Page 14 - Cadet Review Summer 2021

SWY Wing ATC
BARNSLEY SQUADRON
STAFF SUCCESS!
By Squadron Leader Andy Williams (RAFAC)
During these unprecedented times where it
has been impossible to meet physically and the difficulties and limitations in running virtual parade nights for the last year have caused challenges. We have continued through these dark times to provide learning, fun and excitement where possible to
our cadets and we are proud to have continued to provide this support for those able to attend.
This has also been a time for staff development too here at 148 (Barnsley) Squadron. Over the
past few months, four of our staff members have attended various personal development courses and completing the strict requirements to achieve their well-deserved promotions.
Firstly, congratulations are in order to newly commissioned Flying Officer Hannah Banks. After serving several years as a SNCO on the Squadron and supporting various Wing, Region and Corps teams, Flying Officer Banks chose to apply to become a Commissioned Officer. After attending a pre-Uniform Workshop and a mock interview board with the Wing Training Team, Flying Officer Banks then attended the Officer and Aircrew Selection Centre (OASC) at Royal Air Force College Cranwell to sit various leadership and teamwork exercises and a short, but intense interview. Flying Officer Banks successfully completed the Officers Initial Course virtually at the Adult Training Facility, RAF College Cranwell. Congratulations on the promotion and the new RAFAC career direction and I look forward to working with you in this executive role in the Squadron.
Well done
to Flight Sergeant Matt Smedley who has successfully completed his promotion matrix
Secondly, well done to Flight Sergeant Matt Smedley who has successfully completed his promotion matrix. After holding the rank of Sergeant for over 4 years, FS Smedley also took over the management of the Squadron NCO Team in addition to dealing with all matters regarding drill, discipline and deportment. Furthermore, FS Smedley assisted the Wing Drill and Ceremonial Team together with gaining an ILM Qualification in Leadership and Management. There is a long list of requirements to fulfil and is not easy to complete, so congratulations on your promotion, culminating from years of hard work. I look forward to working with you as the senior adult SNCO on the Squadron, especially when we get back to face to face activities where drill, dress and deportment will become high up on the priority list again.
Finally, we have appointed two new Acting Sergeants who attended an SNCO Staff Initial Course, again virtually at the Adult Training Facility. Well done and congratulations to Sgt Louis Swaby and Sgt Lewis Melia, who attended their initial courses to become Adult Senior Non- Commis- sioned Officers in the RAFAC. Both are taking on more responsibility in the Squadron and specialising in functional areas to support the Squadron and our Cadets. Congratulations both, and I look forward to working with both of you as you start your RAFAC uniformed careers.
14 CADET REVIEW SUMMER 2021