At the weekend, six corporals from 299 Exmouth Squadron Air Cadets undertook the Ten Tors challenge.

This is an event that sees thousands of teenagers embark on either 35 miles, 45 miles or 55 miles across what can be an unforgiving landscape. The atmosphere that surrounds the event is unlike anything else as everyone has the same goal, to complete it by 5pm on the Sunday, otherwise they are unsuccessful.

Training for this event started back in October with the first walk on Dartmoor since they completed 35 miles in 2022. With the experience they had from undergoing the training and event earlier that year we were able to push them harder than before. They were required to carry full kit from the first walk as we increased the distance and speed, mentally preparing them for the challenge. The team leader, Cpl Watson, was announced early on with the navigator and check navigator also appointed. This gave the team a chance to really understand their roles.

After arriving on Friday 28 April and camp already set up for them, they were able to focus on the task and rechecked their route ensuring all team members were familiar. They were then allowed to go to the Engagement Village which had stalls from the Royal Air Force, Royal Navy, Army, and others, including what is always popular with our cadets the noodles. On the Saturday morning they are woken up with Chariots of Fire at 5am which is the alarm for all. Once they had eaten a hearty breakfast and they had done a final kit check they went to the start. At exactly 7am they started and headed out in the fog.

Once they were on their way, we were able to track them as they went through the Tors or checkpoints along the route. These were posted online so the parents/guardians could also track progress. They were making good time to start which was always the plan to avoid the bottleneck at the first few Tors as the teams approached, before they spread out. As the day progressed, they were able to keep the pace up and by the end of day one had completed 32 miles which took 15 hours. On Sunday they were up and walking just after 7am and knew that they were nearly back at Okehampton Camp. At this point they had a few injuries which we found out when they were back, so the pace wasn't the same as Saturday. We kept track of the times through the checkpoints while packing up camp then headed to the finish line to cheer on those who were approaching the finish. They successfully completed the challenge at 3.14pm and were presented their medals by the Regional Commandant, Group Captain Fletcher.

This was an amazing effort and some of the cadets have expressed an interest in completing 55 miles next year which would give them all three medals. Let's wait and see!

We are recruiting

So, are you ready to take the first step towards all the opportunities and benefits that the air cadets can offer you? We would like to invite you to join a fantastic organisation.

It's important to know that we're not a recruiting organisation for the Services (but it's great if you decide you want to join later). We're not interested in anything but you and your potential and will help you get the most from your experience as a cadet.

Worried about fitting in? Equality is a central part of the Air Cadets' ethic. The cadet experience is open to everyone, so whatever your nationality, background, or ability, whether you're male or female, if you're between 13, or at age 12 when beginning school year 8 and 17 years old you can join us.

What's in it for you?

Aside from flying, sports, target shooting, adventure training and great fun. You'll soon find that being an air cadet is its own reward - you constantly see the benefits of your own efforts, building on your achievements and earning BTECs and DoE Awards. You'll be expected to take part in as many of the activities as possible, but with what's on offer you won't need much persuading!

We have high standards to maintain as we are a 'military' youth organisation, and you'll naturally take pride in your uniform, we supply that, and appearance. You'll be well mannered and self-disciplined. You'll be joining an organisation of which you'll be very proud.

What are you waiting for?

If you are interested in joining contact the Officer Commanding on [email protected]. We are holding a recruitment evening on Tuesday 7 June at 7.15pm. You must reserve a space where you will be shown around the squadron and be able to ask questions. Just come along and see if you like it - you don't have to join, but at least check out what you might be missing. Alternatively, you can visit www.raf.mod.uk/aircadets/