Cadets have been clay shooting for ages. I don’t know how common it is, but it definitely happens.
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Meanwhile… some schools are considering or planning to close their CCFs as the imposition of VAT on school fees is driving down available funds, and CCFs are seen as expensive.
This is not unrelated to the fact that the original CEP programme favoured CCFs because the cost to public funds per cadet was lower in the CCF than the other cadet forces. They failed to capture the subsidy schools were putting into their CCFs - not least, full time employment of an SSI.
Of course, loss of ‘legacy CCFs’, as we are sometimes known, might not be seen as a total disaster; redistributing wealth to the community cadet forces. I hope that’s not the agenda, though, given our contribution in terms of armed forces recruitment over 150+ years.
Yep, which is why some JP233 ordnance was used on such taxiways.
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At least two adverts seen recently are only offering two days salary (just off minimum wage) with ‘an allowance from the MoD’ which I presume to be VA for the weekends you’ll have to do.
The recent ones I’ve seen have been something along the lines of 3 days as the Outdoor Ed lead and 2 days as SSI, with VA (or whatever it’s called as an SSI) as a bonus on top.
As SSI you can claim around 50 days a year at Sgt rate - which is generally one day a week during term time, a week long camp and a couple of odd days here and there.
The policy isn’t that well thought, it’s just trying to show the Corbynites that Starmer is a pukka leftie.
An update from our CoS Ops. Including this key bit, summerised:
How will these ambitions be achieved?
…we can anticipate the following approaches:
- Increased investment:
- Curriculum evolution:
- Emphasis on volunteer recruitment and support:
- Strengthened links with the Royal Air Force:
More to follow too by the sounds of it.
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This is a throw away comment but illustrates the issues with engaging with our parent service.
It is a 300 mile five hour (very minimum, normally more like six) round trip from my house to my parent station.
Define “links” & define “strengthened” (by what %% increase?). Very nebulous otherwise.
Our Sqn is lucky - we have managed over the yrs to get regular visits to Waddington & Coningsby, with other visits to more “isolated” places such as Yeovilton & Brize. However, it’s very clear that increased operational commitments reduce ACLO inputs & overall availability.
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Today:
the RAF Air Cadets will see … an increased exploration of modern technologies like drones
Also Today (via Region):
Urgent-STOP STOP STOP ACTO 75 Indoor RPAS Flying
All Indoor RPAS Flying is now stopped within S&NI, until there is further clarity on the policy and approval process
…so…
An extra £1.50.
More badges.
Being told we really need to recruit.
An e-magazine bi-annually.
Ok so i jest (a little), but until cold hard cash materialises with effect, i shall hold my breath.
Some interesting comments from Maj Gen Mac Overton, assistant chief of defence staff for reserves and cadets:
(It is on LinkedIn so log in needed)
There’s a recording of his evidence to the Public Accounts Conmittee here:
https://www.parliamentlive.tv/Event/Index/7535445c-4be7-42fa-9117-e352910ba4bb
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As an outsider looking in, I found that to be quite an illuminating watch.
It does appear that there is quite a high level of enthusiasm and motivation for the improvement of the CFAV and Cadet offer, amongst other things. It feels like what is being mooted is something of a, and forgive me if this is off the mark but, a return to a 1950’s level of attention but with modern learning outcomes and financial accountability woven-in. Also nice to see someone point out that value for money is already being had - no further squeeze required thank you very much.
Hopefully it all goes swimmingly.
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If we see an end to the “know the cost of everything and value of nothing” leadership and MO that we’ve had in recent years, it will be a first step.
A small one.
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30% increase in numbers with a 3% increase in budget I bet.
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FTFY.
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MOD: “We’re going to increase the cadet forces by 30%”
Me: “That’s great but I’m at max capacity. I must have a bigger building to achieve your goal?”
MOD: …tumbleweed…
Me 5 years later: “Hello, hello anyone there?”
RAFAC: “Why haven’t you increased your cadet numbers by 30%?”
Me: 
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No doubt followed by Administrative Action
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