Page 29 - Cadet Review Summer 2023

CEY Wing ATC
AIR CADETS
ENGAGEMENT DAY
First of its kind – Northern Reserve Support Wing under the leadership of its OC Wing Commander Stephen Fry, introduced a cohort of Air Cadets from Central and East Yorkshire Wing to the RAF Reserves.
A full day of activities and displays was organised to give an insight into the work of the RAF Reserves. Never before have the two organisations been brought together. This ground-breaking venture was designed to show the cadets, not just what the regular service has to offer, but how service in the armed forces can also be a feature for those who choose a career path in civilian life.
We have seen many occasions when Air Cadets get to experience first-hand all the aspects of
an operational RAF station and enjoy exciting experiences. However, this was the first opportunity they had to see what the Reserve Forces do.
The Squadrons based at RAF Leeming, 609 (West Riding) Squadron and 607 (Country of Durham) Squadron along with the RAF Regiment Reserves, gave up their day to demonstrate what they do when they dedicate their service to the Reserves.
The cadets spent the morning on leadership challenges, making them think laterally and develop their communication skills. Just a little insight into what the training team do with new recruits coming into the Reserves.
This was followed by lunch in the Junior Ranks Mess, where they were met by a Reservist Corporal chef. She gave the cadets a tour of the kitchens and explained how she had been deployed around the globe as a chef, whilst holding down a full time job outside the Reserves as an administration officer.
Later an introduction to drones was led by
an RAF Police Corporal, who works for a local Further Education college as his regular job.
He was followed an AS1 describing how drone counter-measures work. He has been in the Reserves for just two years and is about to go on his first deployment abroad.
After that a display by RAF Dog Section reservists, explaining what the dogs are trained to do from
No cadet was injured in the making of this demonstration!
guard duties to explosives searches. A short practical scenario of tackling an offender was enjoyed by the cadets. No cadet was injured in the making of this demonstration! They were kept at a safe distance whilst the dog team showed their training.
The cadets then had an opportunity to see
the drone counter-measures equipment set out for them, putting into practice what they had been told earlier.
The RAF Regiment and Force Protection team, displayed their personal equipment and allowed the cadets to try it all on, so they could experience the practical nature of having to wear a lot of gear and still move around.
The day finished all too quickly with a group of happy yet tired cadets. A sign of a good day out.
Massive thanks to the RAF Reserves for showing the Air Cadets what they do. We are already looking forward to the next opportunity to come back to RAF Leeming and bring new groups of cadets to experience the life of the Reserve.
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