Mon 30 Oct we took adv. of holiday number drop to switch out lessons and do a team-based paper aeroplane manufacturing challenge instead. Teams had to try things over a fixed period, make improvements and try again (in sprints). We learnt how an agile team is able to adapt and improve incrementally if they're motivated to work together. Lots of thinking outside the box by the end (some might say cheating) but it was all good fun. Also big congratulations to Cdt R, the first to be promoted to rank of Cpl as we look to incrementally shape the NCO structure for 2024.  We continued to do new recruit show arounds to build up the waiting list for next intake.

Sqn strength currently 57 on books, with just under 40 parading on a night. 0923 intake of 9 seems to be holding together / merged with smaller 0523 to get First Class completed. Some new staff have joined, post 18 p/work underway for some NCOs approaching 18 to become staff cadets. Good stock of blues uniform now, aiming to uniform them up for Remembrance Parade. Sqn's drill feels like it has depth of experience now. Big intake from 2023 matured quite well. Managed to restock Cpl stripes. Doing tours for next intake (probably 0124 but TBD).

He also made a new friend. The Elf and Safety investigation is ongoing.

Congratulations to CWO G on achieving her Gold DofE Award. The 3rd of our 2022, DofE without a difference style, expeditioners to complete the remaining sections to climb the mountain and gain her Gold Award.

Leadership qualities are one of the aspects fostered by the RAF Air Cadet (RAFAC) organisation. Sgt M has consistently set high standards in terms of maturity, personal standards, and teamwork.  Congratulations on her on her promotion to cadet Flight Sergeant (FS). The motto of the Air Cadets is "Venture Adventure". We endeavor to foster a distinctive character, spirit and attitude that pulls us together as a team, overcome challenges and help each other in the face of adversity. Effective and consistent leadership from our cadet NCOs is crucial to achieving this and being part of something that is more than an individual.

One of the great things about DofE expeditions is that you get taken completely away from your environment and you have to survive in an environment you've never been to with your friends. It's a challenge as well as an escape, especially when things go wrong and you have to deal with them and come through it as a team. You learn a lot about your friends.   On 6-8 October, 11 of our cadets went to Shropshire to do their Silver DofE expeditions. Most of them were doing a practice but we also had 4 cadets do their actual Silver expedition. DofE is one of our core activities. We expect all cadets to do their Bronze Awards and many that go into Year 9 or above do their Silver and Gold Awards with the Squadron.

Parading in the 37-42 cadets a night region at the mo. Sqn grew: 9 new joiners in 0923 intake (seem to be taking well). Great success in national courses by cadet NCOs. FS P started his RAFAC Qualified Aerospace Instructors (QAIC). Other news: Gnorman is out of gnome hospital. We finally got the badges from Wing for 3 DofE Bronzes and the latest Gold DofE. Cdt S won cadet-of-the-month for Oct, he was a "Legend" on Silver DofE.

Well done to CWO G, FS C and Sgt M on applying for and being selected for the national Air Cadet Junior Leaders (JL) Course . To have one SNCO selected for JL in a year is an achievement for the Sqn. Getting three selections in one year from one squadron is unprecedent. I hope it's a reflective of the trust placed on the SNCOs in 1368 Sqn to develop their leadership, run activities and teach the junior cadets in the Sqn. Since they were cadets when COVID hit, it's also a reflection of their determination to fight for and take every opportunity presented to them by the RAF Air Cadets.  Probably the toughest course that Air Cadets operate it involves nine weekend training camps and an assessment week. A step up from the Cadet Leadership Courses, it is also open to cadets from the other services and can lead to a Level Two Certificate in Team Leadership from the Institute of Leadership and Management. Quite a few don't make the full course. To highlight some quotes "If yo...

Sunday 8th October saw 5 of our cadets attend the 20km and 30km  Winter Walk 2023 — RAF Walking and Road Marching Association (rafwarma.org.uk)  walk. This was a long distance walking event on a day organised by the RAF Walking and Road Marching Association where they walked with other members of Warwickshire and Birmingham Wing.

Well done to the 2 teams from 1368 Squadron who successfully achieved their Bronze Duke of Edinburgh expeditions in September. As well has having an adventure with their friends they showed learnt a lot about themselves, how to work as a team and how much a gnome weighs. You never quite know what will happen. Expeditions like this help build strong relationships between cadets through a shared adventure and a sense of independence designed to build self-confidence and camaraderie.  The Bronze expedition is 2 days of unescorted walking with an overnight camp. They walked as a self-sufficient group carrying all their food, emergency equipment and tents. They met all 20 conditions of the Award Scheme including planning a completely new expedition route into and out of a campsite the Squadron has not used before.

Hurray. Gnorman gets to go on a Bronze DofE Boo! Only 1hr from the end and it seems that Gnorman's magical flying abilities are not as magical as first thought. He was rushed to the special medical gnome centre. Meanwhile the team learn about elf and safety by completing a Accident/Incident/Near Miss Report – MoD Form 492. .