BACKGROUND

The ATC was established on the 6 February 1941 by Royal Warrant to provide partially training recruits for the RAF, but since the end of "National Service" in 1960 the aim of the ATC is to encourage airmindedness and good citizenship, with no pressure on cadets to join the Armed Forces. All Squadron staff are civilian volunteers, but ATC Officers and Warrant Officers are dressed and treated like their regular RAF counterparts when on ATC duties.

RECRUITS

Boys and girls over 13 join us as recruits, learning about the ATC, RAF, Airmanship (airfield features), Map-reading, First Aid, the Rifle, History of Flight, I.E.T., and of course foot drill (marching.)

HAIRSTYLES:

Boys: must not touch the ears or collar
Girls: should be worn in a coil with a blue/black ribbon
School clothes, (not T-shirt and jeans)should be worn. The subscription for recruits is £1.00 per week.
 

ENROLMENT OF RECRUITS INTO THE SQUADRON

After a short period, a pair of coveralls and a beret are issued, the full uniform of shirts, brassard, tie, pullover, trousers (skirts for girls), and waterproof jacket, being issued after two months. There is no charge for this, although we do ask for a £10 returnable deposit. Normally the dark blue working shirt is worn - the light blue shirt and black tie are for special occasions. Jersey, beret, coveralls and anorak should be name tagged to save confusion at Inter-Squadron events. Footwear is not supplied. Boys require a pair of rubber-soled boots and black socks. Girls require black lace-up shoes, and "nearly black" colour tights. The parent/guardian of the cadet is responsible for all ATC items issued, i.e. clothing, training books, outdoor kit,etc., which remains the property of the Ministry of Defence. When the cadet leaves the ATC it must be returned to the Squadron, together with any outstanding subscriptions.

NOTE: Although civilian jackets can be worn when travelling on ATC duties, berets are never to be worn with civilian clothing. Many cadets buy "combat clothing" for outdoor activities, but this is not suitable for adventure training expeditions. Hill- walking boots and a zip-front anorak are essential for camping/hill-walking. Cadets are fully briefed before such activities. The recruits are enrolled into the Squadron at an informal ceremony. The subscription rate is 50p per week. The "subs" are not retained by the Squadron but forwarded to Middlesex Wing Headquarters to cover general costs, for example coach bookings for Wing sports fixtures.

ATTENDANCE

Cadets are expected to attend on Wednesday and Friday evenings at 19.15 hours. Regular attendance is important to complete training, but leave of absence is granted for family and school commitments. Leave should be booked in advance. Absence through sickness or other unforeseen reason should be advised by telephone - 020 8451 0406. It is realised that school studies are far more important than any youth organisation.

TRAINING

Recruit training lasts three months and covers subjects such as the ATC and RAF, Basic First Aid, Airmanship.
Leading Cadet, Senior Cadet and Staff Cadet courses cover subjects such as Map Reading, Principles of Flight, Aircraft Engines and Structures, Radar/ Comms. Examinations for these courses are set twice a year by Headquarters Air Cadets.
Badges are sewn onto the uniform brassard indicating the training courses passed, and shooting standard reached.

PROMOTION

The Cadet NCO rank of Corporal is awarded after passing a Board made up of Senior NCOs, then consultation with the Commanding Officer and staff. Sergeant and Flight Sergeant promotions are put forward by the Commanding Officer, and discussed with other members of staff and Cadet NCO's of higher rank.

If an SNCO wishes to stay on over the age limit he may apply to become a Cadet Warrant Officer, appointed by Middlesex Wing Headquarters.

ACTIVITIES AND OPPORTUNITES

Enrolled cadets are able to take part in:

competitions against other Squadrons in

Sport

• Football
• Rugby
• Netball
• Hockey
• Athletics
• Swimming
• Cross Country
• Five-a-side football
• basketball
   

Drill
Target shooting
Aircraft recognition
Aeromodelling

After a further period of training in aviation-related subjects, cadets are able to

• Attend a week's annual camp at an RAF station in the summer holidays. Large tents, with proper beds and bedside lockers are the usual accommodation for cadets as dormitories for airmen are a thing of the past!
• Fly a dual-control 2 seat Tutor at a RAF station, once or twice a year
• Gliding at ATC Gliding Schools, 2 or 3 times a year, weather permitting!

Adventure training, expeditions, caving and hillwalking take place during some Bank Holidays, providing Squadron staff are available.

Cadets are encouraged to undertake the Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme. Receiving the Gold Award at Buckingham Palace (one parent may attend) is something to impress a future employer. The Scheme includes having a hobby for six months, community activity - we organise a police or fire course - and an expedition. The Gold expedition is in wild country, hence the importance of map reading and first aid.

After their 16th birthday, cadets are eligible to:

• Apply for a gliding course to fly solo
• Senior cadets may be selected to attend an RAF camp in Germany or Cyprus. (On these camps cadets are responsible for their airfare.)
• Exceptional Senior cadets may be selected for the International Air Cadet Exchange Scheme - three weeks as the guest of another country's air cadet organisation. **

** These are very selective.

STRUCTURE OF THE AIR TRAINING CORPS

406 (WWillesden) Squadron is part of Middlesex Wing ATC, whose Headquarters is at RAF Uxbridge. The Wing Administration Officer is a former regular officer and is the only full-time uniformed member of the ATC in the Wing. The Officer Commanding Middlesex Wing is a former Squadron Commanding Officer, and therefore is a civilian.
Middlesex Wing, along with other Home Counties Wings, is part of London and South East Region whose Headquarters is at RAF Northolt and staff at this level and those at Headquarters Air Cadets, RAF Cranwell, are, like the Wing Administration Officer, retired RAF officers.

SQUADRON STAFF

As mentioned before, the adults are not in the regular RAF. All start as Civilian Instructors vetted by the Ministry of Defence and can apply for Warrant Officer or Commissioned Rank.

PARENTS COMMITTEE

Squadron staff are not permitted to look after any funds raised, this is the responsibility of the Parents Committee, who meet regularly to discuss fundraising.

WE ARE ALWAYS LOOKING FOR PARENTS TO
HELP SPREAD THE LOAD ON THE COMMITTEE.
 

FUNDRAISING

Uniforms and accommodation are provided by the Ministry of Defence. Funds are raised through jumble sales and other functions to buy much needed equipment for adventure training and sports.
 

LINKS WITH THE RAF

We receive a visit during the year from an RAF Careers Office NCO and although Cadets wear RAF-style uniforms and use RAF ranks, attend camps at RAF stations and learn about the RAF, there is no pressure to join the RAF. In fact with current reductions in the Armed Forces, the RAF are very selective and achievements rather than simply being a cadet carry more weight. Most cadets do not join the RAF, but approximately a 25% of the RAF are ex-cadets!