Cadet Post Classification 12 - 17 Aug 07

Cadet Advanced 5 - 10 Aug 07

Adult Basic Sat 16 Jun 07 - Fri 22 Jun 07

Adult Advanced 29 Jul - 3 Aug 07

Cadet Electronic Appreciation Course at REME Arborfield 16 - 20 Jul 07 In previous years cadets have been required to be at least finishing Year 10 and doing Science subjects ( Physics ) at either GCSE or AS levels. Regrettably there is no availability at Arborfield for female cadets.

Be sure to become involved in Exercise Summer Whine 23/24 June 2007. Ask your detachment Commander for details of this 24 hour signals exercise.

ALL APPLICATIONS SHOULD BE ON THE PROPER FORM AND SENT THROUGH COY HQ TO COUNTY SIGNALS OFFICER AT CHQ

If you are interested in learning more about the National Radio Competitions you can download a copy of the Brief Guide here.

Signalling forms an important part of the development of the all-round ACF cadet. It is recommended that the initial signalling training takes place immediately after a cadet has attained the Two-star standard, but this is not a hard and fast rule. Circumstances may dictate that due to the availability of suitable courses some cadets may be considered for training earlier or later in their ACF service.

Curriculum for Cadet Signalling

The Cadet Signalling curriculum caters for all levels of cadets and is split into three significant categories: -

Cadet Radio Users The syllabus for attaining the accepted standard at this level can be covered in a maximum of two weekends or about 6 weekly training evenings. It is intended that this syllabus will allow any academic level of cadet to use a PRC 349 or similar VHF radio properly and communicate using proper military voice procedure to send simple messages ‘over the air’ Cadets are tested by the County HQ Signals team Those successful in passing a) a basic written voice procedure theory test and b) a short practical test receive a certificate and a badge.

Cadet Signallers The syllabus for this course consists of Voice Procedure to a higher level and standard than the Radio Users. A sound working knowledge of Batco forms an important part of the final test. Completion of a formal message form is a small part of the test. Working with line and field telephones forms a significant part of the syllabus and final test. A basic knowledge of electricity and magnetism is also required. Testing is conducted by outside adjudicators from the Royal Corps of Signals. Successful cadets receive a certificate and their ‘crossed flags’ badge. The training course lasts for 4 / 5 months if carried out on a weekly basis. A very intensive one week course is held most years at Annual Camp.

Cadet Assistant Signals Instructors Although suitably qualified cadets are encouraged to pass on their signals expertise as instructors to other cadets, the formal testing of cadets at this level can normally only be conducted at the Royal School of Signals, during the ACF / CCF courses held there on an annual basis.

Cadet Signalling Courses at the Royal School of Signals, Blandford Camp, Dorset

Courses are held annually at the Royal School of Signals (RSS), Blandford Camp, Dorset during the school Easter and Summer holidays. The courses are extremely popular and usually over-subscribed nationally. Bids for courses have to be submitted by the County Signals Officer (CSO) some 3 / 4 months prior to the course. Because of the demand for the courses, the CSO will not accept applications from the following categories of cadets: a) those taking GCSE, ‘A’ level GCE or similar academic examinations in the summer immediately following the Easter RSS courses or b) any cadet who is about to join the regular services.

The courses are conducted at two levels: -

Cadet Post-Classification Course This course is for cadets who have gained their ‘crossed flags’ badges. It concentrates mainly on a variety of aspects of VHF radio signalling.

Cadet Advanced Course This course is for cadets who have already attended the Post-Classification Course and concentrates almost exclusively on HF radio signalling.

Other Signals matters

ACF / CCF National Radio Net (NRN) Cadets who have attained their ‘crossed flags’ badge may, after appropriate training, operate unsupervised on the ACF / CCF National HF Radio Net (NRN). This net uses the PRC 320 radio and enables cadets and adults to communicate with other cadet units around the country. The Net Monitors organise a number of HF radio competitions annually and these take place normally over a 24 hour period at certain weekends of the year. Hampshire and Isle of Wight ACF Signals units regularly participate in these competitions and have a good record of success.

Signals ‘interest’ talks The County Signals training team are available, given reasonable notice, to give talks about signalling to cadets of all ages.

Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Scheme Qualification as a signaller may count towards the ’skills’ section of the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Scheme. Full details from the County Signals Officer. As a general rule, ‘Cadet Radio User ‘ plus six months use thereafter qualifies in the bronze section; ‘Crossed flags’ plus twelve months use for the silver and attendance at the RSS courses, ‘CASI’ instructors qualification plus two years use for gold.

FURTHER INFORMATION

Additional information and / or clarification on Signals matters may be obtained from any member of the Signals training team or Lt Col M G Vokes, County Signals Officer at CHQ, or e mail:- mike@vokeshouse.co.uk