seconded.
and short of experience, which cannot be taught at any level, this is (should be) achieved at a first class level.
Blue adds a little more finesse and understanding why things may be how they are, and Bronze builds more on to that - but is only best utilsed when Bronze operators are communicating with each other…else its drop to the lowest denominator which is a “competent” operator at first class level
Since we are giving these blue badges out for everything and nothing I’d favour an approach which keeps blue badge comms aligned with first class rather than as an addition to it, but far simplified from the current syllabus.
Or alternatively to remove comms from first class and only offer blue.
Not every cadet is going to want to do a bronze course (or indeed be able to attend since they are Wing based) so with Blue delivered at the Sqn what we basically need at the end of it is a cadet who can get on with the simplest practical uses of the radio.
They don’t need anything more than a basic grasp that handheld = short range, base station = long range. No need to consider factors in the choice of an NCS. They don’t need to know how frequency affects antenna length. They certainly don’t need to be taught about radio risk assessments or the health and safety considerations of erecting a base station antenna in the field (anything of that level will be considered by me and briefed to them if/when we do it).
Hello @wdimagineer2b,
I’ve noticed that you’ve taught cadets in this qualification before. Do you know roughly how long it takes to get taught the course and pass the test to get the badge? (I am a cadet in the CCF looking for some info about this course so that we could possibly bring it to our Squadron.)
Many thanks,
LCpl Robson
On my CCF we have a supernumerary officer from the ATC. He gets through the theory and logbook in one parade and then does the testing the next week for blue.
Thanks Farmerdan for the speedy reply. Am I right in saying that you need a qualified officer to teach the syllabus? If so, could that be the RSGB Regional/District Radio officer?
Also @Farmerdan, Do you know what is taught in this syllabus? Does it go into how the radios function and work? Or does it just stick to the operating procedures we must use?
Hopefully @Farmerdan won’t mind me jumping in:
Any member of staff (or suitably qualified Cadets) can teach using the official materials. However assessors for the Blue radio need to be approved by the Wing Radio Communications officer.
It is a mix of theory - including antennae, signal propagation and safety, and operating.
I don’t know if CCF is training Section staff on this, but I do have Cadets from local CCFs join my courses. They usually do rather well.
Apparently, my comms experience (& UK CAA RT licence) is not good enough.
Oh dear. PM me, I might be able to help.
Nope. Nothing centrally anyway. I’ve been trying to get on one with the local ATC but not managed to line up my availability with a course yet. It’s kinda taken a back seat though as we have the ATC Supernumerary on board who does it.
I’m sure we could sort something out if you still want to do it.
What a joke.
Don’t get me started…
I second this! I’m qualified to teach and assess Blue & Bronze. Haven’t had an opportunity to try teaching/assessing online yet so wouldn’t mind helping out 
It really is, I know of at least four people local to @MikeJenvey that have the same problem!
Surely someone should just drop the corps radio officer a little note.
Or call him over the radio? that’s a bit more modern than a note on a pigeon.
Could do, or just run the training and issue the badges 
even if you’re approved as a instructor (i am) I am told i’m not “authorised” to assess any more as its been more than 6 months since my last course.
forgetting of course that I have been running the Blue course (for the wing along side the then WRCO) from the beginning, completing at least two courses each year, suddenly i am “not current with the material” says our new WRCO as its been “too long since I touched it”.
my AT approval is annual, my first aid 3 -yearly, now i accept that WHTs are 6-monthly but there is a clear safety application and implication there
but 6 months expiry on being able to asses a Blue Radio course? get over yourself (is what i wanted to reply to his email!)
some WRCO are a joke!
I planned a bronze comms course.
I was planning to teach 12 cadets, and have two assessors come and do assessments.
WRCO told me that that’s not allowed. I said show me where in the ACTO it says that. Of course, I had already checked and it doesn’t.
I was made to reduce the course down to six, or that it would not get signed off
I pointed out that I can teach 12 cadets on first aid, and have two assessors… what’s the problem?
Apparently you have to have additional trainers if you are teaching more than 6 cadets in case “you teach something wrong so there is someone to correct you”
This is the same WRCO as Mike…
Make it 5…