Shooting Success & Cadet Blues

SUCCESS at Royton Air Cadets has seen 8 Cadets shoot their way to a marksmanship award after several weeks training and practice shooting at targets to become hot shots.

To qualify for their Marksman Badges, cadets have to demonstrate the ability to hit a target accurately and consistently, by performing varied shooting practices.

Cadets at 1855 (Royton) Squadron have achieved more than 60 Marksmanship Awards at all levels in the last year, with just less than three quarters of all members on the unit now at an accomplished level.

One of the lucky recipients of an award, Cadet Flight Sergeant Rhianne Ward-Hilton is delighted that the squadron has been successful in the discipline of Marksmanship. She said: “The Grouping and Deliberate exercises are a test of our ability to fire and get the rounds on the target as close together as possible, while also achieving a top score. You get plenty of time to complete the practice and it’s all about accuracy and consistency.”

Weapons Instructor, Flying Officer Benjamin Atkins, said; “Royton Squadron is lucky to have its own Air Rifle and a 25 yards Rifle Range. The cadets get the opportunity to practice regularly & many of the cadets have achieved their Squadron & Wing Marksmanship Awards.”

“Shooting is one of the most enjoyable activities we offer and we’ve certainly got some top shots on the unit now. It is down to the hard work of the staff team that we have achieved so many this year as we now have 4 Range Officers on our Squadron.”

Cadets at all levels of the Air Cadet Organisation have the opportunity to participate in the sport of rifle shooting. Safety is paramount with all Cadet activities and shooting is no exception.

Training is an integral part of the system and each cadet is fully trained before they are permitted to conduct range practices. Supervising staff are similarly trained to deal with any eventualities and to ensure that the range is run safely and efficiently.

Other Cadets at the Park Lane Squadron have had Cadet ‘Blues’ this week. Success in athletics, music and aviation based exams has seen several members of the 70 strong unit receive the prestigious award known as a ‘Blue’.

Officer Commanding Royton Air Cadets, Flight Lieutenant Mark Hamilton, said; “Our young men and women put the maximum amount of effort in to everything that they do. This Squadron is one of the best in the country and that is mainly through the hard work and determination that is demonstrated by our Cadets in everything that they attempt. To be awarded a Squadron or Wing Blue you have to stand out from the rest and really go that extra mile.”

Royton Air Cadets is celebrating its diamond anniversary this year after with a 70 years anniversary dinner at the Queen Elizabeth Hall in December. For further details, or if you are interested in joining the Squadron in the September intake, please telephone 0161 624 4227 or visit RoytonAirCadets.org.uk.