AAFC News

414 Squadron at AAFC Flying Fit

On Saturday the 12th of October, after 9 weeks of training, seven cadets and one staff member from 414 Squadron, Melbourne Girls’ College, participated in the Flying Fit Run for charity Soldier On. Soldier On is a charity that works alongside those who serve and protect Australia and their families, helping them to secure their futures. The run took place at Royal Australian Air Force Base Williams in Point Cook. 

The Headquarters team of Australian Air Force Cadets organised the 5 kilometre run for the first time in 2019, and 8 representatives from Melbourne Girls’ College proudly took up the torch and gave it a go. 

To prepare cadets who might not have much running experience, weekly training emails were sent out to guide cadets who had little experience in running to build up to the 5K. Finally, after 9 weeks of training, the eventful day arrived!

The run? Rigorous. Our legs? Hurting. Effort? Unlimited. 

Cadets from 414 Squadron proudly completed the non-stop 5k, joining friends on the way and meeting new cadets from all over Victoria. Overall the exciting activity way concluded with staff members giving out medals and an awards ceremony for the Fastest Flying Fit Participant, of which Cadet Edbrooke came first in her age group! Congratulations Cadet! 

Congratulations to staff member Corporal (AAFC) Slater and the following cadets who participated; Cadet Edbrooke, Cadet Howitt (Flying Fit Team Leader), Cadet Webb, Leading Cadet Huynh, Cadet Sergeant Hoban, Cadet Sergeant Watkins and Cadet Flight Sergeant Murray on all completing the 5k run in under 45 minutes. 

By Cadet Flight Sergeant Murray and Cadet Sergeant Hoban.

Annual Parade

On the 13th of October, over 30 cadets from Melbourne Girls’ College made their way down to the Royal Australian Air Force William Base in Point Cook to attend the aptly titled ‘Annual Parade’, run by 4Wing Australian Air Force Cadets. The activity included a Wing-wide Drill competition, in which 414 Squadron (Melbourne Girls’ College) was competing. 

The early day commenced with a long bus drive, but when we arrived at the grounds, 414 Squadron was excitedly optimistic about the upcoming competition. After months of practise and several weekend rehearsal sessions, we felt confident in our image and were ready to represent the squadron. 

With Cadet Sergeant Hoban calling the drill commands, the flight executed movements to the best of our ability, putting into practise our hard work. After the last command was called, 414 marched off the parade ground to a round of applause, eagerly awaiting the result of the competition. Cadet Sergeant Hoban won an award for the best calling for the flight, and 414 cheered loudly when they marched up to collect their award. Congratulations Cadet Sergeant Hoban! 

Some aspects of Annual Parade that was interesting was the roles that Cadets Sergeants and Flight Sergeants were able to take up, including the members in the ‘Escort Squadron’, position at the front of the parade ground during Annual Parade. Other aspects of the day included marquee stalls where cadets could learn about different career options/areas that are available to them. The Flight Simulator was particularly enjoyed by the cadets. 

Overall we thoroughly enjoyed the activity and can’t wait to attend next year to hopefully nab 1st place in the Drill Competition. Thank you FLTLT Howlett for the fantastic opportunity! 

Thanks to Cadet Bowden and Cadet Flight Sergeant Murray.