Oban air cadets need adult volunteers

Sir, The RAF Air Cadet Squadron based in Oban is in need of adult volunteers. The unit 2521 (Oban High School) Squadron meets at 7pm every Wednesday at the Cadet Centre, Tweeddale Street, Oban.

Are you aged over 20? Seeking a new challenge? Would you like to develop skills, leadership qualities and gain qualifications too?

Then why not come along and have a chat with staff at the squadron and help us to help you?

What are the Royal Air Force Air Cadets? We’re a UK-wide cadet force with almost 45,000 members aged between 12 and 20 and we are sponsored by the Royal Air Force.

At the RAF Air Cadets, we constantly assess our past achievements, implement changes to meet the challenges of today and make plans for the future.

And a huge part of that planning is you. As the backbone of our organisation, we’re always on the lookout for high- calibre individuals to become volunteers, helping to run the activities that play such an important role in the lives of our young members.

All kinds of people make up our volunteer staff, coming from a range of backgrounds and interests. Obviously if you have direct experience of working with young people, or any relevant skills such as flying or gliding, you would be particularly welcome. These aren’t essential, though, as we will train and support you at every stage.

That said, you’ll have some personal qualities that are essential, such as patience, maturity and responsibility along with an understanding of young people and their needs. You needn’t be an athlete, but a good level of physical fitness also helps to ensure you can keep up with the cadets.

The officer in charge of Highland Wings Air Cadets, Wing Commander Christine Copsey, said: ‘Oban squadron is a vibrant active squadron but, due to unforeseen circumstances, is in great need of adult volunteers to help out with the running of the unit.

‘ Without adult help, the unit cannot function and without the support of the local community the squadron will not continue to be a success.

‘ We are looking for civilian instructors, potential senior non- commissioned officers (SNCO) or perhaps even officers.’

We rely on our volunteers to help us operate as effectively as possible. Being well organised is an obvious must, ideally with good managerial and administrative skills, and an ability to listen to problems and deal with them tactfully and appropriately.

If you are interested then please come along to the squadron on a parade night and speak to the current staff. Alternatively, more information about volunteering in the organisation is available on the RAF Air Cadet website, at www.raf.mod.uk/aircadets. Andy Dobson, Highland Wing, Royal Air Force Air Cadets.