Rutland Air Cadets hold recruitment evening tonight

Tuesday, 19 April 2022 11:32

2248 (Rutland) Squadron at the 100 Year Re-dedication of the Oakham War Memorial this year.

Rutland Air Cadets, also known as 2248 Squadron, are opening their doors tonight in a recruitment evening aimed at attracting young Rutlanders to the Air Training Corps.

The Rutland Air Cadets are recruiting tonight. Anyone in the Rutland area from age 12 or Year 8 can join. The event is at the Cadet Centre on Penn Street in Oakham this evening. Flying Officer Paul Holness says that it isn’t just for teenagers looking for a career in the RAF but for anyone interested in aviation, aerospace, community and ceremony or outdoor activities:

“I would have to emphasise that we are not a recruiting arm of the Royal Air Force” says Paul. “The RAF do give us a huge amount of support but…Air Cadets go into all sorts of careers – British Aerospace, lots of technical organisations, all sorts. Our basic aim is to give good technical training, leadership training, make them become good citizens and get some adventure in life.”

The Air Training Corps (ATC) was formed in 1941, with King George VI acting as their Air Commodore-in-Chief. Its aims were to prepare young men to join the RAF, however, it's role has since changed significantly to that of a volunteer youth organisation. Activities across the hundreds of ATC squadrons around the country (including 2248 Rutland ATC) include adventurous training, ceremonial drill, rifle shooting, swimming, flying and fieldcraft.

For more information on the recruitment evening or just information about the Rutland Air Cadets, visit their Facebook page here: 2248 Sqn Rutland Air Cadets | Facebook