Drill and Ceremonial

235 Squadron take part in a wide range of ceremonial activities, including parades and ceremonies. Drill is a central skill within the Air Cadets. Our cadets are taught dril from the very start of their careers, this includes marching in formation, formal inspections and much more. All cadets are also issued a uniform and taught how to prepare and look after their uniform.

Adventure Training

235 Squadron take part in a huge range of adventure training activities - it is one of our specialisms! Several of our staff have previously worked as outdoor education instructors at Stanley Head, Standon Bowers and other outdoor centres. As a result we provide many opportunities for our cadets. These include; rock climbing, sailing, power boating, kayaking, canoeing, mountain walking, bushcraft and much more, why not check out our gallery for more pictures of us in action!

Syllabus Training

Our cadets work through a formal system of training that gives them skills in flying, engineering, navigation and much more. This leads to cadets being awarded a classification (or level), starting at First Class, then Leading Class, Senior Class, and finally Master Cadet. This training includes practical sessions and short exams. All cadets are elligable for different BTEC qualifications as they complete these awards - completely free.

Flying and Gliding

We wouldn't be the Air Cadets without some flying would we? Our cadets get the opportunity to learn to fly at the age of 12. This takes the form of flying days where groups of cadets from the squadron head to RAF Cosford, over the day they will get the chance to fly (usually for a 45-60minute session) where they will get the chance to take the controls and learn more about the skills involved in being a pilot. We always provide opportunities to learn to Glide - including powered gliding, unpowered gliding, and para gliding. Cadets will have the opportunity to progress to scholarships and solo level flying and gliding as they get older.

Shooting

Cadets at 235 Squadron have the opportunity to learn to shoot on various weapons systems. These range from the single shot .22 no.8 rifle to the automatic L86A2. Our shooting focusses on the principles of marksmanship, with the opportunity to gain awards as you become more skilled. There are also a number of competitions over the course of a year that cadets can take part in.

Fieldcraft

Fieldcraft is all about learning the art of camouflage, and other skills involved in operating in the field. This includes patrolling, reconnaisance, signals, planning, and covert movement. The squadron excels in it's provision of fieldcraft due to having a high number of qualified instructors. As cadets develop their skills in fieldcraft they can complete courses and exercises over weekends, working towards the coverted Junior Leader Award, which involves advanced skills in the field, blank firing and weapons skills, alongside the basic fieldcraft skills they have already learned.

Duke of Edinburgh's Award

The Duke of Edinburgh's Award is an incredibly important qualification for our cadets. It shows employers that they are more than just a set of grades; that they have commitment, dedication, and a wide range of skills. 235 Squadron offer the DofE to all cadets who are old enough, expeditions are provided by own staff, and costs are kept to an absolute minimum. Cadets pay a registration fee of around £17, which is refunded on completion. Outside of the costs are usually around £20 in total, however we will always look to support cadets who cannot meet the cost of these opportunities.