306 Runcorn Squadron RAF Air Cadets

**🎖️ Drill Instructors Course 🎖️**

This weekend, 3 of our cadets attended the Drill Instructors Course at RAF Woodvale. The course was a huge success, highlighting the exceptional talent within the wing. With FS Tantum returning to the course as DS, standards were set sky high for 306.

The course included advanced drill techniques, instructional methods, leadership, and discipline maintenance. This thorough training ensured each graduate was not only skilled but also capable of inspiring and instructing others.

Special congratulations to SGT Daly and SGT Hales-Jones L, who successfully completed the demanding course. Their determination and skill earned them well-deserved qualifications, showcasing their non-stop hard work.👏

Finally, a huge thank you to all staff members who made this course possible. Your assistance and leadership skills have allowed many cadets to develop!🙌

🏒 **Inter-Squadron Hockey Competition** 🏒

What an amazing day we had at the Northern Hockey Club on Elm Avenue, Great Crosby! 🌟 Eight of our top cadets came together for a day of fierce competition and incredible teamwork. 🥅🏑

The matches were intense, and our cadets showed remarkable skill, determination, and sportsmanship. From powerful goals to strategic plays, they left it all on the field. 💪🔥

After some thrilling games and a lot of heart, we are proud to announce that we secured 3rd place overall! 🥉🙌 It's a fantastic achievement and a testament to the hard work and dedication of each cadet. 🚀✨

A big thank you to everyone who came out to support us – your cheers and encouragement made all the difference! We’re already looking forward to the next competition and aiming even higher. 🌠

🎓 **METHOD OF INSTRUCTION** 🎓

We are incredibly proud to announce that four of our outstanding NCOs have successfully passed their Method of Instruction (MOI) assessment on Tuesday! 👏

A huge congratulations to:
- FS Tantum
- SGT Leach
- SGT Daly
- SGT Hales-Jones P

Each of them prepared and delivered excellent lessons on cadet-based subjects, demonstrating their knowledge, dedication, and teaching skills. Your hard work and commitment have truly paid off, and we are excited to see you all inspire and educate the next generation of cadets.🌟

Thank you for your dedication and for demonstrating such high standards for 306. Let's continue to strive for excellence and support one another in our journey.🙌

🏅 **Inter-Wing Athletics Competition** 🏅

We’re beyond thrilled to announce that Merseyside Wing had an incredible showing at the Inter-Wing Athletics Competition! 306 sent 3 cadets to this competition, and these amazing athletes brought home 2 silver medals and 1 bronze! Your hard work, dedication, and team spirit truly shone through, and we couldn’t be prouder of each and every one of you. 💪

Massive well done to CPL Marsden, CPL Taylor-Williams, and CDT Wilmore for helping to represent Merseyside! Also, a huge thank you to all our participants, coaches, and supporters who made this achievement possible. Your energy and enthusiasm has been unmatched. Due to all of your efforts, we placed 3rd overall! This is a testament to the strength and unity of Merseyside Wing. 🔥🥉

Let’s celebrate this fantastic achievement and use it as motivation to reach even greater heights in the future. Keep training hard, supporting one another, and striving for excellence. Together, we can achieve anything!👏

**BLUE RADIO⚡️**

On Sunday the 7th of July, 4 of our cadets attended a Blue Radio Course, which was held at 969 St Helens Sqn.

The course was a skillful and fun day for all who attended. Throughout the day, many skills were taught, such as learning the different parts of a hand-held radio and learning how to conduct radio checks and authentications. Each of these skills allows the cadets to efficiently deliver messages through radios while considering the safety of themselves and others.📖

CPL Lee said: "The blue radio course was an amazing experience. It provided me with the knowledge of basic communications and the knowledge I need to correctly use any hand-held radios. Each staff member helped to make the day enjoyable and engaging for all, inspiring me to sign up for a bronze radio course as soon as possible."

Well done to CPL Lee, CDT Davies, CDT Lintill, and CDT Penketh on earning their Blue Radio Qualifications. We hope to see you on a Bronze Radio Course soon!

Finally, a massive thank you to all the staff who helped this course take place.👏

On Saturday the 6th of July, 12 of our cadets attended an Initial Weapons Training Course for the CZS200 Air Rifle, held at 969 St Helens Sqn.

This course consisted of the two sessions learning about the elements of an air rifle, along with how to fire it and any stoppages that may happen during a shoot. On top of this, they learned the safety procedures set in place for handling air rifles.

The day was filled with educational opportunities, and we are happy to announce all cadets passed their final assessment. This means they can now attend a shooting course for the CZS200 Air Rifle and earn more badges!

Well done to the cadets for successfully completing their Initial Weapons Training and a huge thank you to Plt Off Kelly and APO Camborne-Paynter for helping throughout the day.👏

**RAF Veterans Birthday Visit**

On Thursday, Flt Lt Shallcross, CWO Baldwin, FS Tantum, SGT Daly, and CPL Greenley attended an RAF veteran's 100th birthday celebration at Newton Hall care home.

Thursday, 4th July marked Phil's 100th birthday. Turning 100 is not an ordinary birthday; it's a historical milestone. His birthday was celebrated at his care home, surrounded by family and friends, along with members from 306 Squadron, showing our support and appreciation for our veterans. During our visit, we heard about Phil's past experiences as an air cadet and an RAF veteran. While there, we had the opportunity to sing and dance with some of the other residents.

Happy 100th Birthday, Phil! From all of 306, we hope you had an amazing day. Thank you to all cadets for signing the card, and to all the NCOs who attended.

** COSFORD AIRSHOW **

Absolutely incredible day at the Cosford Airshow 2024 with the 306 Squadron! 🇬🇧✈️

The sky was alive with thrilling aerobatics, stunning displays, and the unmistakable roar of engines. From vintage classics to cutting-edge jets, we witnessed the full spectrum of aviation marvels.

The teamwork within the squadron made this experience even more special. Each demonstration showcased their dedication, skill, and sheer passion they have for aviation. It was a privilege to interact with so many enthusiastic fans and fellow aviators who share our love for the skies.

A huge thank you to everyone who attended cosford airshow, you made it amazing for all. Until next time, keep your eyes on the skies! 🌟✨

✨️Wing JNCO Training Course ✨️

Last weekend, Cpl Marsden and Cpl Mould attended the Merseyside Wing Junior Non-Commissioned Officer (JNCO) Training Course at RAF Woodvale, along with CWO Baldwin as directing staff! 📖

This course aims to better corporals' knowledge on being an NCO and the duties it holds. This course also taught corporals the correct skills needed to teach cadets better knowledge about basic standards. 💂

In addition to this, Corporal Marsden was awarded top student while on this course. This is now the fifth time 306 have sent the best cadets onto this wing course.🏆

Corporal Marsden said, "The JNCO course was a brilliant experience, which allowed me to further develop my skills in areas such as foot drill, discipline, uniform inspections, and communication." 🎉

All of 306 squadrons JNCOs enjoyed this course, and we hope to see the skills you have equipped back at Squadron.
Massive well done to you all. You represented the squadron amazingly. 👏

Finally, thank you to the Merseyside Wing Training Development Team for developing and supporting our three corporals during this course.

** Tuesdays Parade Night **

*Alpha Flight*
A flight was doing a gameshow called the Chase. The Chase was led by 306 staff, and it was a very fun and educational night. 🏃

*Bravo Flight*
B flight was doing STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths) led by CI Hales-Jones, this activity is very good for all cadets to get to know because its not only a cadet based subject, you also use it in daily life.

*Charlie Flight*
C flight was doing DofE (Duke of Edinburgh) led by CI Diprose. The night was all about planning for the real expedition.🏕

*Delta Flight*
D flight was doing Financial Management with Flt Lt Shallcross. This activity was all about the correct way to manage your money and finances for when you get older and have a stable income💰

** Fridays Parade Night **

*Alpha Flight*
A flight was doing heat and cold injury training with SGT Hales-Jones P. This activity is very important in the air cadets because cadets need to know what to do if they are out on an expedition and they get a weather-based injury. This activity can also be used in daily life too.🔥❄️

*Bravo Flight*
B flight was doing Feildcraft with CWO Baldwin, and the night consisted of learning how to scan and do concealed movements in the field whilst being undetected. This activity is very handy if cadets ever go onto a feildcraft camp so they can attend with a strong basis of knowledge, learnt at 306. 🏕

*Charlie Flight*
C Flight was doing financial management with Flt Lt Shallcross. This activity was all about the correct way to manage your money and finances for when you get older and have a stable income. This activity was great because it's something that is very important for being an adult.💰

*Delta Flight*
D flight was doing Drill progression with FS Tantum and WO Feeney. This activity consists of performing multiple commands from a sequence and getting better and learning new commands for people heading for the drill team💂‍♀️

Well done to all cadets from this week. You all represented the squadron perfectly.

** FLYING🛩 **

On Tuesday the 14th of May, four cadets from 306 Squadron attended a chance to go Flying at RAF Woodvale.

Whilst there, they were taught various safety precautions, aswell as being shown how an aircraft works. Each of the cadets also got to take a flight in an aircraft while admiring all of the scenery across RAF Woodvale. 🌄

Furthermore, cadets got to do some really cool aerobatic movements, which would have been very fun and educational for all cadets. This is not something that you get to do every day, and in some cases, some people don't get to do it in their lifetime. It truly is a great experience. 📘

Well done you four you have done 306 proud. We hope you all had a great day. 💪🏽

🇬🇧🎖️Lord Lieutenant Duties with CWO Baldwin 🎖️🇬🇧

Yesterday, CWO Baldwin attended the BEM Investitures ceremony at Chester Town Hall.

The British Empire Medal is awarded for a ‘hands-on’ service to and within the local community. This could be a long-term charitable or voluntary activity, or innovative work that has made a significant difference to the community and others.

CWO Baldwin attended the event with Lord Lieutenant of Cheshire, Lady Redmond. During the ceremony, she assisted Lady Redmond in issuing the BEMs to the medalists. 🎖️

Afterwards, she attended afternoon tea, meeting with those awarded and learning what their work was and how they better their communities. 🌳🏡

This is one of many Lord Lieutenant Duties the CWO Baldwin has attended, but definitely one she won’t forget. 🌟

BRONZE RADIO ⚡️

This weekend, 5 of our cadets attended a bronze radio course held at 306 runcorn sqn!

The course was ran over two days by the merseyside Wing radio team , in which they taught many skills such as, radio checks and authentications.📖

CPL Taylor-Williams said: "The bronze radio course was a very rewarding experience, it taught me the knowledge and skills I need to safely and efficiently relay messages over radio frequencies, and how to keep myself safe while using them. I also worked on rewarding skills such as teamwork. In summary, bronze radios was a hands-on experience of radio conversation and the application of efficiency, I would recommend that cadets who are interested in radios/cyber enroll onto this course."

Well done to CPL Taylor-Williams , CPL Mould, CDT Russell, CDT Bailey L, and CDT Rule !👏🏻

** Tuesday Parade Night **

Tuesday's parade night consisted of many different activities:

A flight was doing fieldcraft with CWO Baldwin. This helped with their movement on the field and how to move undetected.🏃🪖

B flight were doing their drill progression with WO Feeney and SGT Daly . This helped them learn new drill movements and also helped develop their knowledge.💂

C flight was doing sports with SGT Leach. This helped with their sportsmanship and teamwork skills .⚽⛹️

D flight were doing their heat and cold injury training with SGT Hales-Jones L this helped them learn how to deal with and heal hot, or cold, injuries while on camps . ❄️♨️

** Friday Parade Night **

On Friday, the activities at squadron included:

A flight - took part in hockey which helped them learn new skills and how to be a team player.

B flight - was learning how to deal with and help hot and cold injuries on, not only camps, but also day to day life .❄️♨️

C flight - took part in STEM this helped them learn new skills and understanding in different situations.📝

D flight - Took part in learning new skills for day to day life and how to manage money . 💵⚖️

Well done to everyone, you are smashing it. 👍👊

** INTER SQUADRON ATHLETICS **

On Sunday, 6th of May, 20 Cadets from 306 Squadron attended the Inter-squadron Athletics competition at Bebington Oval, Birkenhead!

During the competition, the cadets came out in second place in the overall squadron catagory, along with other awards along the way. 🏆

However, We did not stop there… The cadets went on to achieve third place overall boys, as well as the second overall Boys B and third place overall Boys A.

Furthermore, We also achieved first place overall girls, and second place overall Girls B. 🥇🥈

In addition, we also came out with a few individual medals, which consisted of:
3 Gold Medals, 8 Silver Medals, as well as 17 Bronze Medals.

Amazing effort from everybody! You have done the squadron very proud with your hard work, Well done all! 💪🏽👏

**LAST WEEK**

Tuesdays parade night was a very exciting night, which consisted of recruit intake 07/24 Passing out parade ✨️

Recruitment intake 07/24 have successfully completed their 12 week Recruitment period, and this was celebrated by a small squadron parade while being marched on by their flight IC's and the Banner team.💂‍♂️

All cadets from this intake have now completed their First Class, classification which allows them to progress further with every other classification. This also gives them the opportunity to go onto wing activities and camps and build a name for themselves. 🏕 🧭

Now that all cadets are now First Class cadets, we look forward to seeing them in their future progression at 306 Squadron. 💪🏽

Congratulations, Recruitment intake 07/24 Your greatness to 306 has been outstanding! 🙌

Fridays Parade Night consisted of the New Recruitment intake opening evening.✨️

The opening evening consisted of people coming down to 306, and seeing what we do, the start of the night was an introduction to what recruits can archive as a Cadet. The night also consisted of the new potential recruits meeting their Flight NCO's that will help guide them through the next 12 weeks. 💪🏽

During the night, the new recruits was able to and take a look at some things you can do at 306 some of which consisted of; Radios with SGT Leach🔊, Drill with FS Tantum💂‍♂️, CPL Mould on First aid ⛑️, CWO Baldwin on Fieldcraft ⛰️, SGT Daly on leadership skills 📋, CPL Macintire on Sports ⚽️, and lastly CI Mould on the Flight Simulator✈️.

The recruits got to walk around each of these activities just to show what 306 has to offer.

We do hope that the new recruits enjoyed this evening, we do hope to see you all on Tuesday!

Thank you to all the cadets who got involved this evening. You really did make a welcoming appearance! 🙌

We are recruiting!

Would you like to make new memories, learn practical skills, and work as part of a team? We have some fantastic opportunities for you!🎉

Fieldcraft is one of the core activities you will get to experience at 306 (Runcorn) Squadron!🤩

With lessons ranging from tactical movement to camouflage and concealment, you can learn how to efficiently go undetected during a fieldcraft expedition!

With 306, one day you could be executing an armed operation out in the field! With our very own Fieldcraft Instructor, we can ensure you are given the best training possible! ✅

If any of this sounds exciting, come and join us on the 3rd of May at our Open Evening to see what we’re all about!!

📍Crown Gate Barracks, Runcorn
🕖19:30-21:00
🗓03.05.24

Our cadets have been very busy this week…

⭐️Tuesdays parade night⭐️

On Tuesday, we had some exciting activities around Squadron.

A flight were doing bull night and showing how they can improve and get their uniform to immaculate standards.

B flight were taking on masterchef and competing in showing off their skills in the kitchen by making and presenting their food. 🥘

C flight were taking part in fieldcraft, learning about their marching order bags and their fighting order webbing and how to pack it for when they complete expeditions in the future.🎒

⭐️Fridays Parade Night⭐️

On Friday, the activities at Squadron included:

Fieldcraft- A Flight took part in a task involving learning how to pack for expeditions, understanding the appropriate kit to pack and how, and how to gear up for field experiences. 🎒

NCO Night- B Flight enjoyed a Murder Mystery Night. This provided them the opportunity to build on their teamwork skills by problem solving and collaborating with each other. 🔪🕵️‍♂️

Masterchef- C Flight demonstrated their culinary skills by using a combination of ingredients to make Starters, Main course and Dessert. 🍽️

Last weekend, 6 of our cadets attended the cyber centurion finals, held at the Manchester Host! Out of 350 teams, only 15 went through to the finals. 2 teams from 306 Squadron worked their way to the finals and competed against teams ages 12-18!🏆

Over the last couple of months, the cadets on the team have been working hard in preparation for their competition- where they spent many hours of learning and revision. 👾🗒

"Cyber has been a fun and interesting experience, where we were put to the test. We would all like to say a massive thank-you to CI Hales-Jones who has taught us everything we needed to know in order to get us to the finals." -Cyber Team

Well done to CDT Russell, CDT Rule, CDT Roberts , CDT Sheperd , CDT Hough, and CPL Mould! 🏆

Do you want to be part of a team? Do you like the thought of winning medals?🥇

With 306 (Runcorn) Squadron, you can compete at Inter-Squadron, Inter-Wing, and even Inter-Region, representing the sqn or even wing is what we do.🏆

If you are a highly-competitive person or you’re just looking for a bit of fun, there is a sport for everyone, we offer a wide range of sports such as; Hockey, Football, Athletics, Netball, Cross-Country and Swimming! 🤿🏑🏃‍♂️

You can even win a personal trophy for best sportsman/woman of the year!🏆

So what are you waiting for! 👀

If any of this sounds exciting, come and join us on the 3rd of May at our Open Evening to see what we’re all about!!

📍Crown Gate Barracks, Runcorn
🕖19:30-21:00
🗓03.05.24

🚨We are Recruiting 🚨

Take to the skies with 306! As we take you flying and gliding! ✈️

This is one of the amazing core activities you will be able to take part in as a 306 (Runcorn) Cadet! 🚨

As a cadet at 306, you will have the chance to glide in a Viking glider, and even complete thrilling aerobatics! 😆

Take off from one of our National RAF bases on an Air Experience Flight in a Grob Tutor Aircraft, and you will even have the chance to take control of the plane! 🤩

If this is something you are interested in, the Royal Air Force Air Cadets give you the opportunity to apply for Flying and Gliding Scholarships, including the opportunity to fly solo!

If any of this sounds exciting, come and join us on the 3rd of May at our Open Evening to see what we’re all about!!

📍Crown Gate Barracks, Runcorn
🕖19:00-21:00
🗓03.05.24

🏆 Flight tracker Awards 🏆

We are thrilled to announce the recipients of awards for their outstanding contributions and achievements from last month!

✨ B Flight Best Flight Award: Congratulations to B Flight for their exceptional performance and teamwork! Your hard work and dedication have truly paid off. Well done 👏

🎖️ Cpl Marsden and Cpl Mottram for best JNCO: A big well done to the Corporals, who has been recognized as the best Junior Non-Commissioned Officer (JNCO) of March. Your leadership and commitment to excellence have not gone unnoticed!

🌟 Best Cadet Award: We are proud to present the Best Cadet award to CDT Graham for demonstrating exceptional skills, discipline, and enthusiasm. Your achievements set a great example for others to follow!

🏅Inter-wing football!🏅
This weekend, 4 of our cadets attended the North region Inter-Wing football competition, where they competed against other wings within the North region.⚽️

A massive congratulations to SGT Hales-Jones P, SGT Hales-Jones L, CDT Willmore, and CDT Bailey G for competing in their teams throughout the day! 👏🏻

By the end of the day, the results for the merseyside wing teams were:

Juniors - first place 🏅
Intermediates - first place 🏅
Senior's - fifth place

A massive well done to everyone taking part and a huge congratulations to the teams that took home medals! 🏅🎉

On Tuesday we had many different activities for the cadets...

A flight conducted a game-show themed night, planned by their flight NCOs, this challenged the cadets to fix and solve problems within a time limit, this was ran by SGT Hales-Jones P. 🎮

B Flight was taught the blue fieldcraft syllabus, learning all about packing appropriate kit and preparation for expeditions with CWO Baldwin.🎒

C Flight practised public speaking with SGT Roberts, where they learnt all about how to engage with an audience, and how to structure speeches. 🗣️

Zulu and Victor Flight were practising drill in preparation for their Passing Out Parade, led by Sgt Hales-Jones L .✅

Very well done to everyone. 👍

We are Recruiting! Get it in your calendars and book in while you can! Our recruit intake 08/24 is open!

306 (Runcorn) Squadron are having an Open Evening on 3rd May 2024 @ 19:30hrs! 📆

Would you like to meet new people, make new friends, have new experiences? We have some fantastic opportunities for you!

If you want to join our newest intake, feel free to register your interest! 📨📱📞

📧 – [email protected]
📍 – Crown Gate Barracks, Crown Gate, Runcorn WA7 2UR

You must be 12 and in Year 8 at school to join

** 📕 Recruit intake 07-24 IET Day 📕 **

On the 13th of April, all recruits from 306 Sqn attended their IET Day, ran by 306 NCOs and staff. On this course, they developed various skills, working towards becoming an official cadet.

The event consisted of mixed-ability activities ranging from map reading to injury training and also Camp-craft bag packing. These skills are great not only for cadet events but also in daily life. 🎒

Furthermore, these skills allow the new 306 cadets to go on other off-squadron courses and camps, alongside being able to pass out as a first-class cadet.🥇

Well done to everyone who attended. 👍

Last week, SGT Daly, CDT Willmore, and CDT Russell from 306 Squadron attended the NATATC Fairbourne adventure camp ran by Merseyside and Durham/Northumberland Wing. 🏔🚴

The camp offered many activities such as mountain biking, kayaking, canoeing, indoor and outdoor rock-climbing, and even a “go under” mine experience! 🧗‍♂️

SGT Daly said," Fairbourne was an amazing week with plenty of varied experiences. Over the course of the camp, we participated in activities such as mountain biking, rock climbing, mountain walking, and water sports. We were also able to develop ourselves in skills such as navigation and teamwork."

A massive thank you to all the staff involved in running the camp, and we wish to be back next year! 👏

Last weekend, 12 of 306’s cadets attended the inter-squadron football competition. ⚽️

The competition was held at Prescott Soccer Centre this Sunday, where all of the cadets played well, even winning medals for our squadron! 🏅

Our junior girls team fought very hard and managed to win second place in their category! 🥈👏

Our junior boys team also managed to get to the quarter finals, which is a massive achievement.👍

Three of our cadets were called back to attend try-outs for the wing football team, representing Merseyside, which we are extremely proud of. 🙌

Another massive well done to everyone who attended!

⭐️BRONZE LEADERSHIP⭐️

Last weekend, 2 of our cadets attended a bronze leadership course held at RAF Woodvale.

Cadets were taught how to understand and deliver leadership skills, where at the end of the course they underwent an intensive assessment, where their leadership skills were put to the test. Having completed the course, the cadets have now received their bronze leadership badge!⭐️🏆

A massive well done to CDT Shannon and CPL Mottram for their efforts and keep it up everyone! 👏

On Tuesday, we had many different activities on at the squadron. 📝

A flight was doing Applications of Space Technology with SGT Hales-Jones P and FS Tantum.🛸💻

B flight were doing their Debate Competition with FS Phillips.🗣️

C flight were in the sports hall doing their leadership progression with SGT Leach, where many of our cadets achieved blue leadership.🏆

Victor and Zulu flight were off-squadron, completing their basic swimming proficiency with APO Camborne-Paynter and Fg Off Shallcross.🏊

Well done to everyone. Keep up the hard work!