2482 Henlow Squadron
At 2482, we do a LOT of things, and we like to tell people exactly what those things are. From day to day runnings and lessons, to the all-exciting exercises and sports.
Read below to see what we have to offer, and the things we get up to as a Squadron.
Interested in anything you see? Don't be afraid to get in touch. We're here waiting for your call or email, and we're here to help you get the information you need, when you need it.
Adventure Training
Adventure Training is one of the most popular activities amongst Air Cadets.
The ATC has two Air Cadet Adventure Training Centres (ACATC's) one in Llanbedr in Snowdonia, Wales and one in the Lake District, Cumbria, at Windermere. Cadets that attend these centres can experience rock-climbing, abseiling, canoeing, high-ropes, hill-walking and more.
The ATC places a lot of emphasis on skills such as Leadership, Teamwork and Initiative. Each squadron runs their own extensive training in these areas, but Air Cadets can also apply to attend the highly sought after Cadet Leadership Courses at RAF Cranwell and Frimley Park, which are week-long. There you can learn more skills to make you a confident leader, and put them into practical use with other cadets from all over the United Kingdom. Cadets that successfully complete these courses gain the Air Cadet Leadership badge. There are also the tough Nijmegen Marches that take place in Holland each year.
Flying and Gliding
Joining 2482 Henlow Squadron opens up a huge range of opportunities to all cadets, including the chance to fly! It's our aim to get you airborne as often as possible, as a passenger in a light aircraft, a glider or even on-board RAF aircraft such as our Typhoon fast-jet or a Chinook helicopter. Opportunities open to you are:
The chance to gain a gliding scholarship in the RAF's Vigilant motor glider. You'll undertake 8-12 hours of practical flying and even have the chance to fly the glider solo!
A chance to enrol on the Air Cadet pilot scheme and enjoy the privilege of learning how to fly and navigate in the RAF's primary trainer aircraft, the Grob Tutor.
Shooting
Whatever level you are as a cadet, you'll have the opportunity to try your hand at military skills and drills. That means rifle shooting and field craft. We'll teach you to handle a variety of weapons safely. As a cadet with 2482 Henlow Squadron you can expect to take part in:
Range shooting with a variety of weapons, including the L98A2 Cadet GP rifle.
Competitive shooting at squadron level all the way up to Air Training Corps level or even nationally!
Whichever weapon you are trained on our instructors will ensure you feel safe and confident handling it, before allowing you to fire it.
Duke of Edinburgh Award
You may of heard of the DofE (Duke of Edinburgh) Award, but don't know what it is or whether it's for you. Well, it's for everyone who likes a challenge. Their mission is simple - 'to inspire, guide and support young people in their self-development, and recognise their achievements'.
You could complete the award at bronze, silver and even gold level.
You'll complete the awards by undertaking a programme of activities guided by the brilliant staff at 2482 Henlow Squadron that will leave you a more confident, motivated and capable person.
The five sections include volunteering for the community, taking on a regular physical activity, finding a new interest or talent and embarking on an expedition in wild country with your team mates!
If you're 14 or over, then you can begin - just ask the staff at 2482 Henlow Squadron and they'll help you to get started. For more information on everything DofE, click the button below.
Sports
Feeling competitive? As an air cadet you can take part in seven main sports at different levels. Whatever you do it'll help improve your physical fitness levels and your team skills. If you're good enough at your favourite sport we'll notice, and can help you take it to the next level.
Athletics, cross country, football, rugby, hockey, netball and swimming are the sports you could find yourself participating in.
If you're passionate about your sport, talented at it and get noticed, then competing for your wing, region and even the Corps is open to you.
The Air Training Corps is not limited to just these seven sports. Each local squadron runs a variety of sporting activities from five a side football through to volley ball and rock climbing.
Mixing work and play is at the heart of the Air Cadets and 2482 Henlow Squadron. Getting stuck into sport is fun, and you'll build friendships and learn how to use your strengths to best effect in a team. And it doesn't stop at the sports we've mentioned.
Qualifications and Training
Aside from all the great experiences and new skills you'll gain as an air cadet, you can also take away real qualifications that will set you ahead of the rest when you head to university or begin that journey down your chosen career path.
The Duke of Edinburgh award is one such qualification that employers everywhere recognise as a great achievement.
BTECs are now a huge part of cadet service. You could find yourself undertaking a BTEC in public services, aviation studies or even in music, all of which equate to up to 4 GCSEs.
2482 Henlow Squadron is hot on first aid, meaning you could gain a certificate in first aid from St Johns Ambulance themselves.
If leadership is your thing then we could offer you a variety of leadership courses all the way up to Corps level, which not only look great on your CV, but test your mental and physical strength, helping you really get noticed!
Parade and Drill
What's the point of parade and drill you say? You may think it doesn't have much to do with things like adventurous training or leadership, but that's where you're wrong. It shows how disciplined and organised you can be as an individual or a team, remembering instructions and carrying them out accurately and in the most efficient way possible.
More importantly, it shows your ability to work in a team and is a way of displaying the high standards of dress and behaviour which you, as air cadets, are renowned for.
The list of events you could be parading for is extensive, ranging from a simple Final Parade at the Squadron, to a vast multi-Squadron parade at Wing Field Weekend, on Remembrance Day, at some festivals and on ATC Anniversaries.
To be a standard bearer on parade is a real moment of pride and achievement for a cadet. Pictured on the left is F/Sgt Robinson bearing the Standard. As the standard bearer you stand forward of the rest of the Squadron, out front, showing the world who's boss.
With a few years experience, and if you've attained a Non-Commissioned Officer rank, you could pass on your knowledge and experience to other cadets. This is something we generally task NCO's with, when new recruits arrive.
When a group of twenty cadets walk on to a parade square they are all individuals, but as soon as a session of drill begins the cadets become a team, or as it's called in the ATC, a Squad, following the orders given by one person. Whatever the reason for a parade it's an impressive sight and shows civilians and members of the Forces just how well disciplined you are.
Radio Communications
The Air Cadets Radio Communications scheme is an activity available to Cadets which allows a Cadet to progress along a structured route, proving that they are competent with using radios unsupervised, in our case with high frequency (HF) and very high frequency (VHF) radios, and are conversant with the basics of radio and communication principles.
The Air Cadets has its own active radio networks where the Cadets can practice radio operating procedures and make contact with not only other Air Cadet Squadrons in the UK, but also other military units around the country and abroad.
Skills learnt in the scheme can count towards part of the Duke of Edinburgh's Award skills section.
As part of the training a Cadet can progress further to the award of the Communicator Badge.
