Cadets from the Leicester area enjoyed a week long camp, gaining a deeper insight into the running of the Royal Air Force at RAF Brize Norton, near Oxford.

Twenty cadets from 1F, 1181, 1279, 1461, 1947, 2070, 2229 and 2502 were all attendance under the supervision of Camp Commandant, Flt Lt Andy Faulkner and his team.

Split into two flights supervised by Sergeants Dan Garlick and Sam Wilson, both of 1181 Squadron, the two flights battled competitively throughout the week in a variety of different activities and events throughout the week. ‘A’ Flight lead by Sergeant Garlick, eventually went on the claim the ‘Best Flight’ Competition. The cadets were given marks on uniform and rooms as well as leadership exercises, sporting events and a variety of challenges set by the staff during the week.

One of the challenges set by Flying Officer Nash, involved getting his toy chicken (Reginald) photographed in the best possible place. After a brain wave whilst Ten Pin Bowling, Sergeant Garlick and his flight decided to send the chicken, known as Reggie to the cadets to Afghanistan. After to speaking to Flt Lt Sinclair of 216 Squadron the deal was made and Reggie was sent travelling on a whistle stop tour to Cyprus, Oman and Afghanistan, photographed at each of these destinations. Reginald was later awarded a service medal for his travels on the camps Final Parade given to him by Camp Commandant Flt Lt Faulkner.

The action packed week started within hours of the Cadets arriving at Brize when each Cadet was given dry training on both the .22 and L98 rifle, a full day at the range followed on the Sunday. Shooting of which was split into two halves, with the less experienced shooters firing the .22 in the morning followed by the L98 in the afternoon.

Monday started with a visit to 99 Squadron home of the RAF’s C-17 Globemaster fleet. The camp photo was taken before the Cadets had chance to tour the aircraft. Air Traffic Control was on the agenda for the afternoon, where Cadets got an insight into the running of the tower at Brize Norton.

A visit to both 101 Squadron (VC10) and 216 Squadron (Tristar) kick started Tuesday, giving the Cadets a chance to look at the aircraft and gain knowledge of the running’s of both Squadrons.