Thames Valley RAF Wing complete cyber security and radio training during lockdown

217 of their air cadets have completed radio communications and cyber security training courses during this time and they also managed to train 10 adult volunteers as instructors.

The group said the radio communications and cyber security training has been 'highly beneficial to the cadets', as it improves their knowledge of cyber security, social media safety and how to protect themselves and their devices from malware and viruses.

Flight Lieutenant Jo Jefferiss who led the training programme and is the Thames Valley Wing Radio Communications Officer said, "The air cadets have really enjoyed doing their Radio training - it increases their confidence and communication skills, and they have been really keen to be to continue with their training during lockdown!

"The training experience has been more realistic for the cadets, as the they come from all over the Thames Valley, and it's been great for them to speak to cadets from other Squadrons using an internet based radio system.

"The cyber security training has also been invaluable during this time, as the cadets have been using the internet and social media more during the lockdown period, for their schoolwork and to contact family and friends."

For more information on the Thames Valley Wing Cadets, please visit https://www.aircadets.tv/Wing Commander Colin Burrell, officer commanding Thames Valley Wing stated “This is simply an outstanding achievement and a credit to our cadets and volunteers, particularly to achieve these qualifications during lockdown”.

Thames Valley Wing is formed from Air Cadet units based across Berkshire and Oxfordshire.

The Air Cadets are part of a national organisation, The Royal Air Force Air Cadets also known as the Air Training Corps, which was formed in 1941.

The RAF Air Cadets stood down face to face activities as part of the national response to the COVID-19 pandemic in March. The Air Cadets are planning to restart face to face activities in September onwards in England.

Young people aged 12 to 17 who are interested in joining as Air Cadets or adults aged 20 and over who are interested in being involved as volunteers please visit the website referenced above.