control of the air craft and perform basic manoeuvres, under the right circumstances sometimes you may preform basic acrobatics and shown how to do so by the pilot.

First Aid

An important life skill for all individuals. Our qualified instructors will take cadets through a series of first aid qualifications.

The first within weeks of joining, whereby the cadet will learn how to save a life by becoming a life support machine. As we progress through the training, cadets will become full first aiders.

Duke of Edinburgh Awards

Achieving an Award will give you skills, confidence and an edge over others when you apply for college, university or a job. Beyond your academic achievements, universities want to see evidence of so called ‘soft skills’ that you have developed through extra-curricular activities, such as communication, commitment, leadership and teamwork. Your DofE Award is a fantastic way to demonstrate and evidence these skills in practice.

As a cadet you have the opportunity to progress through all the awards; Bronze, Silver and Gold. When you achieve your Gold award, an invite awaits you to go to a Gold Award Presentation event; at either St James Palace or Buckingham Palace Garden to officially collect your Gold Award.

Community Engagement

Part of being a cadet, is building on becoming a good citizen within the community.

To help our cadets we take part in many events throughout the year, this is usually done by Volunteering, Fundraising and Parades. We have supported many charities over the years to raise funds locally, which has given some unique opportunities to our cadets. Some of the parades we get involved with are Armed Forces Day, whereby we celebrate the UKs Armed Forces with other cadet corps in Leicester; Remembrance Parade which we are actively involved in, within our village.

Sports

We can’t get enough of friendly competition, our cadets engage in a variety of sporting activities at the squadron, this is further enhanced by opportunities of competing with other squadrons not only in the local area but across the corps nationally.

Our sport offering ranges from Athletics, Football, Hockey, Netball, Swimming and general keep fit.

Marksmanship

The sport of target shooting involves the use of air rifles, target rifles, small and full bore weapons and cartridge rifles (both rimfire and centre fire) and Clay shooting.

All require concentration, self-discipline and great self-control. Being relaxed and focused is key for hitting the bullseye.

Where can I go to target shoot?

The Squadron, Wing camps and the monthly wing shoots held at RAF Wittering

What equipment is used?

Air rifles at Squadron but they should not be regarded only as an entry because they can be developed up to Olympic standard.

“Small-bore” rifles (of .22 calibre) are generally used at shorter range such as 25 meter but sometimes out to 100 yard. Larger rifles (termed “full-bore”) are shot at targets over much greater ranges, even up to 1000 yards. All of this is available if skill and aptitude is shown. the cadets may even go on to enter competitions and represent the nation.

If the above wasn’t enough we also offer BTECs, Communications skills, Cooking, Discipline, Fieldcraft, Health & Safety Award, Leadership, STEM and more.