A Scorching Camp for Hot Shot Air Cadets

Air Cadets from the Warwickshire & Birmingham Wing have just returned from what the youngsters have described as an "awesome" camp at the Defence Fire Training and Development Centre, DFTDC Manston.

This was the 1st official Air Cadet Annual Camp to be held at the former RAF station since it became the home of Fire Fighting Training for the RAF, Navy, Army and MOD Fire Fighters.

During their week long camp at DFTDC Manston the Air Cadets were treated as Trainee Fire-fighters and underwent advanced fire safety training. As soon as they were dressed in full operational safety kit they really looked the part and were ready for anything the instructors at the Defence Fire Training and Development Centre could throw at them, and boy things were about to get very hot indeed.

The cadets underwent practical training in searching for and rescuing casualties in confined spaces, hose drills and practical fire fighting using all common fire extinguishers and fire blankets. The cadets where also treated to several full scale fire scenarios from the Royal Dutch Air Force fire fighters who were undergoing training at DFTDC Manston.

Cadet William Mott (aged 15) of 121 (Nuneaton) Squadron said, “We all had a go at extinguishing some fairly serious fires but the most spectacular part of the training came when we were able to view at close quarters, a demonstration of the consequences of Flashovers and front and side Backdrafts. The speed, force, intensity and the shock and awe of the resultant fire ball, has left an impact on us all, and I am sure that everyone has learnt some valuable lessons about fire prevention and what to do in the event of a real fire”.

The camp at DFTDC Manston wasn’t all as hot as the fire fighter training, the cadets did have some time to cool down during off site visits to Dover Castle, the Battle of Britain Memorial at the Capel le Ferne Spitfire Museum, Chatham Dockyard and an air side visit to Manston International Airport’s Air Traffic Control, Fire Section and their 747 simulator. A session with an RAF Drill Instructor also reminded the cadets they were trainee fire-fighters!.

Squadron Leader Bryan Coats who led the cadets on camp said, “This was not a normal annual camp, it was indeed a tremendous experience for the cadets and staff. The fire fighter training certainly made this the hottest Air Cadet camp I can remember. Cadets and staff alike have learnt some very important life saving techniques, which they will remember for the rest of their lives, hopefully they will never have to put them into practice”.

If you would like to know more about the activities and work of the 121 (Nuneaton) Squadron Air Training Corps please visit our web-site at http://www.aircadetonline.com