Week 1 (14 - 21 July 2012) Page 1

In this issue:

1. Navigation Award Bronze2. Meet the Bikers3. Potential Leaders4. Virtual High Fliers5. Reach for the Sky6. Cadet First Aiders7. DOE Bronze Hikers

The Mach 12 Camps were splitbetween RAF Leuchars and

Barry Buddon DTA (nearCarnoustie in Angus).

All cadets undertook a modularactivity for the week of their stay.

At Barry Buddon, there wereShooting, Fieldcraft and First AidModules running, whilst at RAFLeuchars, there were DOE,Adventure Training, Leadershipand Simulator Modules running.

There was also Flying t 12 AEF, acamp disco and a visit to anamusement park in Aberdeen

This newsletter takes a look atsome of the weeks activities.

Cadets in the Adventure Training Module gotoff to a “flying” start on the Saturday evening

after tea. Squadron Leader Barry McAdam, whois running the module, set up a “Slack Line”between 2 trees outside the accomodation.

The object was to help the cadets with theirbalance whilst on a rope, a skill which will beuseful during the climbing phase of the module.

Other members of the module were on hand tohelp, which helps to build teamwork within thegroup.

As you cansee, somewereslightlymoreconfidentthanothers in

tackling the slack line, but the best news is thateveryone had a great time.

The module undertook Paddlesports, Climbing,Navigation Skills and Mountain biking during theweek, as well as hopefully will have flown in thegrob tutor if the famous Scottish “summer”weather didn’t get in the way.

See inside for more of the activities of theAdventure Training Module cadets during theMach 12 camp.

NO “SLACKING” FOR ADVENTURE TRAINING CADETS

On Tues afternoon I popped over to Barry Buddon Training Area to catch up with the AirCadets on Summer Camp.

I went to see the cadets on the shooting module whowere on the Electric Target Range (ETR). One of therising stars of the shooting module was Flight SergeantHannah Smith from 1990 (Ellon) Squadron who hasbeen a cadet for 4 years.

Hannah said “This is my third ATC camp, but it is thefirst time I have fired the L98-A2 cadet rifle and the firsttime I have been on an ETR Range. The experiencehas been fantastic. I enjoyed small bore shooting in thepast and took part in the Robb Trophy competitionwhich I did enjoy. This camp is great fun and I havemade many new friends from around the region”

When I asked her about her future aspirations Hannah said “I am just starting 6th Year at RobertGordons in Aberdeen and am looking to study Geology at either Edinburgh or St AndrewsUniversity. Ultimately I would like to join the RAF, currently as Rotary Wing Aircrew.”

Hannah was coached on the range by her Safety Supervisor Flight Sergeant Forsyth from 1716DF in the borders.

ON TARGET WITH AIR CADET CAMPI took on the task ofhighlighting all the goodwork that goes on at theMach camps.

To that end I havemanaged to visit all ofthe modules (exceptDOE) during the camp.

I have put out PressReleases throughout allWings in the Regionand my thanks to allthose who agreed to beinterviewed and appearin this publicity.

The stories and aselection of photos fromthe week are in thisnewsletter.

John Walker (RMCO)

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Sunday 15th saw the whole camp go off on the “cultural”visit to Aberdeen to visit Cadonas Amusement Park at

Aberdeen Beach.

Buses departed Leuchars and Barry Buddon at 09:000 forthe trip to Aberdeen.

The park has a wide variety of attractions for all ages, andensured a fun day was had by all.

The camp left on the return journey at 15:30 and arrivedback in time for tea.

CADONAS VISIT IN ABERDEEN

I took a group of Air Cadets from camp at RAF Leucharsout to Tentsmuir forest car park this morning (Tues)

where they were about to embark on a days training whichwould hopefully see them gain a National NavigationTraining Bronze Award.

They are part of the Adventure Training Module on thecamp, who in addition to this training will undertake,Mountain Biking, Kayaking and Indoor Climbing duringtheir one week camp.

One of the group was16 year old CorporalGeorge Findlay from49F (Greenock)Squadron, Air TrainingCorps.

Cpl Findlay has been inthe Air Cadets fornearly 4 Years, and Iasked him about hisprevious experiences ofcamps with the ATC.

Cpl Findlay said “I wenton a similar camp in2010 which was basedat Aldergrove and this is

as good as, if not better, than that experience. I have onlyever been at Leuchars before for the Airshow, this is myfirst time of seeing the base and its daily operation. I alsoplay Saxaphone and attended a band camp at BarryBuddon in April this year. That was also another excellentcamp.”

I watched them depart under the watchful eye of their twotrainers, in glorious weather, on the start of their awardtraining.

NAVIGATION AWARD BRONZE

Nav Group getting a briefing from Pilot Officer Daniel Holden

I popped up to Forfar Loch on Tuesday 17th July atLunchtime to catch the cadets in the Adventure Training

Module from the Air Cadet Camp at RAF Leuchars who wereundertaking a day of Kayaking as part of their weeks camp.

I spoke toCorporal JakubKosarzecki from870 (Dreghorn)Squadron whowas part of thegroup. Jakub isjust about tostart his 6th yearat Firhill HighSchool andhopes to go onto studyMicrobiology at

Edinburgh University.

Jack said “I undertook a similar camp in 2011 at Aldergrovein Ireland, but this year is much better. The cadets are moresociable this year and its great fun here on camp. I have alsodone camp at RAF Cottesmore and a Fieldcraft camp lastOctober at Barry Buddon. I have done a lot with the cadetsbut camp is always the highlight of the year”.

CADET PADDLESPORT LEVEL 1

Remember the regional Newsletter is publishedevery 4 or 5 weeks but needs input from your unit,send your content to the RMCO atmedia.sni@aircadets.org

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I caught up today with Cadet Jack Steel from 1068 (Nairn) Squadron,who is at camp at RAF Leuchars, and taking part in the Adventure

Training Module of the camp. Jack is 15, attends Nairn Academy, hasbeen in the Air Cadets for some 3 years and this is his first camp.

When I caught up with him, he and his fellow cadets were out inTentsmuir forest doing mountain biking for the day. Jack said “I chosethis module because I enjoy outdoor activities, and I have done a littlebit of biking with my mates back home. I am also looking forward to theclimbing element later in the week. I would like to do the trail cycleleader award when I am old enough.”

In addition to Mountain Biking, the cadets in this module will also doIndoor Climbing, Kayaking, and National Navigation Award work. Themountain biking element of the camp was under the watchful eyes ofFlight Lieutenant Russell Paton and Civilian Instructor Lee Davidson.

MEET THE TENTSMUIR BIKERS

On Monday afternoon I met a group of cadets fromthe Summer camp at RAF Leuchars on the

climbing wall in the Station Gymnasium. They werepart of the Adventure Training Module at the camp. Aspart of the module training they will undertakeMountain Biking, Indoor Climbing, Kayaking andNational Navigation Award Scheme Training.

Today they were doing their indoor climbing activitywhich would lead by the end of the day, to gaining aLevel 1 Award in the National Indoor Climbing AwardScheme (NICAS).

Between climbs I spoke to Cadet Kirsty Adam from 52 (Aviemore) Squadron. She hasbeen an Air Cadet for just under 1 year, having moved from Ellon to Aviemore lastsummer. She is 14, attends Kingussie High School and this is her first cadet camp.

In regards the climbing experience Kirsty said “I have enjoyed it more than I expected. In the past I didn’t really likeheights, but this has been a great experience. I am looking forward to the other elements later in the week. I do like tokeep fit and I am a Black Stripe in Tae Kwon Do out with the cadets”.

The group was supervised by Squadron Leader Hilda McAdam and Sergeant Sean Russell.Photo (left) shows Kirsty on a blindfold climb relying on her Belay partner for guidance. Photo (right) shows two othercadets on the wall.

Reach for the Sky with the ATC Climbers

Photo (above) shows jack tackling part ofthe training course, whilst the photo (left)shows the biking group with Flt Lt Paton(left) and CI Davidson (right).

Did You Know…….

● In the Caribbean there areoysters that can climb trees.

● It is possible to lead a cowupstairs but not downstairs.

Have you heard the one about ……………. A Skydiving lessonI got to thinking about my first skydiving instructor. During class he would always take the time to answer any of ourstupid first-timer questions.One guy asked, "If our chute doesn't open, and the reserve doesn't open, how long do we have until we hit the ground?"Our jump master looked at him and in perfect deadpan and answered, "The rest of your life."

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MACH 12Week 1

14-21 July

Meet some ofThe Stars

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Today (Wed) I popped in to the Leadership module which is being run at the Air Cadet Summer camp at RAFLeuchars. The aim of the module is to develop both team and individual skills relating to leadership. The cadets learn

the theory behind leadership skills before they undertake trust exercises, in both small and larger groups, as well asleadership tasks. Some of the tasks are performed in silence which further tests their skills.

I spoke to a couple of members of the group.

Firstly Sergeant Emma Hassard from 817 (Lisburn) Squadron who is part of the group. She is 16 Yrs old, and has beenin the Air Cadets for 3 years.

Emma said “This is my third camp andI chose the Leadership Module as Iwanted to enhance my skills as aSenior NCO within the squadron, aswell as having fun. This is a great wayto improve my abilities not just forwithin the Air Cadets, but also for thefuture.

I have also been camp at RAFBrampton and undertaken a weeksAdventure Training at Rothiemurchus(near Aviemore) where we did HighRopes, Mountain Biking, White WaterRafting and Hill Walking. I have had agreat deal of fun, at a wide variety ofactivities, since I joined the Air Cadets.”

I also spoke to Corporal Alan Begg from 32F (1st Glasgow) Squadron who is part of the group. He is 16 Yrs old, attendsWilliamswood High School and has been in the Air Cadets for 18 months.

William said “This is my first camp and Ichose the Leadership Module as I wantedto enhance my skills as a Junior NCOwithin the squadron, having beenpromoted about 6 Months ago. This is agreat way to improve my abilities not justfor within the Air Cadets, but also for thefuture.

I have also been on a three day workExperience camp for NCO Aircrew atRAF Cranwell as I hope to join the RAF asa pilot. If I don’t get in to the RAF when Ileave school, then I would like to studyElectrical and Electronic Engineering at University and re-apply after I graduate.”

I watched the teams complete an indoor, silent, exercise (due to the wether being foul outside), before leaving them totheir future tasks. The leadership module is being run by Pilot Officer James MacDonald.

In addition, they had the opportunity to get airborne in one of the grob Tutor aircraft based at 12 AEF on Monday.

Photo (Top) shows Team1 with Cpl Begg (2nd Left) and Sgt Hassard (Right).

Photo (Lower) shows Team 2.

MEET THE POTENTIAL LEADERS OF TOMORROW…..

I managed to get a chat with Cadet Aarron Mcginn from 396 (Paisley) Squadron, who has been a cadet for just under1 year. Aarron attends Gryffe High School and this is a new experience for him.

Aarron said “I chose the DOE module as I wanted to get my practice hike out of the way, and this camp gave me anopportunity to do that. The weather was very challenging, particularly on the first day as it rained constantly. But wepersevered as a group, and reaching the camp site, got our tents pitched and cooked some hot food, which made usfeel better. The second day was much better and enjoyable with clear blue skies and good weather.

I also flew for the first time at the camp, and the pilot did aerobatics which I really enjoyed. I have really enjoyed thisweek and made some new friends from around the region.”

Aarron would like to join the RAF working in Avionics Engineering.

DOE MODULE and EXPED

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VIRTUAL HIGH FLIERS AT MACH 12Today (Wed) I paid a visit to the Flight Simulation Module at the Air Cadet Summer Camp held at RAF Leuchars.

During the course of the week the cadets will be taught how to take off, fly a circuit and land an aircraft on the FlightSimulator based at the Scotland and Northern Ireland Regional Activity Centre.

Once they have mastered the basic skills they will have the opportunity to fly a variety of aircraft types.

I caught up with Flight Sergeant Michael Naismith from2284 (Dunblane) Sqn who has been in the Air Cadets forover 3 Years. Michael, who is 18, is in his second year atStirling University studying Geography and Teaching.

Michael said “I have been at Mach camps before. In 2010I did Fieldcraft at Aldergrove, whilst in 2011 I did Shootingagain at Aldergrove. This was a short notice camp, as Ipicked up a place from someone who dropped out. I amreally enjoying the module as this is the first time I havehad any proper instruction on a simulator, although I dohave my Gold wings for gliding with the Air Cadets.”

In addition, Michael has been to camp in Akrotiri (Cyprus)and is the current Lord Lieutenants cadet for Stirlingshire.

I also met with with Corporal Rachael Hewitt from 2365(Brechin) Squadron who was also in the module. Rachaelhas been at Brechin for 4 months, having previously beenat 1104 (Pendle) Squadron for nearly 2 Years. She iscurrently studying at Angus College.

Rachael said “This is the first time I have been on asimulator, and it is really great. I would really recommendthe module to others. My only previous flying, before thiscamp, had been in a Vigilant glider whilst I was a PendleSquadron”.

In addition, they both had the opportunity to get airbornefor real in one of the grob Tutor aircraft based at 12 AEFearlier in the week.

CADETS GO FOR YOUTH FIRST AID AWARDThursday afternoon saw me drop in to Barry Buddon Training camp

to visit the First Aid Module cadets who were undertaking theirassessments. They had been undergoing the training since Monday, aswell as undertaking various first aid scenarios.

I watched the cadets undertake 3 different scenarios, one requiringthem to demonstrate CPR, one requiring them to put an unconsciouscasualty into the recovery position and the last requiring them to dealwith a wounded casualty.

Once he had completed his assessment, treating a severe cut to thelower arm, I caught up with Cadet Ross Mathieson from 1990 (Ellon)Squadron. Ross said “This is my first camp and I chose First Aid as it isa very useful skill to have as it can be used anywhere, not just in thecadets. I hope to go home with my Youth First Aid badge.”

Ross is 14 and has been a cadet for just over 1 year and attends EllonAcademy.

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With the Regional Mach Camp running of two sites thisyear (RAF Leuchars & DTA Barry Budden), this has

proved to be an interesting challenge for cadets and staffalike.

The modules which ran at DTA Barry Budden wereShooting, Fieldcraft & First Aid. At RAF Leuchars we hadLeadership, Flight Sim, D of Ed Expd and “the new kid onthe block” = Adv Trg. The Adv Trg module consisted ofKayaking, Mtn Biking, Climbing (indoor) and NNAS with thecadets rotating through each activity.

The cadet flying with 12 AEF was also at RAF Leuchars.There were cadets and staff from all 5 Wings attending thecamp and all have expressed having a good time.

This year there are more awards with national recognitionqualifications than ever before which is great for the cadets'internal and external CV’s.

AND FINALLY….. A WORD FROM THE BOSS

Thursday I went along to No 12 Air Experience Flight atRAF Leuchars to catch some of the cadet camp who

were here to fly in the Grob Tutor. The group were part of theshooting module at Barry Buddon, and I met up with a coupleof first time fliers from Northern Ireland Wing.

One of the first to return was Cadet Scott McKae from 2004(Ballynahinch). Scott who is 15 has been a cadet for justunder a year. He followed his older brother into the AirCadets. He chose the shooting module as it is something hehas always wanted to learn.

Scott said”I have been gliding before, but this was evenbetter. We did the effects of pitch and roll, and I got anopportunity to fly the aircraft during the sortie. This has beena great camp, having fired both No 8 Rifle and the L98-A2Cadet rifle and now getting airborne as well.”

Next up was Cadet Katie Cola-Graham from 814(Portadown) Squadron. Katy is also 15 and has been a cadetfor just under a year. Like Scott she has been gliding before.Although she looked a bit apprehensive before she went up,when she came down she had the biggest smile I have everseen, I spoke to her after the flight.

Katie said”I got to fly the aircraft after some initial instruction,and it was even better when we did aerobatics before wecame back. I really enjoyed it. It was the best thing I haveever done.” Asked to describe it in a single word she simplysaid “Awesome”.

In regards the choice of shooting module Katie said “I havefired the No 8 Rifle before, and often shoot shotgun at homewith a relative. I am used to shooting in the standing positionso I found the prone position quite difficult at first. This is myfirst full camp with the cadets and it has been great.”

For both cadets this is the first full weeks camp that they havedone and their first flight in a Grob Tutor.

Photo: (above) Scott returns toLeuchars after his flight.

Photo: (left) After her returnKatie just couldn't stopsmiling.......

REACH FOR THE SKY

THE HAPPY CAMPERSToday (Friday) I caught up the members of the

DOE module at RAF Leuchars. Earlier in theweek they had been training in preperation for theirBronze Expedition in the Ochil Hills. The actualexpedition proper took place over Wenesday andThursday of this week, and today they were writingup their reports for assessment.

I managed to get a chat with Cadet Ryan Lyon from2414 (East Kilbride) Squadron. Ryan has been acadet for just over a year and attends CalderglenHigh School. I asked Ryan about his experiencesas an Air Cadet so far and he said “I have done anAdventure Training Camp at Llanbedr in Wales,which I enjoyed, as well as a field craft exercise,prior to coming to this camp. I chose DOE as Iwanted to complete my Bronze Award Syllabus, ashaving this on my CV will be good for me.

I have flown in the Tutor this week and alsopreviously at Glasgow Airport, and have my GIC1from 661 Gliding School, and I have been shootingwhere I gained my Wing Marksman.

The hike was challenging, especially on day 1because of the weather. Morale improved over thesecond day as we woke to blue skies, which madefor better conditions in which to complete the hike.”

Ryan also told me that in the future he would like tojoin the RAF as an aircraft engineer, and outside theCadets he used to do Karate, where he was a 1stDan Black Belt.

See Some DOE Photos on the Gallery Pages