Shooting
Cadets at all levels of the Air Training Corps have the opportunity to participate in shooting. Cadets start with classroom instruction and progress onto the 0.22 Mark 8 rifle where all commands are issued by the controlling Range Officer. In our squadron it is Warrant Officer Kenton. Who is joined by Training Officer Denton who is now a qualified shooting coach to help all the cadets get a high standard shot.

Luckily we have our own range attached to our building so we do not have to go far to shoot which is an added bonus to us.

From this basic proficiency level cadets can advance to the L98. Normally cadets will fire this outdoors on a 25-metre range but can also shoot on long ranges or in simulators. Cadets can gain marksman proficiency awards at the various levels open to them.

Types of weapons used:

No.8 Rifle - This weapon is hand operated, bolt action single shot, firing 0.22” ammunition. It was originally designed as an accurate match shooting weapon


L98 Cadet GP Rifle - Based on the standard army SA80 weapon, this is a single shot, centre fire, magazine feed weapon firing 5.56mm ammunition.
 

Safety is paramount with all ATC activities and shooting is certainly no exception. Training is an integral part of the system and each cadet is fully trained in whichever rifle they will be using. Supervising staff are similarly trained to deal with any eventualities and to ensure that the range is run safely and efficiently.