AIR CADETS

Auckland Star, Volume LXXVI, Issue 40, 16 February 1945, Page 6

AIR CADETS

REQUIRED IN FUTURE

REVISED PROGRAMME

PA. WELLINGTON, Thursday. "The Air Training Corps will in future, more than ever" before, be regarded as a vital source of supply of Royal New Zealand Air Force trainees." said the Minister of Defence, Mr. Jones, to-night, when giving details of a new programme. He said the Air Force could absorb the whole training output of the A.T.C., and the cadet training programme was being modified with this end in view. Aircrew volunteers would be brought up to the aircrew entrance examination standard, and would then be permitted to wear the light blue flash in their A.T.C. caps. On mobilisation, these cadets would proceed direct to the grading school at Taieri, where flying would begin. The consent of parents was, of course, necessary before a cadet could be mobilised. Mr. Jones said that during the coming year the training programme would include many practical exercises by cadets. Air and Army cooperation exercises were being organised which would give cadets actual experience of aerodrome and operations control methods, signalling and general service organisation. Those training for technical ground trades would also have the benefit wherever possible of practical work.

"The value of the A.TiC. may be demonstrated by the fact that more than 3000 former cadets are serving with the R.N.Z.A.F.," said the Minister. "Many are now overseas. Their A.T.C. training has proved a splendid asset and has reduced training wastage. Thousands of young men have been assisted in developing their abilities and latent powers of leadership during an important period of their lives. "For the coming year, therefore, the A.T.C. will be 'flat out' to give cadets the most useful start possible toward a service career. : The Air Force wants all the A.T.C. can train for service in the Pacific, and that is a worthwhile incentive for everyone."