Skill At Arms Weekend

8 Cadets from 248 Sqn attended the final Skill At Arms Weekend for 2007 at Longmoor Camp in Hampshire.

All 8 Cadets passed the required standard on both the No8 and L98 rifles meaning they could take part in the large amount of shooting practises took place over the weekend.

The Skill At Arms weekends are designed to train and coach Cadets on a range of weapons as well as provide them with live firing practices. Staff training has now also been incorporated into the weekends.

The Wing Shooting Officer, Flt Lt Oram commented, "The weekend was a great success and I would like to thank the Cadets for showing a very mature attitude and a great willingness to learn. I would also like to thank all of the staff for their commitment and hard work throughout, without them the weekends just would not be possible."

2008 introduces a new style of Skill At Arms weekends with a clear definition between the Standard and the new advanced courses. Details will follow shortly.

For futher information on the SAA Weekends in 2008 please contact Sgt Fievez on shootingadj@hbwing.org.uk

Pictures of the cadets on the range can be found below.

Community Spirit

Cadets and Staff from 248 (Letchworth) Sqn have shown what community spirit is all about this weekend in being involved in a number of community activities.

Saturday 6th October saw the cadets raising funds for the unit by Bag Packing at Sainsburys. The cadets were praised for their polite and mature manor by the shoppers and this was reflected in the donations they received.

On the same day the Cadets and Civilian Committee manned a recruitment stand at the Letchworth Get Involved fair at Plinston Hall. This is put together by the Heritage Foundation and is for those members of the community to have a look around and see what volunteer work they could be involved in.

Sunday 7th October was a very early start for 12 Cadets and Staff who made their way to Standalone farm to help with the car parking at the annual 10km road race organised by Letchworth Road Runners.

Alongside the Road Runners event the second day of the Get Involved fair was also going on. The stand attracted some very interesting members of the public which included veterans who have offered to come to the Sqn and give talks to the Cadets on the regular RAF Sqn's they were once a part of.

The whole weekend has been an excellent opportunity for 248 (Letchworth) Sqn to recruit, raise funds and raise their profile in the local community. OC 248, Flt Lt Wilton commented "The cadets, staff and the civilian committee have worked extremely hard over the weekend to make it a success, they have done very well and should be proud of themselves."

Pictured below: a selection of photographs from all 3 events:

248 Sqn Prepare for Overnight Ex

Cadets from 248 (Letchworth) Sqn have begun to prepare for the Wing Overnight Exercise which is to be held at the end of November.

2 teams of cadets led by Sgt Sowden and Sgt Tierney navigated their way around a circular route of approximately 30km near the Halton area. With the weather holding out for them and carrying the required kit, the teams completed the task in just under 7 hours.

Knowing that navigation is not the only skill required to do well at the Overnight Exercise the teams have also devised a fitness plan to ensure their stamina is up to the highest standard.

Although the final team selection has not yet taken place all cadets and staff involved have been working hard to ensure 248 (Letchworth) Sqn get to pick the best possible team for the event.

OC 248, Flt Lt Wilton commented "We are confident that 248 (Letchworth) Sqn will do better this year than we have done previously and with all of the preparation and planning involved we are hoping for a good result."