LaSER Opportunities
As an Air Cadet, the opportunities are endless. What other organisation gives you the opportunity to spend part of your weekend at 3,000 ft in a light aircraft?
How about learning to handle the L98 Cadet Rifle so that you can hit the target every time? Maybe you'd prefer to compete in sports events across the country, or complete expedition training as part of the Duke of Edinburgh's Award?
Air Cadets across the Region are doing all of this — and more! Here are just a few of the activities available to you as an Air Cadet:
Flying
From your first Air Experience Flight, right through to your first solo on a RAF flying scholarship, the Air Cadets can help you achieve your dream of flying.
Gliding
Go solo before you can drive! Cadets have progressive training, from their first Gliding Induction Course (GIC) up to scholarship standard (solo) and even all the way to glider pilot!
Sports
Compete or play just for fun. Cadets participate in wide variety of sports, both team and individual disciplines and can achieve sporting blues and can even represent the Corps!
The Duke of Edinburgh's Award
The Air Cadet Organisation is the single biggest operator of the scheme. Cadets are achieving their bronze, silver and gold awards across the Region.
Adventure Training
Fancy abseiling down a 30ft wall? How about rock climbing, parachuting or canoeing down a river? As an Air Cadet, take the opportunity to challenge yourself!
Target Shooting
Safety underpins all aspects of cadet rifle training. Cadets are supervised by trained and qualified members of staff continuously during their time on the range, and must pass safety tests before being allowed to handle rifles themselves. Through this nationally recognised popular sport cadets learn self-discipline, patience and concentration, and can take aim to achieve marksmanship badges or even compete to achieve the “cadet 100” badge, reserved for the top 100 sharp-shooters in the Country.
Leadership Training
Test your leadership potential, build your self-confidence and make lifelong friendships in the process!
Academic Qualifications
Cadets can achieve BTEC awards in Aviation Studies, Public Services and Music, equivalent to 10 GCSEs
grades A* - C! Academic qualifications are also available to our volunteer staff.
First Aid Training
A valuable life skill which the Air Cadet Organisation supports through training, courses and formal qualifications for both cadets and volunteers, may of whom have used this skill to preserve life in real first aid situations.
Communications Training
The ACO has its own radio networks for cadets to practice radio operating procedures and techniques and to exchange messages around the UK and overseas. Radio Communications forms part of the Air Cadet syllabus and particpating cadets can gain up to 3 certificates - from their Provisional Radio Operators' Certificates through to the Communicators Badge, where cadets need to demonstrate advanced and technical radio operating skills. Qualified cadets can work as radio operators at events, passing vital safety and administrative messages.
Drill & Ceremonial
Learn to wear your uniform with pride as you march in unison as part of a Squad or take pride of place in a number of massed parades across the Region.
Music
Air Cadets in LaSER can play a variety of musical instruments and can work towards achieving a BTEC First Diploma in Music equivalent to 4 GCSEs grades A*-C. Some local Squadrons have their own music band which cadets can become members of. LaSER also runs dedicated band training weekends for all cadets across the Region, see LaSER Music for more details.
Annual Camps
Sponsored by the Royal Air Force and led by our volunteer officers, cadets can enjoy annual camps in UK Air Stations or abroad, during Easter and Summer school holiday periods. Work experience opportunities are a major part of these camps and provide an insight into cadets chosen vocational interests.
Aerospace Careers Courses, Regional Activity Centres & Wing Technology Centres
As part of cadets progressive training in aviation and related technology, LaSER are at the forefront of developing a hybrid Aerospace and Technology training programme to equip our cadets for careers in the aviation sector both civilian and military. Bespoke training camps and centres will be located within LaSER to inspire our cadets in aviation and technology careers.
Recruitment
Sound interesting? If you are between 13-17 years old, why not join your local Air Cadet Squadron and expand your horizons!
Over cadet age? Don’t be disappointed – we are always looking for volunteers to help make these activities a reality for our Air Cadets. We are looking for people to fill posts as Civilian Instructors, Chaplains, Uniformed staff and Civilian Committee members… the opportunities to make a difference are endless!
See the “Join LaSER” page for more information on joining as a Cadet or an Adult Volunteer!
