On Wednesday 26th October 2016, cadets and staff from 422 (Corby) Squadron, Royal Air Force Air Cadets, enjoyrd a visit to RAF Brize Norton; the Royal Air Force’s largest station.
The day consisted of several section visits and the cadets had the opportunity to speak to serving members of the RAF about their roles and how they arrived to where they are today.
Firstly, the cadets had a careers talk. This provided them with lots of information regarding life in the Air Force, the jobs available and the criteria that needs to be met for apply to those certain roles. Several cadets on the trip had a keen interest in joining the military, and definitely took on board the vast amount of information provided.
Next was a visit to 99 Squadron – the sole UK operator of the C-17 Globemaster III. Here the cadets had the opportunity to have a tour around a C-17, and also speak to a Loadmaster and Co-Pilot about their roles and the aircraft itself. All of the cadets (and staff) loved the tour around the aircraft, and learnt several things about what the C-17 does on a day-to-day basis.
After lunch, the Joint Air Defence Test and Evaluation Unit (JADTEU) was the next stop. Members of the unit took the time to speak to the cadets about their role and what the unit does as a whole. JADTEU thrive to enable the delivery of manpower, machinery and material by air. The unit comprises of five leading sections: Air Portability Section, Aerial Delivery Section, Helicopter Section, Parachute Test Team and the Training Section. The cadets were given an insight into what each of these sections do and had the opportunity to look at the equipment they use.
Next was a visit to 47 Air Despatch Squadron Royal Logistics Corps. Again, the cadets were able to look around the Squadron and understand the day to day running of what they aim to achieve. 47 Air Despatch Squadron is the only Army Squadron based on an RAF Station, and it plays a key operational part in the Air Mobility Force. They work closely alongside the C130 Hercules fleet, hence the move to the station in recent years. The cadets also had the opportunity to view the AD Dakota aircraft placed outside of the Squadron building. This is a living commemoration to the air despatchers who have made the ultimate sacrifice in previous years.
Finally, the cadets visited the Survival Equipment Section (SES). Their primary role is to carry out scheduled repair, fitting and maintenance of all Aircrew and Survival Equipment, ensuring satisfaction is achieved and that all of the regulatory requirements are met. The cadets were able to try on helmets, eat survival rations and look at some of the equipment that the section supply for emergencies within the British Aerospace.
All of the cadets and staff learned a great deal throughout the day and would love to visit the station again to see what else it has to offer.
Cadet Corporal Dylan Wilson said “Overall I really enjoyed the day, especially the tour around the C-17. It was great being able to see and understand the ins and outs of a working day at RAF Brize Norton.”
Sgt Hannah Eden