We will begin parading for 2012 on Tuesday 14th February. If you are new to the unit please feel welcome to head along and find out more!
Enrollment is open to anyone between the ages of 13-15. If you are 12 years old but have just started in Year 9 at school you can also join ATC.
If you would like to visit, please turn up at the Woodbourne main gate by 1830hrs (6:30 pm). One of our staff will meet you there and take you to the unit headquarters.
The beginning of October brings the end of the third term and an important transitional phase for No. 27 (Blenheim) Squadron. With the loss of one of our officers the staff and NCOs have had to step up and perform, and none more so than the new Cadet Unit Commander, Flying Officer Lamb. Unfortunately there has been difficulty in executing all the activities that would normally have occurred, but Exercise FRIGID MERMAID went ahead very successfully, with the weather co-operating on the weekend and the facilities proving more than acceptable. All who attended were given plentiful hands-on time with the radios, and should now be reasonably familiar with basic RATEL.
In the classroom this term there was a focus on drill and bushcraft, and in the last two weeks as part of Cadet Forces’ community service obligations No. 27 SQN did door-to-door collections in Renwick for the Arthritis Society. Thank you to those Cadets who attended this, and the Battle of Britain Day commemoration at the Combined Clubs. Unfortunately Exercise Hayfever had to be cancelled due to lack of staff availability, but a long bushcraft-oriented camp is being planned later this month to compensate, which will provide the practical counterpart to classroom bushcraft theory.
Term 4 sees the focus moving to Aviation Studies, concluding in the annual unit flying day in December, where Cadets get the chance to experience some hands-on familiarisation with light aircraft. The Squadron was able to conduct some recruiting at Marlborough Girls’ College recently, and three Cadets have been accepted on the National Aviation Course in Power Flying.
Have a good break and we look forward to seeing you all next term!
From the desk of the Cadet Unit Commander:
Unit Commander’s Update – July 2011
Dear Parents/Caregivers,
First and foremost I must announce the resignation of our Unit Commander, Pilot Officer Wayne Pelvin. His resignation came as a surprise, however we wish him all the best in the future.
As a result I am now acting Unit Commander of No. 27 (Blenheim) Squadron, and will continue in this position until New Zealand Cadet Forces have officially signed off handover of the Unit. This does leave us in a position where we have significantly less staff than before, so if you or anybody you know is interested in helping with training, administration or activities I would love to hear from you.
I would like to request in future that absences are reported via the Unit’s main phone number (577 1510) or emailed to notices@27sqn.org.nz. That address should also be used for general enquiries or feedback as it can be accessed by all staff. Alternatively if you would like to speak to me personally you can email me directly at jeremy.lamb@27sqn.org.nz.
In other news, unfortunately we have had to postpone our camp planned for this weekend due to bad weather. This is still planned to go ahead and I expect that this will happen early next term.
On a more positive note, our Norinco rifles have been given the all clear so we will get back into shooting beginning next term. Late last term a defect was discovered in a rifle by another cadet unit and as a precaution all rifles were recalled by the NZCF pending further investigation. The problem only affected a very small number of rifles and was easy to rectify. Ours were not among those affected.
I am also very pleased to announce that four cadets have been selected for courses over the coming holiday break; I hope you enjoy yourselves and am sure you will do the Unit proud. In addition to this I am very happy to report that all of the cadets who received promotions this term have stepped up into their new roles and are performing very well. Well done to you all!
Finally I would like to extend my thanks to the support committe for their continual efforts and all the parents who have helped with exercises and events this year. Your help goes a long way and the feedback I have had from those who have attended weekend activities has been very positive.
Regards,
Jeremy Lamb
Flying Officer NZCF
Unit Commander (Acting)
No. 27 (Blenheim) Squadron ATC
Unfortunately only one activity was held this term (Okiwi Bay Tramp), due to a variety of circumstances. The staff have a lot of activities planned for next term, of which Exercise FRIGID MERMAID is only the first. On that note, the current pencil date is Friday 29th July to Sunday 31st July – the last weekend of the holidays. This will be confirmed as soon as possible. Cadets who now wish to attend and had not previously handed in a permission slip need to download and complete one from our Facebook page or bring a signed note from their parent/caregiver stating their name, the parent’s name, the date and the activity. In the unlikely event that is insufficent transport or accommodation room, Cadets who have already handed in a permission slip will have priority.
On a negative note, Cadets need to fix a number of issues for next term, including remembering to bring writing materials and their past notes, improving the state of their uniform on parade and showing appropriate respect for their superiors as instructed by the New Zealand Cadet Forces Code of Behaviour, found in Cadets’ NZCF 3822 and mentioned in Tuesday 12th July’s Routine Orders:
Cadets are reminded that they are to show respect to NCOs and Officers as per the New Zealand Cadet Forces Code of Behaviour, contained in the NZCF 3822.
“All members of the New Zealand Cadet Forces including Supplementary Staff MUST while in uniform or engaged in a New Zealand Cadet Forces Activity:
Ø PAY compliments and show respect to superiors, by either saluting or standing to attention when talking to them or standing if seated when they enter a room.”
Any Cadet unsure as to their obligations regarding respect and paying compliments should speak to any Non-Commissioned Officer.
From all the staff at No. 27 (Blenheim) Squadron, ATC, have a great break and we look forward to seeing you next term!
Unfortunately due to a stormy weather forecast that would have prevented some planned activities, Exercise FRIGID MERMAID has been postponed. The new date is yet to be confirmed, but is likely to be on the first or second weekend of term 3. We will be using the extra time to improve the training plan and activities for the camp, and this also gives those who wish to come but have not handed in a permission slip the chance to do so! All those who have already handed in a permission slip will have priority of course.
This Tuesday is the last parade night of the term, and as is customary the Squadron will be having an informal second period, with Cadets asked to bring a plate of snacks. A summary of the term’s activities and any news will be posted following this.
It is with deep regret that we announce the depature of our Cadet Unit Commander, Pilot Officer Wayne Pelvin, who has handed in his resignation to New Zealand Cadet Forces. Until a new Cadet Unit Commander is appointed, Flying Officer Jeremy Lamb is Acting Cadet Unit Commander, effective immediately. All activities are to proceed as planned.
Just over a week out from Exercise FRIGID MERMAID now, and the Unit Support Committee has generously agreed to subsidise the cost down to $40 per Cadet. Due to low returns, the due date for the permission slip has been pushed back to Tuesday 5th July, however please note that due to the nature of the accommodation booking, spaces are limited to 20 Cadets – so it’s first in, first served, to the point that those who hand in their notices first on Tuesday will get priority! RNZAF transport has been secured, however we will need at least one extra vehicle for transport, so any parent help is much appreciated. Parents who elect to come on the camp and assist with food preparation (which is easier then you might think – Cadets are assigned on a roster to kitchen duty!) will be permitted to participate in some of the activities.
When packing, Cadets shoul try to ensure they include everything on the permission slip (excepting that under Optional), especially clothing for water activities, warm clothing (layers!), a sleeping bag, something with which to take notes and a torch. The accommodation is well-heated and showers are readily available, however the focus of the camp will be on outdoor activities.
If Cadets require a copy of the permission slip or equipment list, as always it can be obtained off our Facebook page – please note the camp is from Friday 8th July to Sunday 10th July, not the typo of Sunday 11th. Cadets need to be at the RNZAF Base Woodbourne main gate BY 1700 hours (5PM), not after. For parents curious as to the activities, we shall endeavour to upload a photographic record of the camp, and digital copies of any photo are available on request by a Cadet. Look forward to seeing you there!
At the beginning of June, the Squadron had a day tramp at Okiwi Bay, having previously attempted the hill climb and failed to reach the top due to deteriorating weather conditions in 2010. This time however, we succeeded, and have the evidence to prove it! Pics at the bottom of this post.
In other news, two of our Cadets have been accepted on the next Junior Leaders Course, held in the holidays. We wish them all the best on what is a very exciting weeks’ worth of training in leadership, instructional technique, discipline, and the attributes required of a Junior NCO. Our policy has always to been to prepare our candidates to a high standard before they go, and this is reflected in the excellent reports we get back.
Stay tuned for a post-camp update!
Almost halfway through the year now, and as the shortest day approaches Cadets need to remember to wrap up well: a white t-shirt or thermal vest is acceptable to wear under the shirt as long as it is not visible, and raincoats, parkas and gloves may be worn whilst transiting to and from activities in uniform. The Training Plan is deliberately structured to focus on indoor/theory lessons at this time of year, rather than drill or outside activity, for this reason. However, the theory of RATEL (radio telephony), bushcraft, leadership and navigation requires practical application if Cadets are to properly learn and retain the skills, and it’s great to be able to to confirm that the previously-mentioned Exercise FRIGID MERMAID will be going ahead on Friday 8th – Sunday 11th July. Cadets have been issued with a notice and equipment list (copies are available on our Facebook page if needed), with a permission slip soon to follow. It is important to note that the prescribed fee of $78 is a maximum, and is likely to fall due to subsidy by the Unit Support Committee, thanks to grants and donations from our supporters. For those wondering where this money goes, the bulk of it is food for hungry Cadets (camps have a tendency to bring out quite an appetite!), followed by accommodation and costs related to some of the more exciting activities. When the permission slip is issued, the faster it can be returned the better, as numbers need to be calculated for accommodation booking, food and transport – if there are many late returns, parent help with transport may be required, as the RNZAF, who kindly lend their vehicles free of charge, require bookings to made weeks in advance.
In other news, the rifles have been cleared as safe, and the long-delayed (much to the disappointment of some Cadets!) shoots should now be upcoming. The Stores Officer has voiced a timely reminder of the value of ATC uniforms – these are RNZAF-issue, and will be quite expensive to replace (well over $200), so Cadets need to ensure they are careful with them, and the Stores Officer has suggested investigating the possibility of insuring them. The RNZAF provides a bus service for Cadets in Blenheim at no cost, so it is only fair Cadets help the driver by ensuring they stand under streetlights when waiting for the bus as the uniform is hard for him to spot in the dark! Finally, as stated in last week’s Routine Orders, Cadets do need to remember to bring writing materials (a pen and refill paper or an exercise book) to parade nights – failing to do so may result in a disadvantage due to lack of notes, as many subjects are used practically in the field (RATEL, bushcraft, tramping skills, navigation) or in later lessons.
As the end of the term approaches, some Cadets are awaiting the results of their nomination for the Junior Leaders Course, and the staff are hard at work organising camps, tramps and other activities for Term 3 2011 – all part of why Cadet Forces are recognised as New Zealand’s youth organisation of choice!
The term is flying by with Queen’s Birthday this weekend being the halfway point. Parents and Cadets should note that although Tuesday is a midterm break holiday for some No. 27 Squadron will still be parading as normal.
Over the past few weeks Cadets have been learning about topics such as Navigation, Instructional Technique and RATEL (Radio Telephony) which are structured in blocks of multiple 40 minute lessons covering these topics at a basic, intermediate and advanced level for Basic, Proficiency and Advanced Cadets, respectively. It is the instructors’ belief however that these lessons cannot be taught in the classroom alone – practical experience is needed. And so it is to that end that there are two camps in planning. One is planned to take advantage of Labour Day and the consequent vacancy at the RNZAF’s outdoor training facility at Dip Flat, which is an ideal location for a comprehensive practical outdoor training programme to complement what has been learnt in the classroom. To get the most benefit out of this, however, it is desirable that all Cadets meet a minimum standard of knowledge in these topics before attending, and consequently the Squadron is looking at a camp to be held during July, creatively code-named “Exercise Frigid Mermaid” by our NCO (Non-Commissioned Officer) team. Details of this camp are being kept under wraps as much as possible, but the location has been carefully chosen to compensate for the low temperatures and short days at this time of year (hence the adjective in the code-name). A permission slip with costs and an equipment list should be sent home in the next few weeks. Meanwhile, for those impatient for an Activity outside of parade nights, there is the Okiwi Bay Tramp to be held on Saturday 4th June (or Saturday 11th June if raining), see the Facebook page or permission slip for details.
One of the most special assets unique to Cadet Forces is the NCO corps – Cadets whose excellence and leadership potential has been recognised through intensive leadership training and subsequent granting of rank and the authority that follows. At No. 27 Squadron, Cadets become eligible for promotion in their Advanced (third) year of training, but their behaviour and record over the entirety of their time with ATC is assessed. On Tuesday 31st May, two promotions were awarded to deserving individuals, from Corporal to Sergeant.
The rank of Sergeant (abbreviated as CDTSGT, only to be addressed as “Sergeant”) is a major step up from Corporal, both in responsibilities and authority. Whereas Corporals are Junior Non-Commissioned Officers, Sergeants are the junior rank of the Senior Non-Commissioned Officers, and thus required to perform higher-level duties, managing rather than supervising, and follow stricter rules and standards. The addition of two Sergeants restores our NCO structure with sufficient SNCOs. To be eligible for promotion to Sergeant, the candidate must hold the rank of LACDT, have qualified on the Junior Leaders Course not less than 6 months prior, and have qualified on the Senior Leaders Course.
Stay tuned to this website and the unit Facebook page for regular updates on what’s happening at No. 27 (Blenheim) Squadron, Air Training Corps.!
Welcome back to all Cadets, Officers and parents with the start of the second term of 2011. Last term was a busy one that will 27 Squadron will be hard-pressed to match, but never fear, we have plans for plenty of activities in the upcoming weeks. With the onset of colder weather we are now in jerseys (remember to transfer your rank slides and brassards on to the ironed jerseys for new Cadets!) and lessons are primarily indoors – time to brush up on that theory, whether it be Aviation Studies, Bushcraft, General Service Knowledge or Firearms. On that note, unfortunately there was an incident at another Cadet Unit in which a Norinco (the same model as we use) discharged with the safety catch engaged. Consequently, a ban has been issued by the Commandant on any firing, so all shoots are cancelled until further notice. Theory lessons will continue as normal.
There are several planned camps in the works – including a major exercise to RNZAF Dip Flat, if we can gain clearance and resources, in October; plus some camps in the near future. Sparrowhawk training has also kicked off, with practices being held on Sunday afternoons, under the command of the Warrant Officer.
As part of the ongoing improvement to the unit, promotions have been awarded to deserving individuals, in order to bring the rank structure in line with our growing numbers.
The rank of Leading Air Cadet (abbreviated as LACDT, can also be addressed as “LAC”) is awarded to senior Cadets showing a high degree of excellence in their bearing and attitude in addition to leadership potential. On Tuesday 10th of May, 2011, three Advanced Cadets were promoted to LACDT, and are being nominated for attendance on the Junior Leaders Course being held in July.
Rank slide of a Corporal
The rank of Corporal (abbreviated as CDTCPL, can only be addressed as “Corporal”)is the first Non-Commissioned Officer rank (classed as Junior NCOs) and is only available once the candidate has qualified on the week-long Junior Leaders Course, held on a New Zealand Defence Force base, and attended a requisite number of parade nights. Corporals are junior leaders and are expected to demonstrate and use their authority to accomplish tasks and maintain order, under the Senior NCOs. The two Acting Corporals who attended the Junior Leaders Course in the holidays and were given acting rank on ANZAC Day, were confirmed in the rank of Corporal on Tuesday 10th of May, 2011.
Rank slide of an Under Officer
The rank of Under Officer (abbreviated as CDTU/O, can be addressed as “Sir/Ma’am” or “Under Officer”) is the highest rank available without a Commission from the Minister of Defence, and is only available to candidates who are considered suitable to be NZCF Officers, have the recommendation of their Unit Commander, and the approval of the Area Co-ordinator in the Area HQ. The duties of this high rank are markedly different to those below: Under Officers are effectively understudy officers, and thus perform the administration duties, parade function and other roles of an Officer. Once a Cadet NCO turns 18, they must be promoted to Under Officer, generally with the intention of commissioning (for which they must be 20), or leave Cadet Forces. The Flight Sergeant was promoted to Under Officer following the approval of Southern Area on Tuesday 10th of May, 2011.
These promotions recognise excellence and experience in members and are based on merit, attendance, bearing and perceived leadership potential. At No. 27 Squadron, Cadets become eligible for promotion in their Advanced or 3rd year of training, however their behaviour over the entirety of their time at ATC is assessed when deciding promotions. For more information on the rank structure, please speak with an NCO or Officer or post the question on our Facebook group (members-only).
Have a great term!
It’s been one of the busiest holidays on record for 27 Squadron, with a record eight activities being conducted over the break:
Thanks to all those who helped, attendance is noted and marked on your record for future use (read privileges and the like). The organisers have indicated they would be glad to have us back at the Airshow in 2013, as our conduct was much praised.
With regards to ANZAC Day, many thanks to those who attended the Dawn Parade – your last minute response was much appreciated. Attendance on ANZAC Day itself was somewhat disappointing, and this will be followed up – if you were in town on the 25th April, you should have been there as this is a mandatory parade. Uniform was also disappointing for a number of Cadets, and this will be dealt with next term. Cadets need to work on their dress and bearing, especially when in the eye of the public such as at the Airshow and on ANZAC Day. Especially since we had a guest from 618 Volunteer Gliding Squadron, of ATC in the UK.
Our two LACDTs (Leading Air Cadets) are back from the Junior Leaders Course held at RNZAF Base Woodbourne, and it is with great pride we can announce that both passed, and consequently were promoted to CDTCPL (Corporal) at the ANZAC Day Parade. We wish them all the best for the challenges that lie ahead as Junior Non-Commissioned Officers, and await the conclusion and results of the three Corporals we have on the Senior Leaders Course (also held at RNZAF Base Woodbourne) with anticipation.
Tuesday brings a new (and equally long) term, and with it a range of changes and challenges, with the aforementioned promotions and training, the shift onto the winter training programme subjects, and continued modification of unit structures, as we progress towards a model Squadron of the Air Training Corps. Hope to see you all soon (in a high standard of dress!).
Cadets re-enacting in WWII RNZAF uniforms
Twelve weeks later and we are at the end of an extra-long first term. The Squadron has been able to take advantage of the extra time to fit in two camps – both Gliding and Basic (more on that shortly) – and prepare our new Basic cadets for the biggest of our annual parades – ANZAC Day. This will be held on Monday 25th April in town, and all Cadets are expected to attend (or supply a reasonable excuse). We are particularly conscious of drill standards as this year’s ANZAC Day parade will be followed by a second, one-off parade in which we present the mount for an old AA gun that has been languishing at HQ for a while to the Returned and Services’ Association.
The holiday break will in fact be a very busy period for 27 SQN, as in addition to the ANZAC Day parades, we have numerous duties relating to the Airshow being held over the Easter weekend prior. On Friday, Saturday and Sunday the Airshow has asked us to provide Gold Pass security, patrolling the fences in front of the grandstands. Needless to say, uniform will be required for visibility, and further details can be obtained by downloading the permission slip off our Facebook page (go to “Events”, then “Gold Pass Security” and click the link in the “Info”). On Sunday Proficiency or above Cadets are required for re-enactments – this involves dressing in old military uniforms and roleplaying. Again, for more details see the relevant event on the Facebook page. Finally, good luck to all those going on courses, as we have NCOs going on both the Junior and Senior Leaders promotional courses being held at Woodbourne over the holidays. If successful, the LACs will be eligible for promotion to Corporal, and the Corporals for promotion to Sergeant. In addition, Under Officer Mason will be staffing the Senior Leaders course, so all the best to him as well.
Over the past weekend (Saturday 9th-Sunday 10th April) we held the annual Basic Camp at our HQ on RNZAF Base Woodbourne, and all indications are that this was a resounding success. The camp had a strong drill focus, in anticipation of the upcoming ANZAC Day parade, but a team competition including touch rugby, leadership, drill and a night exercise (a firm favourite of Cadets – there’s something special about not being able to tell who that shadowy figure is sneaking between bushes) was also held, alongside lessons for the Basic Cadets on how to maintain their uniforms and keep a tidy standard of dress. As always, the bulk of photos will be available soon on our Facebook page, or, for those that stand out especially, viewable on our photo wall at HQ sometime next term.
Looking ahead to Term 2, we hope to make it even busier than the first Term. With just the Basics to do their TOETS, rifle shooting kicks off in May, and will alternate between the indoor RSA range (for parade night shoots) and the outdoor range at Woodbourne (for weekend shoots). A reminder to Cadets that a shooting badge is up for grabs, so get ready to work on your marksmanship! With the arrival of colder weather, lessons will begin to move indoors, with less drill and more theory such as Aviation Studies, and as usual Terms 2 and 3 will be in jerseys – do not forget them! However, those more adventure-inclined need not worry – lessons in navigation (especially night navigation!) and more planned camps mean there will be some cold time in the outdoors.
So we look forward to seeing you at the Easter weekend and ANZAC Day activities, and wish you all the best for the holidays. Come back next Term refreshed and ready to take on all that 27 SQN has to offer!
