Greater Manchester Wing - Air Training Corps

07/09/2026

👏🏼 SERGEANT - SIGNED OFF! 👏🏼

Congratulations to Sergeant Caitlin Heald of 162 (Stockport) Squadron who completed the Combined Initial Course (CIC) at RAF Cranwell last week, being formally appointed as a Sergeant with the RAFAC.

CIC provides new Uniformed Staff with the knowledge required to undertake their roles, giving them an overview of RAFAC policy, safeguarding responsibilities and setting the standard expected of them as a Cadet Forces Adult Volunteer.

Sgt Heald is seen receiving her Certificate of Completion from Commandant Air Cadets, Air Commodore Al Lewis.

RFCA for the North West of England & the Isle of Man
North Region - Royal Air Force Air Cadets
Regional Commandant North - Air Cadets
Royal Air Force Air Cadets

07/09/2026

A Huge congratulations to our 5 new Cadet First Aid Instructors who have now been formally approved to Train & Assess Cadet First Aid Courses in the RAFAC! 👏🏼

🔴 FS Georgia Cowgill - 318 Sale Squadron - Air Training Corps
🔵 Sgt Archie Fallows 2056 Knutsford Squadron Air Training Corps - Royal Air Force Air Cadets
🔴 FS Ella Haseldine 70 Croft & Culcheth Squadron ATC
⚪️ CWO Maya Siwik 1099 Worsley Air Cadets
🔵 Sgt Jay Smith 1005 Radcliffe and Whitefield Sqn RAF Cadets

We can’t wait to see you utilising your qualification to enable other Cadets to learn these life saving skills!

16/08/2026

🎯 ZERO TO HERO RIFLE TRAINING! 🎯

Eight Staff from across Greater Manchester Wing have taken their first steps into air rifle shooting through our latest Zero to Hero training day.

Staff received initial weapons training on the Scorpion multi-shot air rifle before putting their new skills into practice through live firing. The day also opened the door to further development, including progression towards the Air Rifle Range Conducting Officer course.

Flight Lieutenant Gareth Jones, Deputy Wing Shooting Officer, said:

“Zero to Hero is about giving our volunteers the opportunity to develop new skills, build confidence and access training they may not previously have considered. By investing in our CFAV, we increase the number of staff able to deliver safe, enjoyable shooting opportunities for cadets across the Wing.”

Congratulations to everyone who took part—and thank you to the staff who helped deliver the training.



RFCA for the North West of England & the Isle of Man
North Region - Royal Air Force Air Cadets
Royal Air Force Air Cadets

Cadets and CFAVs are taught weapon handling skills as part of a structured programme of supervised training that emphasises safe and responsible use.

14/08/2026

🚵INTERESTED IN MOUNTAIN BIKING?🚴‍♀️

There are still some places available on the MIAS Mountain Bike Leader Level 1 & 2 Training Course being hosted by North Region - Royal Air Force Air Cadets!

📍Totley, near Sheffield
🗓️ 2-4 October 2026

This enjoyable course is the starting point for running mountain biking activities with cadets and is open to all Staff!

1️⃣ Level 1 allows you to lead groups of cadets on low-level terrain, including country parks, canal towpaths, and blue forest trail routes.

2️⃣ Level 2 allows you to lead groups of cadets on journeys across open country (you must also hold the relevant walking leadership qualification for this), and on red forest trail routes.

⏰ Applications must be submitted via online application form by 2359 hrs on 31 August 2026.
📩 See MailDrop for More info!

12/08/2026

🫡 GMW REMEMBERS 🩵

33 Years Ago, on 12 August 1993, Three Air Cadets from East Lancashire Wing (that later formed Greater Manchester Wing) tragically lost their lives when the RAF Wessex Search & Rescue Helicopter they was travelling in suddenly crashed into Llyn Padarn, a Lake in Snowdonia.

Recently, as part of an Adventure Training Camp, Cadets & Staff from 95 (Crewe) Squadron, Air Training Corps & Sector 2 visited the memorial to pay their respects.

🩵Mark Oakden - 1036 Bury Squadron Air Training Corps
🩵Amanda Whitehead - 1036 Bury Squadron Air Training Corps
🩵Chris Bailey - 1471horwichatc

31/07/2026

🎯HOT SHOTS ON THE RANGE🎯

Last weekend, Cadets from across the Wing took part in an L98 shooting weekend at RAF Shawbury - including practicing their Marksmanship from various positions & also getting a taster of Arms Drill from the Wing Warrant Officer! In total, the following badges where achieved:

🔵 23 Blue Shot (L98)
🟤 23 Bronze Shot (L98)

Cadets are taught weapons handling skills as part of a structured programme of supervised training that emphasises safe and responsible use.

Thank you to all the supporting staff for making training opportunities like this happen, and Well done to our new Sharp shooters! 👏🏼

30/07/2026

🌄⭐️MORE CADETS GOING FOR GOLD🎒🏕️

Last week, saw 13 candidates from GMW and
Staffordshire Wing Air Cadets
undertake their Gold DofE Assessed expedition in North Wales.

This expedition is the culmination of their journey through The Duke of Edinburgh's Award scheme. Showing some serious determination, digging deep and finding resilience not only in themselves but each other!!

Congratulations to everyone who successfully completed their expedition… one step closer to completing the Coveted Gold DofE!

2056 Knutsford Squadron Air Training Corps - Royal Air Force
236 Bollington Squadron Air Cadets
317 Failsworth Squadron Royal Air Force Air Cadets
70 Croft & Culcheth Squadron ATC
100 - Nantwich Squadron Royal Air Force Air Cadets
Sandbach School CCF
395_rafac
Royal Air Force Air Cadets
North Region - Royal Air Force Air Cadets

30/07/2026

⛵️🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 Sailing around Scotland is certainly doing Gold DofE with Style!

A huge congratulations to FS Morris of 1099 Worsley Squadron! 👏🏼

Royal Air Force Air Cadets
North Region - Royal Air Force Air Cadets
RFCA for the North West of England & the Isle of Man
Commandant Air Cadets
Regional Commandant North - Air Cadets
The Duke of Edinburgh's Award

28/07/2026

28/07/2026

LORD-LIEUTENANT OF GM HONOURS GM WING

Last week, Several Cadets & Staff from across Greater Manchester Wing attended the annual Lord-Lieutenant's Award Ceremony at Gorton Cathedral to be honoured by His Majesty's representative for their meritorious service. Congratulations to:

Greater Manchester Wing Band - Team Award
WO O'Brien - Wing Staff Officer
CWO Jack Lear - 247 Ashton-under-Lyne Squadron Air Cadets
CWO Maya Siwik - 1099 Worsley Air Cadets
CWO Joshua Hollingworth - 1855 Royton air cadets
Cdt Sgt Joshua Trimble - 2468 Squadron Air Cadets
Cdt Sgt Eva Bentley - 247 Ashton-under-Lyne Squadron Air Cadets
CWO Jack Walker - 284 (Cheadle and Gatley) Squadron

A special congratulations also goes to Cadet FS Oliver Speakman (1099 Worsley Air Cadets) on being appointed as HM Lord-Lieutenant's Cadet for 2026/27.

To commemorate their award, our Wing Band entertained guests for a spectacular musical display during the ceremony!

RFCA for the North West of England & the Isle of Man
Royal Air Force Air Cadets
Commandant Air Cadets
North Region ATC Music Services
North Region - Royal Air Force Air Cadets
Regional Commandant North - Air Cadets