Trio of Promotions for Wideopen Air Cadets
Trio of Promotions for Wideopen Air Cadets
Wideopen Air Cadets, Jessica Marran (16), Alex Burn (14) and Kieran Thompson (14) are celebrating after being promoted into leadership roles. Jessica was promoted to the rank of Sergeant and Alex and Kieran to Corporal. The trio received their stripes from the Squadrons Commanding Officer, Flight Lieutenant James Elliott on 8th December 2011 on the Squadrons final parade.
All three cadets were required to complete a written application which set out why they thought they would be suited to a leadership role at the Squadron and what qualities they would bring. After a sifting process was completed by the Squadrons Adult Staff team, all three cadets were invited to attend a demanding interview board during which they were asked questions about their suitability, their experience to date in the Air Cadets, organisational knowledge and their understanding of cadet welfare issues.
On being promoted, Jessica remarked "I was so pleased to be promoted to Sergeant. I have wanted to be a Sergeant for a long time and I put a lot of work into preparing for the interview board. I am going to continue to work hard and hopefully achieve the rank of Flight Sergeant in the future. I am thoroughly pleased with myself!"
Kieran Thompson who was promoted to Corporal said "The interview was really quite hard and it really stretched my knowledge of the Air Training Corps. However, I had done lots of preparation and made sure that I knew all about the tasks a Corporal should be able to do. I am really looking forward to getting on with the job and helping to lead the Squadron from the front."
Warrant Officer Steve Climpson, the Wideopen Squadrons adult Senior Non-Commissioned Officer said "I am really pleased with all three cadets performance during the interview board and their service to date. The CO and I really challenged them during the interviews and it was brilliant to see them responding so well and rising to the challenge. All three have worked hard to gain their stripes".
Wideopen Squadron is recruiting at present and offers opportunities to go flying and gliding, to study for two national BTEC awards and in addition cadets can complete the Duke of Edinburgh Award. They also have the opportunity to take part in many sporting activities. Girls and boys aged 13 and over are invited to visit the Squadron on Mondays and Thursdays at 7pm to find out more or visit the Squadrons website at www.861sqn.org to find out what the air cadets can offer.
