1039 (Gillingham) Squadron
RAF Air Cadets
1039 (Gillingham) Squadron is run by a dedicated team of adult volunteers, each performing their own role on the squadron.
All members of the squadron over the age of 18 undergo an enhanced criminal records check every three years and also receive regular training including first aid, health and safety, and safeguarding. Many have additional qualifications which allow them to offer a wider range of training opportunities and welfare support.
Officers in the RAF Air Cadets are appointed to a Cadet Forces Commission (CFC) and usually take a directing role on the squadron, although they are still involved in delivering training. Before being appointed to a CFC, officers go through an extended selection process to assess their potential leadership skills. They are required to attend initial officer training within 12 months of their appointment and hold an 'acting' rank until they have successfully completed this course.
Officers should always be saluted and called Sir or Ma'am by cadets.
Our current officers are:
Flying Officer
Alan Collins Rosell
Officer in Charge
Training Areas: Radio & Cyber, Vocational Qualifications
Support Roles: Media & Communications
Kent Wing: Mental Health & Resilience POC
L&SER: ASPIRE (D&I) Advisor
Senior non-commissioned officers (SNCOs) are usually more actively involved in delivering training than officers. Before being appointed as an SNCO, they go through an interview-based selection process to assess their potential skills and suitability. They are required to attend initial training within 12 months of their appointment and hold an 'acting' rank until they have successfully completed this course.
SNCOs are not saluted. Flight Sergeants and Sergeants should always be addressed by their ranks, while Warrant Officers should always be called Sir or Ma'am by cadets.
Our current SNCOs are:
Warrant Officer
Matt Bairnsfather
Squadron Warrant Officer
Training Areas: Adventure Training, Radio & Cyber
Support Roles: Deputy Officer in Charge
Kent Wing: Deputy Wing Warrant Officer
Flight Sergeant
Charlie Pearmain
Adjutant
Training Areas: First Aid, Shooting
Flight Sergeant
Dan Pearmain
Training Officer
Training Areas: Duke of Edinburgh's Award, Shooting, Sports
Support Roles: Health & Safety
Civilian instructors (CIs) do not hold a rank or wear a uniform, and do not officially form part of the chain of command. However, they can still hold positions of responsibility on the squadron and are actively involved in delivering training to cadets.
CIs are not saluted, but should always be called Sir or Ma'am by cadets.
Our current CIs are:
David Bairnsfather
Supply
Harriet Stokes
Instructor
Max Turner
Instructor
The squadron padre holds an important position within the squadron. Their main responsibility is to provide pastoral support to cadets and support their welfare. They can also take an active role in delivering training to cadets and supervising activities.
Padres are not saluted, but should always be called Sir or Ma'am by cadets.
Our current padre is:
Bernie Pinner
Squadron Padre
Training Areas: Junior Cadet Training
Kent Wing: Deputy Wing Chaplain
In addition to our adult volunteers, cadets between the ages of 18 and 20 take on more leadership responsibilities whilst continuing to benefit from the opportunities available to cadets. They are known as staff cadets. They are usually part of our team of cadet NCOs, who have displayed enthusiasm and potential, and are promoted on merit following regular assessments, reviews and interviews.
Staff cadets should always be addressed by their ranks.
Our current staff cadets are:
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