2015 Annual Inspection
On Tuesday 20th October 2015, 470 Squadron had the pleasure of Wing Commander Jim Haley and Sector 6 Commander, Squadron Leader Brian McCottor, visit the Squadron for our Annual Inspection.
The Wing Commander had not personally visited the Squadron since 2013 so it was an ideal opportunity to give him a tour of the new computer lab which had been added since his last visit. The inspection overall went very well and we were very pleased to have all the hard work by the Staff, Civilian Committee and cadets recognised.
It was an appropriate occasion to celebrate some of the successes for this year so the Wing Commander took the time to present a number of awards to cadets and staff.
CWO Declan Kerr awarded a BTEC in Aviation Studies.
Sgt Sean Braeken-Gray awarded a BTEC in Aviation Studies, Heartstart Qualification certificate and the Leadership for Life course qualification.
Cadet Aqib Iftikhar awarded Senior Cadet badge.
Sgt Sam Fraser awarded the Swimming Competence Certificate.
Cpl Craig Smith awarded Senior Cadet Badge.
Flying Officer Aubin Bryce presented with two medals: The Diamond Jubilee Medal and an additional Clasp for the Cadet Forces Medal.
Cadet Forces Medal Overview:
The Cadet Forces Medal is awarded for long and meritorious service to the cadet forces and is governed by a royal warrant dated 1st February 1950. The medal is awarded to uniformed adult members of any of the cadet forces of the United Kingdom.
To qualify for the award of the medal, recipients must complete 12 years uniformed adult service. The requirements indicate a serious involvement with the cadet forces, over an extended period. Throughout their service, individuals must show that they are efficient and in every way deserving of the award of the medal. After 8 more years meritorious service, individuals qualified for the award of a clasp to the Cadet Forces Medal. Although the qualifying services has since been reduced to 6 years this shows a continuing and determined effort to support the Air Training Corps and recipients deserve much respect for that commitment. After additional six year periods of meritorious service, individuals may qualify for the award of further clasps to the medal.
Wing Commander Jim Haley presented Flying Officer Aubin Bryce with his fourth clasp to the Cadet Forces Medal. Fg Off Bryce was appointed as a Warrant Officer on the 25th October 1973, and received his Cadet Forces Medal in 1985. He was later commissioned as a Pilot Officer in the Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve Training branch in 2001. He has been presented with three clasps to the Cadet Forces Medal since that time.
Diamond Jubilee Medal Overview:
The Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Medal is designed and issued as a mark of thanks to all those who give so much in the name of society and public service and is restricted to, amongst others, those members of the Armed Forces (both Regular and Reserves) who have completed five full calendar years of Service on 6th February 2012.
