It's never usually the same on any two parade nights at the squadron. Our training programmes are paced to give cadets variety, whist aiming to enable their self-development.

Of course there are regular patterns of drill, lectures, discipline, physical education, and housekeeping, as any cadet will agree. But amongst all this there is a sense of pride, respect, camaraderie, achievement, and responsibility.

The squadron has a typical attendance of 45+ cadets, with a squadron strength of around 60 members including cadet NCO's.

Attendances are known as parade's, so there are parade nights, where cadets come together at the squadron HQ twice each week, and other occasions where cadets parade, for example Remembrance Sunday.

For many cadets the reason for attending the squadron is for Air Experience Flights that become available 4 or 5 times each year. Competition for places is great, however selection is based upon fairness, attitude, attendance, and participation. This way all cadets have the opportunity to fly, and often take control, in tutor aicraft and occasionally RAF service aircraft. 

969 (St Helens) Squadron...more than ordinary!