Cdt Bell


Cdt Daniel


Cdt Rana

The first JNCO Leadership development course of 2010 took place at DCAE Cosford over the weekend of 26th-28th February 2010. Two cadets from 487 Sqn, Tom Bell and John Daniel joined cadet Rana from the 487 Sqn D/F and 35 other cadets from across the Warwickshire and Birmingham Wing on what turned out to be a cold, but very successful weekend. Flying Officer Simon Jennings and Sgt Sarah Cotton also took part in the course as assessors and observers.


Following long and tortuous journeys for some, the cadets started the training programme on Friday night with a lecture on discipline in the ATC. Over the weekend the cadets were given presentations on the role of a JNCO, leadership and leadership styles, and also presentation skills. The cadets also took part in Drill, and in particular each cadet was able to lead their own syndicate through a number of manoeuvres.

On Saturday evening the syndicates were given a discussion document, and they were tasked with preparing a 10 minute presentation to be given on Sunday in front of Sqn Ldr Martin Harrison and the rest of the training team.

On the Sunday morning all the cadets also had a chance to lead their syndicate on various leadership exercises which had been prepared by the staff. The cadets put into practice their new found skills, particularly in relation to giving briefings using the SMEAC system.

Each cadet has been given a written report by the training team and these will be sent to their Sqn commanders so that feedback can be given.

Flying Officer Simon Jennings commented “All three cadets from the Sqn and D/F performed really well over the weekend. This is a very tiring, but worthwhile course and I know that as well as the cadets, both Sgt and Cotton also gained a lot from the course. We now hope that both cadets go from strength to strength.


The pictures show the cadets taking part in the initiative exercises. Pictures by kind permission of Fg Off Keith Roper.

Flying Officer Simon Jennings RAFVR(T)
Squadron Media and Communications Officer, 487 Sqn