Joining Instructions

You will be sent a set of joining instructions once you have booked your course.  These will include directions on how to get to the course, when and what general equipment you'll need.  The dress for all courses is No2 (dark blue) uniform as issued and to be worn in accordance with local standing orders.  You must bring notepaper, a clipboard and a pen to all courses and, for a comms course there are also specific items you need to be aware of.

VHF/UHF Operator's Certificate (one day) Course

For the one day course you will need a pullover and Jeltex waterproof jacket.  Some parts of the course take place outside and you need to allow for poor weather conditions.  In the event of rain, the 'wet weather' programme operates - it's the same as the 'dry weather' programme but you get wet as well.

You would be well advised to bring a copy of ACP31 vol 6 Basic Communications if you're at all shaky on things like the Phonetic Alphabet or Voice Procedures which you were taught during your First Class training.

Internet (one day) Course

The Internet module is almost entirely practical work carried out on a computer.  You will need to bring along a fully charged internet enabled laptop for this.  The software you'll need will be provided but you should bring along plenty of material about your squadron & its activities and a wide range of photographs.  This material will need to be in digital format; on a CD or USB stick.  Make sure your CD or USB reader is functioning properly.  When you apply for the course you must also provide a working email address that you will monitor regularly in the lead-up to the course and on the day.  Make sure you know the password!

Before you arrive you should read the 'Internet Pre-Reading' document from the downloads section of this site.

Weekend (two day) Course

There is a lot of practical work involved and you must bring along a set of coveralls to wear over your uniform.  These must cover your arms and legs as well as your clothing to protect you from things such as hot solder splashes and the sharp wit of your instructors.

Two of the modules are examination subjects and you will need copies of ACP35 vol 3 Radio & Radar and ACP35 vol 4 Satellite Communications.

The Internet module is almost entirely practical work carried out on a computer.  You will need to bring along a fully charged internet enabled laptop for this.  The software you'll need will be provided but you should bring along plenty of material about your squadron & its activities and a wide range of photographs.  This material will need to be in digital format; on a CD or USB stick.  Make sure your CD or USB reader is functioning properly.  When you apply for the course you must also provide a working email address that you will monitor regularly in the lead-up to the course.

GENERAL NOTE

Your squadron Training Officer will be able to supply copies of the ACPs mentioned above but make sure you give them plenty of notice. It is perfectly acceptable to have them in electronic format such as on your laptop, iPad or Kindle and, if this is what you choose, get your training Officer to give you all the other ACPs in the same format; they'll be very useful throughout your cadet career.  If you prefer, you can download copies from this website. 

In any event, make sure you read the ACPs before your arrival.