DEVELOPMENT IS ON TARGET

Recently a member of staff from the Air Cadets at 2461 (Sawston) Squadron was given the opportunity to develop thanks to 134 (Bedford) Squadron.  Warrant Officer Tim Barker joined six other Cadet Forces Adult Volunteers from Bedfordshire and Cambridgeshire Wing for the course on how to safely operate and use the L86 A2 Light Support Weapon (LSW).

Cadet Forces Adult Volunteers from across Bedfordshire and Cambridgeshire Wing along with training staff from 134 (Bedford) Squadron. Photo courtesy of Cadet Flight Sergeant Jonathon Bell.

The L86 A2 is a magazine fed automatic weapon. It has a longer barrel than the L98 A2 Cadet General Purpose Rifle and is effective up to 800 metres. Unlike the L98 A2 rifle, it has a rate-of-fire selector on the left hand side behind the magazine housing, enabling either single shorts or automatic fire.

The training sessions were delivered by qualified staff from 134 (Bedford) Squadron at its Headquarters in Shortstown, Bedford with the aim of qualifying more adult staff to assist in the conveyance of the weapon and provide additional safety supervisors for range practices.  

The members of staff were introduced to the weapon and taught a series of lessons encompassing safe handling, maintenance, loading, firing and stoppage drills.  After completing the training they were required to complete a Weapons Handling Test to demonstrate their competencies.  The newly qualified staff will be able to put their skills to the test over coming months with a number of opportunities to live fire the LSW on the barrack range at the Defence Intelligence & Security Centre Chicksands, Bedfordshire.

Warrant Officer Barker said “This development opportunity allows more cadets to develop on the Light Support Weapon and experience a new form of target shooting.”

Flight Lieutenant Khalid Murad, Wing Shooting Development Officer said, “Developing additional skills within the adult staff cadre are vitally important to improving opportunities for the cadets in the Wing. The seven members of staff who passed the training course today are to be congratulated on their achievements and I look forward to seeing them on the range in the very near future.”

Flying Officer Chris Cox, Officer in Charge 2461 (Sawston) Squadron added “I would like to thank the team at 134 (Bedford) Squadron for giving up their time to train other Cadet Forces Adult Volunteers from across Bedfordshire and Cambridgeshire Wing.  Target shooting is very popular with cadets and staff alike and this new addition will help maintain and develop the existing interest.”

2461 (Sawston) Squadron meet on Monday and Thursday evenings at our headquarters on Hayfield Avenue.  For more information about joining as either a cadet or member of staff please contact 01223 834585 (Monday and Thursday Evenings) or email oc.2461@aircadets.org

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