Page 21 - Cadet Review Summer 2021
P. 21

 CENTRAL & EAST YORKSHIRE WING LEAD THE WAY
By Squadron Leader Wayne Yeadon
RAF Leeming was awash with activity over a weekend in early May as the majority of the Wing’s shooting staff descended on the RAF Regiment section and the station’s Dismounted Close Combat Trainer (DCCT) to take part in the second of a planned programme of Continued Professional Development (CPD) shooting exercise days, in order to return cadets to the ranges.
The Covid-19 pandemic has had major impact on the Royal Air Force Air Cadets and whilst much of the organisation is now returning to face to face activity on their units, some of our more technical training areas have much do before we can allow the cadets back the activity. Unsurprisingly, as a high-risk activity, shooting is one of those areas.
The main issues facing the area were that, due
to the time lapsed since running previous range days, those holding qualifications could no longer be deemed current and competent whilst a number of changes had been applied to the shooting regulations during the time of restrictions.
The first day of training focused on regulation changes and updates in relation to Cadet Training Ranges whilst making sure that those returning to duty felt happy and confident to do so. The second weekend focused on the practical elements of the return, allowing Range Officers (RMQ) and Skill at Arms Instructions (SAAI) to exercise their qualifica- tion under the supervision of members of the North Region Small Arms Training Team. It was only at
With our program of CPD complete we are now
in a position to once
again deliver weapons training to our cadets and we really can’t wait to get started
this point could they be then deemed current and competent and signed off for independent operations. The Wing Shooting Officer, Squadron Leader Steve
Parkes, who is responsible for the return to activity
in this area said; “It’s been a real challenge to return the wing to a position where cadets can return to shooting. This has been a real team effort with all the wing's qualified adult volunteers stepping up to work through the programme of CPD. This has all been achieved, despite the challenges COVID presents,
in a safe manner which is credit to the staff within the wing. With our programme of CPD complete we are now in a position to once again deliver weapons training to our cadets and we really can’t wait to get started”.
Wing Commander Aaron Waters added; It’s testament to the wing’s shooting staff that we are almost ready to return cadets to our ranges. Massive thanks need to be given to Squadron Leader Parkes and his team, who have done an outstanding job in providing these CPD sessions and have successfully provided a relatively quick programme of return whist ensuring that all processes and personnel remain within the Safe System of Training. We’re now in a position that once the ranges and weapons are signed off for use we have nothing holding us back to get cadets back on the ranges”.
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