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January / February 2003
GOING, GOING…BUT NOT YET GONE!
By Flt Lt Gregor Brad
As most of you already know, I will be standing
down as Commanding Officer of 2175 (Rolls-Royce) Squadron shortly. It is not a
decision that I have taken lightly, as the squadron has been part of my life for
some 32 years. So what have I done over the past 32 years?
Well, I joined the squadron in October 1971 and
left as a Flight Sergeant in May 1978 when I became a Civilian Instructor. I
then became an Adult Warrant Officer in June 1980 and I was commissioned into
the RAFVR (T) in 1989 and became CO here in November 1999. During my 32 years in
the squadron I attended annual camps in the UK, Germany, Gibraltar and Cyprus,
flown in numerous aircraft types, some now obsolete and in museums, and the most
recent a Nimrod, still flying.
I do not intend to relate everything I have done
in the Air Training Corps as I would be writing all night and day for the next
week! However, I will say to you all that you are a member of the best youth
organisation in the world which gives you a wide variety of opportunities that
you would not normally get the chance to participate in, and most are at little
or no cost to yourself.
Here at the squadron we also have a close
relationship with the 602 Squadron Museum Association and the Rolls-Royce
Heritage Trust and work hand in hand with them during our joint open days. We
should not forget the helpful assistance we get from them. We also hold a great
debt to Rolls-Royce for all they do for us, least of all for giving us the name
“Rolls-Royce” in our squadron title.
It has been an honour and a privilege to be the
Commanding Officer of No. 2175 (Rolls-Royce) Squadron of the Air Training Corps,
following in my Father’s footsteps who was CO in the 1970’s, and would take this
opportunity to wish you all a successful future in the squadron.
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LOCH
SLOY HIKE
By Cdt McLellan (A)
On a very cloudy Sunday morning a group of 11 cadets and 3 members of staff all
set out from Hillington in the squadron minibus to go for a hill walk.
We parked the minibus in a little car park on the banks of Loch Lomond and set out for the Sloy Dam, we were very lucky and this walk
consisted mainly of walking on tarmac. It seemed to take ages to reach the dam
and at times it even seemed like the dam was moving away from you. We eventually arrived at the dam and all huddled
under one of the huge arches in order to have lunch.
After Lunch we all walked over the dam and through a very scary tunnel, we then
walked back the way we had come towards the minibus. On the way back we couldn’t
help but resist the temptation to see how many cadets we could squeeze into a
traditional red phone box-we managed to fit almost everyone in to let you know.
Once at the minibus we all got changed and headed back to the squadron, stopping
at McDonalds on the way. In all I am sure that every cadet enjoyed themselves.
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WING CONFERENCE
By CI Steven Sim
On the 25th
and 26th of January 2003 the Wing Held a Conference at the Erskine
Hotel. The aim of this conference was for Glasgow and West of Scotland Wing to
keep the Staff up-to-date with recent activities and what there vision is for
the year to come. It also gives squadron staff the opportunity to give Wing
Staff Feedback on their views on particular issues.
The
conference was attended by Flt Lt Brad, Fg Off Anderson and CI Sim. The
conference presentations were given by numerous figureheads within not only the
Wing but the Corps.
One of the
most informative presentations given was by Flt Lt Dave Astin who is the Wing
Adventure Training Officer. He was informing us all about the new regulations
that are coming into place stating that any member of staff taking cadets out on
the hills must hold a recognised qualification. 2175 (Rolls-Royce) Squadron is
leading the way, with CI Callan, Flt Sgt Hastie, Cpl Morrison and myself all
participating in the Wing run BELA (Basic Expedition Leaders Award) Course so
that we may be qualified to take cadets to the hills.
Other
presentations were given by the Wing PR Officer, Regional Shooting Officer, Wing
Duke of Edinburgh Officer and many more.
Overall,
this Conference was worthwhile as it gave us a lot of new ideas on how to
approach things in 2175 (Rolls-Royce) Squadron.
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WING TRAINING RESULTS
By CI Suzanne Callan
Two cadets
from the squadron have topped the results for the Wing’s Thain trophy.
The trophy
is awarded to the cadets in the wing who have achieved the highest results
throughout their Leading, Senior and Staff exams. The top two cadets in the wing
were Cpl Nicholas Yuill (who left the squadron last year) and FS Bobby Hastie
from 2175.
The trophy
was last awarded to the squadron in 1999/2000 to, oh, who was it again? That’s
right, ME! So, we’re upholding a fine tradition here.
Also in the
Wing training results, the squadron was placed 8th in the Wing. A
good position, but one which we hope to exceed next year.
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WING CHURCH PARADE
By Sgt Joe Muir
On the 16th
of March selected cadets and two staff members from the squadron travelled to
Dumbarton to attend the wing church parade that took place in celebration of ATC
Sunday. It was an early start for the cadets that morning. The day progressed
and I met some old friends, I also made some new. The weather was not as bad as
expected although it was windy and quite cold. This became an annoyance whilst
marching. After the formal part of the day, we returned to the hall and we were
treated to delicious pie and beans and a can of juice. That brightened up the
day and we travelled home on a pleasant thought. This was a great experience for
me as I was recognised as an NCO at wing level and got to take a squad of
cadets.
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SENIOR FOOTBALL TRIALS
By Cpl Michael Little
Every year cadets attend the junior football
trials and three people went through it all again this year. However, it was to
be 10 times worse.
We got up at 9.00am, and took the train to Ardrossan. The first half of the
session we did a fitness test, which was rock solid, believe me it was! At 12 we
got lunch then at 12.30 we were split into 2 teams, we played for 1 hour in all
weather rain, sun, snow and hail! We were all soaked through and that was only
the first trial! If you got through then you had another 3 to go all 3 cadets
got through to the last trial, Pro Stirling, Pro McDonald and lastly myself Cpl.
Little.
Unfortunately, only I got picked for the team from my squadron but the other two
boys played exceptionally well and did the squadron proud. We now go to RAF
Leuchars to play all the different wings.
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BELA WEEKEND
By FS Bobby Hastie
BELA stands
for Basic Expedition Leaders Award, and is set up to allow individuals to lead
small teams in the hills. It is a civilian award, however, the wing adventure
training officer, FltLt Astin, is running one such course for a number of cadets
and staff members’ throughout the wing. Included in this number are CI Callan,
CI Sim, Cpl Morrison, and myself.
The first weekend training was held at Garelochhead Training Base on the 8th
and 9th of February. Unfortunately CI's Callan and Sim were unable to attend
this weekend, so it was left to Cpl Morrison and I to represent the Squadron.
Upon arrival at Garelochhead all the participants were gathered into one of the
bases classrooms for the first class of the day. The BELA caters for all levels
of experience, so no knowledge is assumed. The day continued with classes on
basic map reading and navigation, acting as a refresher course for most, along
with an attempt to teach the group leadership. After being in the
Squadron for many years, both Cpl morrison and myself were reasonably proficient
in navigation and the use of maps, and myself being the veteran of two
leadership course, and countless leadership exercises, it was enlightening to
see some of the attempts at leadership. After pitching our tents for the night,
the officers made full use of the NAAFI's facilities, while briefly outlining
the necessary paperwork for a hike.
In the morning, after an unnecessarily rushed depart from the camping area, for
the cadets at least, and morning pep-talk, the experience in the hills allowed
each member of the smaller groups a chance to navigate out of the camp, and to
checkpoints outside of the gates. I would have to say that this part of the
weekend was a valuable learning experience, as far as the award went, as my
ability improved with the extra practise. Once back at camp, a brief reminder of
the next events, first aid, and the next expedition, was all the entire group
had time for before we began to make our way home.
Upon reflection, it was an eventful weekend and the next expedition looks set to be
an enjoyable weekend for all.
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NIJMEGEN MARCHES TRAINING
By Cpl Niall Morison
On the 14th to the 16th March six cadets from 2175 (Rolls-Royce) Squadron
journeyed to Garelochhead to take part in the long awaited return of training
for the Nijmegen marches headed by Flt Lt Colvin and his staff. Cadets were
Cpl’s Morrison and McMillan and Cadet’s Kilmartin, Mack, Brad and Stirling. These six cadets
joined cadets from other squadrons in the wing who are all hoping to take part
in this years marches. The team was diverse with Cdts, Cpls, Sgts, Flt Sgts and
CWO’s this year all in all about twenty Cadets attended.
This year’s initial training route for the first day was supposed to be a tough
route but nevertheless your fearless reporter pushed on with near limitless
enthusiasm and endurance!
Unfortunately, the route was quite tough for some of the first timers in the
team as well as veterans and during day one and day two several cadets pulled
out due to exhaustion or medical conditions.
After we got back to Garelochhead after day one several of the new people on the
team were starting to feel pain from immediately sitting down and relaxing,
Cadet Stirling had pains of a very peculiar nature, ask him if you really want
to know.
Day two was quite an easy day in comparison with day one, a short route with
cooler weather and a slightly slower pace. All in all the weekend was highly
productive in introducing Cadets to the mental and physical rigours of the
Nijmegan Marches.
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GLIDING SCHOLARSHIP
By Cdt Christopher Kilmartin
J
One of the many opportunities given to the cadets is to go Gliding in the Viking
Glider at either RAF Kirknewton or Condor.
Cadets can start off by going on a GIC (Gliding Induction Course), this course
consists of 3 parts, and usually takes 3 separate visits to one of the bases to
complete the course. Another Gliding opportunity cadets are given is to do their
Gliding Scholarship (GS). I myself have just completed my GS. I did mine at
RAF Kirknewton with 661 VGS Sqn. Cpl Mcmillan is also halfway through his GS at
RAF Kirknewton. I was expected to attend the base for GS training every weekend
until I had completed my GS.
The GS consists of 40 launches in a Glider, during each launch the cadet is
taught how to do various things, such as the launch, a circuit and landing the
glider. A written examination is usually given at the end of the 40 launches,
this has to be passed if the Scholarship is to be completed successfully. At
the end on the GS the cadet is awarded their Dark Blue wings to place onto the
left shoulder pad of their uniform Jersey. If near the end of the scholarship
the cadet’s instructor feels that the cadet is good enough to go solo the cadet
is free to do so, and if the solo run goes smoothly the cadet will have obtained
their Silver wings.
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ROLL OF HONOUR
Advanced Gliding Scholarship
Cdt Colin
Campbell
Gliding
Scholarship
Cdt Chris
Kilmartin
First
Aid Qualification
Sgt Joe Muir
Cpl Chris
McMillan
Cpl Michael
Little
Cdt Anthony
Denovan
Wing
Football Team
Cpl Michael
Little
Wing
Junior Netball Team
Cdt Elizabeth
Brad
Cdt Kirsty
Mack
First Class Cadet
Cdt Andrew McLellan
Cdt Anthony Denovan
Cdt Sean Gillies
Cadet
of the Month – January
Cdt Ross
Pettigrew
Cadet
of the Month – February
Cdt Sean Hogg
Inter-Flight Wars Winners – January and February
A Flight
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