One of the principals of the air cadets is that we develop young people to take on roles in leading others. Well done to Cpl G and Cdt H from 1368 Sqn who attended a Wing Junior NCO training weekend at RAF Cosford over a full weekend 25-27 Oct 2024. Also a great opportunity to mix with other aspiring cadets from the Wing and learn from staff outside of the Squadron. As a JNCO you must have pride in being a member of the air cadets, setting and maintaining standards of  deportment  (i.e. manner, appearance, bearing and behaviour) for cadets by ensuring your own deportment is beyond question. Standards are not only important to those within the RAF Air Cadets but also to the Public who see you in uniform on local activities and in the press when your unit achieves something noteworthy.  Some other expectations your unit will have of you are given below:  Regular attendance. Be punctual at all activities. Be smart with a good bearing. Comply with orders and regulations ...

Well done to those contributing to 1368's first ever outing as a full marching band at WFD 24. Huge challenge requiring bravery, new responsibilities, high-pressure personal learning (Drum Maj got injured, new Bell Lyre players).  Special mention to Cpl G who was learning Drum Maj roll on the morning with FS from 1289. Thanks to FS P for returning from Uni to sure up melody. Wing music officer was mightily impressed (some established Sqns with bands unable to field full band). Cpl G officially 3rd best drum major in the Wing! Next milestone/challenge for band is to perform at a public event/parade next year. Please to announce that Sgt R from 496 who is part of Wing band staff team has transferred to 1368 as staff official now (hence can assist). As well out being the first time they've actually done this full sequence together, I'm pretty sure this is the longest they've ever played.

The Wing Drill competition is a "blue ribbon" event at the yearly Wing Competition/Field Day where the 19 squadron's of Warwickshire and Birmingham Wing compete. This year we put our 15-16yr old NCOs centre-stage in lead positions, with the CWOs handing the baton over to build leadership for the future. We are really pleased with coming 3rd in this, partly as the focus to enter Music/Band meant they didn't get much practice. Special mention to Sgt R came 4th in the Drill IC (in command) individual competition. Stunning considering he was a first timer. He held his nerve in the high pressure smaller than planned space, only beaten by seasoned 18yrs+/SNCO veterans with multiple tries under their belt. The younger-led team delivered so this bodes well for the future. It shows that the uniform and drill aspects of the squadron remain important, despite DofE and Sports focus (the Sqn is current holder of best in Wing for DofE and the 3 sports competitions of athletics, cro...

Well done to the 1368 Wing Field Day team who came 3rd out of 19 squadron's in Sunday's 2024 competition (up 1 from last year's final result count against much harder competition). Biggest team we've ever taken, 31 cadets vs 21 last year. Competition list massively expanded. First time 1368 has ever entered all comps, incl. 1368's first ever full 1368 Sqn band performance (amazing stand-in by Cpl G as Drum Maj). The team got better. amazing results in Drill (3rd), Ensemble (1st) and Cyber (1st) but main thing is that the competition gave cadets a chance to improve themselves and learn about how teamwork makes the dream work.

Well done to (now) Cpl W who was promoted to rank of Cadet Corporal on 7 Oct 2024. Setting high standards of deportment, a professional attitude, she is hugely reliable and always thinking of helping others and will be excellent addition to the cadet NCO team.

Well done to Sgt F who received his Silver DofE badge/certificate and Cpl W for her Bronze DofE, plus 15 got their Pre-DofE Blue Badges for efforts earlier in the year. Certificates for Cdt S (Silver), Cdt M (Bronze), and Cdt S (Bronze) also ready for collection. Plenty of time to get badges sewn on for Wing Field Day 2024!

Last week saw cadet FS M aging out with a heartfelt "take advantage of the amazing opportunities while you're a cadet" speech. He's not leaving us though, he's now a Civilian Instructor at 1368 Sqn. Also approaching age out at 20 yrs, CWO G was appointed at the Volunteer Gliding School (VGS) as an adult Sgt to continue her journey to becoming a gliding instructor for cadets (a 1368 supernumerary staff member). Massive achievers at national level with Junior Leaders graduations, it's great they can continue to inspire our next generation of 1368 high flying achievers.

1368 cadets pulled off another amazing display of campcraft competence and team comradery in their 3 day practice DofE expedition in the Peak District. The umbrella hats did their job of keeping away the rain. One of the most enjoyable groups to run expeditions for got even better. Combining with 29F staff, we also managed to get a team of 7 from 3 different squadrons (1289, 29F and 156 Sqns) through their Silver actual.  Amazing scenery, plenty of laughs, and some really really tired cadets. It is what the DofE scheme's expedition section should be about.

Well done to the 20 cadets from 1368 Sqn who attended Youth First Aid course last weekend. Massive step forward for Sqn to have so many participating. Amazing help provided by 2286 Sqn. Enjoyable practical sessions with strong engagement and interest from cadets.  First Aid training and delivery is detailed in ACTO 008. The RAFAC has entered a partnership, with the other cadet forces, and St John Ambulance (SJA). This enables the RAFAC to offer First Aid Trg from Essential First Aid (EFA), Youth First Aid (YFA) up to Activity First Aid (AFA). First Aid Trg is mandatory for all cadets and CFAVs. Within the first six months of joining the Sqn, Cadets and CFAV must complete the EFA programme. Cadets should complete the YFA programme within an eighteen-month period.

Well done to Cdt G who was latest to achieved her instructor cadet lanyard on Mon and now Cpl B who was promoted to rank of Cadet Corporal on Wed. The process of building the next generation of inspirational cadet NCOs continues as we replace gaps in our allowable NCO structures. Also congrats to Cdt W who was selected for a Sports Leader Award being run by Wing/Region.