Page 27 - Cadet Review Autumn 2023

GEARSTONES 2023
By CI Kira Thompson
In July cadets and staff from 185 (Batley) and 868 (Mirfield) Squadrons came together to hold an adventure training weekend at Gearstones.
On day 1 the cadets took part in various activities including mountain biking with Squadron Leader Katherine Barton, Pilot Officer Kieran Bennet and Civilian Instructor William Newton. Two groups completed a 15 km route around the beautiful Yorkshire Dales countryside. Some cadets also got the chance to explore the caves in Ribblehead. Warrant Officer Laura Dawes ran indoor climbing at Ingleton wall giving them a taster session which included belaying, climbing and bouldering.
Day 2 involved the cadets being split into two groups in which they then walked in various areas around the Yorkshire Dales, including the high group taking on Ingleborough! This also allowed trainee instructors who are currently working towards their Lowland and Mountain Leader qualifications to gain some experience in instructing.
In between all this, they even managed to squeeze in a Silver Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Expedition
to run alongside. The weather was tough with
large periods of rain, but the team persisted and successfully summited Ingleborough which is one of the Yorkshire 3 peaks! Well done team!
This was a great opportunity for cadets and staff across sector 5 to meet, building relationships to aid future events.
Cadet Harley Bell said 'it was the best weekend ever, I even got to go caving!'
A huge thank you to all the staff from across the Sector who made this weekend possible, and a special thank you to Warrant Officer Michelle Alford and her team for providing the grub!
Gold Standard Leadership for Mirfield Air Cadet
Each July the Royal Air Force Air Cadets run week-long Leadership Courses at RAF Cranwell, aiming to:
a. provideleadershiptrainingforcadet
NCOs or potential NCOs so that they may return to their units as better leaders.
b. teachleadershiptrainingmethodsto improve this training at unit level.
c. improvethestandardofdrill commands, especially among the less experienced cadets.
d. fostergreaterunderstandingand co-operation between the staff and cadets.
On the course, cadets are instructed
in some fundamental skills including
leadership techniques. They practice these techniques in a strenuous regime, culminating in a 48-hour exercise under canvas. There is very little free time during the course and the days are both long and demanding. At the end of the week cadets tackle a peer assessment exercise and are then reported on and interviewed by their flight commander.
This year Sergeant Katie Ashford was fortunate enough to be selected for this prestigious course, and after a demanding week’s training and assessment, she successfully completed the course.
Katie’s parents travelled to RAF Cranwell to be on hand for the passing-out parade for the course, held at the College Hall Officers’ Mess, where she was awarded with the Gold Air Cadet Leadership badge. The reviewing officer for the parade was Air Commodore Gavin Hellard.
Settled back at home, Katie was able to reflect on the experiences of the week: “I was lucky enough to get a place on the ACLC out of 700 people who applied. This was a week-long course, located at RAF Cranwell, which was full of leadership tasks, and included a 2-night sleep under bashas. The tasks were mentally and physically challenging; the week was tiring and demanding but worth it in the end. Successfully completing the course resulted in being presented with a Gold Leadership badge by the reviewing officer Air Commodore Hellard”
Mirfield’s Squadron Commander, Flight Lieutenant Peter Doubell, commented “the Air Cadet Leadership Course is a really good opportunity for cadets, but with very limited places each year it is a challenge for anyone to actually be selected! However, each year I encourage cadets to apply, and this year Sergeant Ashford was successful, and she has returned home after a tough but enjoyable experience that has really enhanced her confidence and leadership skills. Well done to her.”
Air Cmdre Gavin Hellard with Sgt Katie Ashford displaying her new Gold Leadership badge
CADET REVIEW AUTUMN 2023 27