Last weekend Cadets & NCO’s from 211 (Newbury) Squadron attended a StepForward course; a course to prepare them for leadership within the Air Training Corps.

One of the founding principles of the Air Training Corps is to foster the spirit of adventure and develop qualities of leadership and good citizenship. There are many ways of achieving success in this, but for many cadets there is none better than attending a “Step Forward” course; a weekend at the RAF’s Basic Recruit training centre at RAF Halton.

The Step Forward course is split into 3 streams – a Preparation for Corporal course, a Preparation for Sergeant Course and an Instructor Cadet Basic Adult Staff Induction Course – each tackling different aspects of leadership, as well as teaching cadets what is expected from them. Some of the subjects covered include Activity Planning, Coping with promotion, Discipline, Drill, How to give a briefing and Team Building.

Cadets are assessed throughout the course to give an indication of their suitability for promotion, and are given feedback on where they can improve their skills, and, more importantly, how they can go about improving.

Throughout the course the cadets are expected to uphold the traditions of strict Dress, Discipline and Drill standards that go alongside being a Non-Commissioned Officer in the Air Cadets – including lots of bulling of boots, kit inspections and room inspections.

This course was attended by Flight Sergeant Richard Hobbs, Sergeant James Dunwell, Sergeant Luke Pepperell and Cadets Alex Foster & Warren Christie.