With 2025 in full swing, 2286 (Coventry Arden) Squadron wasted no time launching into an action-packed start to the year! From leadership training to cyber security and even afternoon tea, January has been filled with notable achievements, new experiences, and a glimpse of the exciting year ahead.
A Strong Start
We kicked things off early in the month with a voluntary Squadron HQ cleanup—because what better way to start the year than with a fresh, organised space? Our first official night back on the 7th saw a Commanding Officer's Inspection and a full Squadron Council meeting, where Team 2286 put forward a fantastic range of ideas and goals for 2025. From climbing to eSports and airshows, the enthusiasm was sky-high—though we may have to let go of the dream of shark wrestling!
The annual briefings on the 10th covered vital topics like security, safeguarding, health & safety, and climatic risks, ensuring our cadets are equipped with the knowledge they need. Cadets then delved deeper into some of the ideas from the Council meeting, exploring the logistics of bringing their ambitions to life.
January was a month of activity, with cadets participating in Blue and Bronze Road Marching on the 11th and 12th, building endurance and teamwork with the Warwickshire & Birmingham Road Marching Team. The team is working towards the WARMA road march in the spring, pushing their limits as they prepare for this major challenge.
Challenges & Cyber
On the 14th, the Squadron hosted an afternoon tea challenge, where cadets put their cooking skills to the test and welcomed some very familiar-looking ‘VIP’ guests. This event encouraged teamwork, hospitality, and creativity, with cadets working under time pressure to produce the best selection of refreshments. It was a fantastic opportunity for them to engage with guests in a relaxed setting while showing off their culinary abilities.
Friday 17th saw Phase One cadets return to normal training in preparation for their upcoming test night, while the rest of the Squadron tackled puzzles and open-source intelligence (OSINT) challenges, mirroring real-world security work. OSINT involves gathering publicly available information—such as search engine data, social media, and online mapping—to solve complex security questions. While our cadets worked on fun puzzles about pandas and train stations, these same techniques are used in the real world to investigate cyber threats, track criminal activity, and support national security efforts. Cyber security is a growing area of focus for RAFAC, equipping cadets with vital skills in digital resilience and online safety.
That weekend, we hosted the Wing’s first-ever Bronze Cyberspace weekend, providing cadets with hands-on experience on the radio and in the digital realm. Through a combination of practical challenges and theory, they explored areas such as coding, ethical hacking, and cyber defence strategies, whereas on the radio side, they developed their skills on the air. Meanwhile, other cadets attended Wing Band training, sharpening their musical skills ahead of next month’s ATC Sunday concert. The weekend was a perfect example of the wide variety of opportunities RAFAC has to offer, catering to a diverse range of interests and skills.
Leadership & Learning
Later in the month, senior cadets took on a debating challenge, exploring thought-provoking topics such as ‘Does the route to success matter as long as you get there?’ and ‘Does public safety outweigh personal privacy?’ These debates are part of our monthly ‘Ethics & Philosophy’ sessions, which replace the traditional ‘Padre’s Hour’ with group discussions on morality, ethics, current affairs, and moral dilemmas. Meanwhile, Phase One cadets undertook final revision for their test night, and Phase Two cadets worked hard preparing ahead of their upcoming Test Week.
On the 26th, intake 24/03 took their Test Night, demonstrating all they’ve learned about drill, uniform, RAFAC history, structure and more. The same evening, we held our first Open Evening of the year, welcoming a fantastic new intake of recruits (25/01) and giving potential cadets and their families an insight into Squadron life.
That weekend, we ran a 2286-1368 Bronze Leadership course, challenging cadets through both classroom-based theory and practical leadership exercises. It was also a milestone moment for two of our cadets who took to the skies for their very first flights, earning their Blue Aviation badges after completing flying operations training and flight simulator part-task training at the Squadron, and one of our cadets spent the weekend outdoors, enjoying a Fieldcraft development day with 121 Squadron.
To round out an outstanding month, we hit a record number of PTS badges facilitated and awarded—over 60 in just one month! Meanwhile, CWO O’Connell completed his final IACE interview, and we’re eagerly awaiting news on whether he’ll be representing the RAFAC overseas this summer.
New Faces & Fresh Goals: Week 5 & Conclusion
As the month came to a close, we welcomed our newest intake (25/01), while senior cadets honed their presentation skills and junior cadets refined their drill work ahead of their next milestones. And, of course, we ended the month with our usual sports night—an evening of fitness, fun, and friendly competition!
There’s never a dull moment at 2286, and if you’re looking to be part of an exciting and rewarding experience, now’s your chance! Our latest intake started on the 25th, but there are still a few spaces left for a short time. If you’re ready to take on new challenges, learn valuable skills, and be part of something amazing, email oc.2286@rafac.mod.gov.uk as soon as possible!
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