Each cadet that joins the Air Training Corps is taught how to safely handle the basic No.8 bolt action rifle upon their basic training, cadets will that be given the opportunity to fire this weapon on an indoor 25m range. The cadets will generally start with a grouping practice and with coaching by qualified staff will improve over time and possibly be given the chance to join the squadron shooting team.Each cadet is put through “Dry Training” once they start their initial training with the Squadron, during this they will be shown the No.8 rifle (as shown below) in detail and shown the commands and practices used on the range are also explained so that the cadet knows what to expect before they are allowed anywhere near the range.
Each cadet and member of staff MUST complete a Weapon Handling Test (WHT) before they will be taken to the range and allowed to fire live ammunition. They must then compete this test every 12 months thereafter.The No.8 rifle itself is a nice, simple weapon - ideal for training. The sights are simple iron-sights (as with all cadet weapons) and it operates with a manually fed bolt action. There is very little noise from the rifle, though ear defenders are always worn when it is being fired.
Once you are competent with the weapon you are able to start attempting the shooting award scheme, some of the more common awards are listed below.
Marksmanship Awards
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Badge |
Description |
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Squadron Marksman |
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Wing Marksman |
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Regional Marksman |
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Corps Marksman |
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Cadet 100 |
Once cadets have fired the No.8 rifle a number of times and achieved, they have the option to move on to to dry training on the L98A1 Cadet General Purpose Rifle or L98A1. The L98A1 is a hand operated, magazine fed, single shot weapon based on the L85A1 (better known as SA80) rifle. Cadets must pass a Weapon Handling Test on the L98A1 prior to firing and be 14 years or older. Once they have achieved that, they can go onto shooting the weapon on a variety of ranges.
The L98A1 is mainly used for “field shooting” which is essentially military shooting. Cadets also have the opportunity to take part in target shooting competitions (on the No.8, L98A1 and L81A1) at a variety of levels. Cadets from Durham/Northumberland Wing have competed in international targets shooting competitions and have had considerable successes overseas. Durham/Northumberland Wing has a strong target shooting team which competes at the national, tri-services shooting competition at Bisley Ranges. These competitions utilise the L81A1 Cadet Target Rifle which is a single shot, bolt action rifle and civilian target rifles such as the RPA.
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