Corporal Alexander Ogilvie reports on the recent NCO Weekend:
On the 25th and 26th of May a number of the LACs and a few NCOs attended a training weekend that was created to train all of us up to the acceptable level that is expected of the LACs and NCOs in the Squadron, this training included lessons on Leadership, Drill, Taking a flight, Giving commands, how to handle cadets, dealing with problem cadets and taking part in parades as different roles.
On day one we arrived at 8.00AM and spent most of the day focusing on the drill parts, which included things such as taking a flight, giving commands and taking part in parades as different roles. We conducted training such as this until around 6.00PM where we moved on to begin the formal dining in. This was a highly enjoyable activity where the Unit came together to celebrate the Squadron’s birthday which happened to of fallen on the same day that we were conducting the training weekend.
Prior to the Dinner we were given a brief over view of the behaviour and standards that were to be expected of us while we were taking part. While it was a formal occasion, as long as we stayed within the rules set to us, we were allowed to have as much fun as we liked. It was also revealed to us that spies had been positioned around the room to tell UO Asbery of any wrong doing, if any was reported then the individual was to complete a dare or tell a funny joke in payment. Unfortunately there wasn’t enough time and only a few of us including all the NCOs that were charged had time to complete theirs.
After a Toast to the Queen, to the Air Training Corps and to NO.41 SQN and a delicious dessert made by Mrs Brown the dinner ended and after a few small tasks we were free to go home.
The second day was filled with similar activities to the first focusing also on leadership skills and ways to spot and stop harassment; all in all it was a very enjoyable weekend, and most of all the weekend was very informative and useful. The skills we learnt have prepared us for any future tasks to come.