| Club Focus...The Air Training Corps |
|
The Air Training Corps (ATC) is a voluntary youth organisation for both boys and girls aged 13 to 20. Originally, it was formed back in 1941 as a means of training and preparing young men to take their place in the RAF. Now, however, as well as still being a stepping-stone into the RAF, it’s significant focus is teaching cadets self-respect, self-discipline and, most importantly of all, to have fun making use of all the subsidised activities on offer! It is most certainly not a recruitment agency for the forces. The Cadets are supported by volunteer Staff who have other employment but who have also carried out Reserve Training.Flight Lieutenant Russ Hollington, Commanding Officer of 2324 (Chigwell) Air Cadet Squadron, says that they hold two parades a week on Monday and Thursday evenings with a two-week break at Christmas. Contrary to popular belief, ‘parade’ does not mean just standing in line but is the title of the meeting and, after you have attended parade regularly for a while, you will be issued with your own uniform, free of charge! A common feeling gained and enjoyed by Cadets is one of self-confidence, which, together with discipline, fun, self-reliance and pride, all goes towards much needed, character-building. Once that character is built, it will stand them in good stead and is especially helpful and impressive to have noted on their CV when applying for jobs. The ATC is a much under-rated organisation that offers so very much for so very little. Cadets are supervised but not in the same manner as at school – they are treated in a more mature way, a way in which can help develop their characters. Providing they have motivation and enthusiasm, they can go on to gain qualifications such as BTEC in Aviation Studies which is the equivalent of 1 GCSE or a NVQ, which is the equivalent of 4 GCSEs, another plus for their CV! Cadets get the opportunity of flying in RAF and commercial aircraft and many progress to achieve Flying Scholarships and Private Pilots Licences. As stated before, it is not a recruiting organisation however some Cadets go on to have careers in the RAF, other Services or civilian life. Over the last 10 years, 2324 Squadron has produced 8 Cadets who have gone into the armed forces and also an ex-Flight Sergeant who recently passed out of Sandhurst with Prince Harry. Currently, approximately 50% of all RAF aircrew, pilots, navigator and NCO aircrew, and 40% of Officers are ex-Cadets. Other opportunities include:
Here are some of the comments made by present cadets: "Flying, shooting, having fun making friends". "Learn self-discipline, navigation skills, and flights in aircraft". "Exciting activities, discipline, making friends". "Where else can you go flying for only a few pounds a month?" "During four precious years, I made some of the best memories that will stay with me for the rest of my life".
Linford Christie, Sir Jimmy Saville and the famous actor, Richard Burton. It is exceptional value at £60 per annum or £6 per month and is supported by volunteer staff. There are 53,000 cadets in the UK so why not make it 53,001 by encouraging your teenager to join up now! Recruiting in September: Contact Steph Godwin on 020 8505 6165 (answer phone but please leave details and you will be contacted back) 2324 Chigwell Squadron |