The Royal Air Force Air Cadet organisation’s primary function is the development of the young people who are involved in the organisation. One of the areas where this can be seen to great effect is leadership.
Throughout thier Cadet career, young people have the opportunity to develop both thier leadership and interpersonal skill. Within 967, this is supplemented by excellent Junior and Senior NCO programmes which are based around the basic skills needed to lead in any different number of situations.
While there is ample opportunity to learn on the Squadron, there is also a good deal of opportunity external to the unit. Week long programmes are hosted in a number of formats and all Cadets are eligable to apply.
Formal leadership training is provided at the following three levels – they’ll test your mettle but this is where you can really get noticed!
Wing and Regional Leadership Courses
Typically two or three days long, aimed at training potential Junior NCOs (Corporals) and Senior NCOs (Sergeants and above). This will sort out the natural leaders and if that includes you, you could improve your rank.
Cadet Leadership Courses
There are three sets of Cadet Leadership Courses, which are aimed at 16 and 17 year olds. Each course lasts a week and ends with the award of the Cadet Leadership Badge if completed. The Army Cadet Force (ACF) runs three courses over the Easter period at Nesscliff in Shropshire and three courses in July at Frimley Park in Surrey. Sea Cadets also take part along with Army Cadets, so be ready for some serious competition! The Combined Cadet Force (CCF) runs an Air Cadet Leadership Course at RAF Cranwell each July which is open to air Cadets from both the CCF and the ATC.
The Air Cadet Junior Leaders Course
Not for the faint-hearted, the Junior Leaders Course is physically demanding and requires real commitment and determination. The course, which runs from September to Easter, involves nine weekend training camps and an assessment week. A big step up from the Cadet Leadership Courses, the Junior Leaders Course is aimed at older Cadets – you must be 17 or older in the year you begin the course. It’s also open to Sea Cadets and Army Cadets and culminates in the award of a Level Two Certificate in Team Leadership from the Institute of Leadership and Management. This is the toughest but most rewarding of our leadership courses – make it through and you’ll have the makings of a very successful leader…
In addition to those formal leadership courses, we sponsor Personal Awareness Courses at the Joint services Chaplaincy in Hampshire. These courses are aimed at you if you’re 16 and over and have demonstrated leadership potential and are designed to develop good citizenship skills. Although they are set against a background of the Christian faith they are open to everyone. A similar course, Leadership for Life is held annually in Scotland.
The challenge of teamwork and leadership is the ultimate test for a Cadet and could be the greatest achievement of your time with us. If you aspire to be the best, we’ll help you achieve it.
CI Ozwell