AIR
CADET
Progressive Training Syllabus
BLUE BADGE
LOGBOOK
NAME
SQUADRON / UNIT
RAF Air Cadets 2020 Strategy
The aim of the 2020 Strategy is to give information about the future vision and
the development of the RAF Air Cadets. This also identifies many of the fun and
challenging opportunities that are available to you and how you can develop new
skills, achieve awards and take part in activities.
Progressive Training Syllabus Objectives
The new Progressive Training Syllabus has been designed to allow you to take part in
a wide variety of activities from the day you join the RAF Air Cadets. You can progress
through awards at blue, bronze, silver and gold levels and each of these will provide
you with new opportunities, will allow you to develop your skills and then achieve
recognised awards. Some of these activities will also help to build your confidence
and others will help you to work as member of a team.
As a new cadet, you will undertake training within the First Class Cadet syllabus and
this allows you to work towards achieving a number of blue level badges. These can
include; Basic Radio Operator and Cyber Awareness, Heartstart First Aid, Foundation
Level Leadership and a pre-Duke of Edinburgh’s Award.
You can also achieve a blue badge for air rifle shooting and a musicians badge if
you can play an instrument at Grade 3 level. Opportunities for you to go flying and
gliding will be available from the age of 13 years and 3 months and blue wings can be
awarded once you have completed some aviation training and have flown an airborne
sortie in an RAF powered aircraft or glider.
Once you have achieved your First Class Cadet badge and blue badges, you can then
start to look at what your next achievements may be within the Aviation Syllabus and
Progressive Training Syllabus. The highest awards at gold level recognise significant
levels of achievement and are either linked to instructor qualifications or nationally
recognised awards. These awards can include; Instructor First Aid, Cyber Specialist,
National Musician, Advanced Leadership, Competition Marksman, Pilot Scholarship
and gliding to solo standard.
Transition
The new training syllabus includes many new badges, but if you are a cadet who
already has some old style badges, you will be expected to change them for the new
badges by 01 April 2018.
Blue Badge Logbook
The aim of this logbook is to identify the blue level awards from the Progressive
Training Syllabus that you can achieve either during your First Class Cadet training
or at any other time whilst you are a cadet. Every page of the Blue Badge Logbook
lets you know about the awards and what you will need to do to achieve each badge.
Further information can be found in ACTO 28.
Where do your badges go?
209
40mm
R C A D E TS
AI
31mm
LE
ADERSHIP 46mm
7mm
27mm
40mm 40mm
35mm
15mm 15mm
Brassard
Centre
AIR
A
AD T
C
10mm
AIR
G
AD T
C
Jumper 10mm
One flying and one gliding badge can be worn on the left shoulder patch of your jumper.
Basic Radio Operator and Cyber Awareness Blue Badge
Reference: ACTO 73
Cyber Awareness
Description
As part of your First Class Cadet training, you should watch the Cyber video that looks at online
footprints, texting, sexting and cyber bullying.
Assessment
There is no assessment for this.
Eligibility
Any cadet undergoing First Class Cadet training.
Successfully achieved
Name/Rank Signature Date
Basic Radio Operator
Description
The aim is to give you the competence to use a radio for
general administrative duties and small exercises around your
own Squadron, using the correct procedures.
Assessment
There are 2 parts you must achieve:
• You must successfully complete the Basic Radio
Communications subject in the First Class Cadet Logbook.
• You must also demonstrate a competent use of a radio for
communications.
Eligibility
• You must have successfully completed the Basic Radio
Communications subject at First Class Cadet.
• You must also have completed the Cyber video training.
Basic Radio Operator and Cyber Awareness Blue Badge successfully achieved
Name/Rank Signature Date
Air Cadet Leadership Blue Badge
Reference: ACTO 85
Air Cadet Foundation Leadership Blue Badge
Description
You will be taught how to use the SMEAC (Situation, Mission,
Execution, Any Questions, Check Understanding) principle to
R C A D E TS brief a group of cadets and you will then put this into practice
AI by successfully leading 2 approved leadership exercises.
Assessment
LE
ADERSHIP You will need to complete the theory test followed by at least
2 practical tests.
Eligibility
Any enrolled cadet with a minimum of 3 months attendance.
Theory Test
This cadet has been instructed in the use of SMEAC and is able to use it in a theoretical setting.
Name/Rank Signature Date
Practical Tests
In a group of 4 to 6 other cadets this cadet has successfully led at least 2 practical exercises,
correctly using the SMEAC principle.
The cadet can undertake as many exercises as necessary to achieve this.
Exercise Exercise
Number Name
Exercise Exercise
Number Name
Practical tests successfully completed
Name/Rank Signature Date
Blue Badge successfully achieved
Name/Rank Signature Date
Pre-Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Blue Badge
Reference: ACTO 74
Pre-Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Blue Badge
Description
If you are not old enough to start the Bronze Duke of
Edinburgh’s Award you can complete this air cadet award.
Assessment
You will need to complete all 4 Sections and get them signed
by a member of staff.
Eligibility
Any cadet.
Volunteering Section
Requirement (Evidence – SMS) Start Date End Date
Attend 75% of Sqn parade nights over a 3 month period.
Requirement (Evidence – PiPE) Date
Participate in a fund raising, charitable or community event or project.
Details of participation:
Volunteering Section successfully achieved
Name/Rank Signature Date
Skill Section
Requirement (Evidence – First Class Cadet Logbook)
Complete mandatory parts of one of the following subjects: Achieved (tick one) Date
Principles of Airmanship
Map Reading
Basic Radio Communications
Expedition Section
Requirement (Evidence – First Class Cadet Logbook) Achieved (tick one) Date
Correctly complete the mandatory parts of Initial
Expedition Training.
Pre-Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Blue Badge
Reference: ACTO 74
Physical Section
Requirement (Evidence – Completed chart below)
Select any 3 of the Physical Achievement Tests shown below and show improvement over a 3
month period:
• Sprint - Run ten times between two markers, 10m apart.
• Ball speed bounce - a tennis ball using right and left-hand alternate catching for one minute,
rebounding - the ball against a wall or flat vertical surface.
• Trunk curl.
• Push up - all participants should undertake the hand/knee version or the full version by
agreement.
• Skipping using any foot pattern - number of repetitions in one minute.
• Single leg squat thrusts.
• Run - Run 100m.
Physical Achievement Tests Chart
Base line Week 1 Week 4 Week 8 Week 12
Activity
score Date: Date: Date: Date:
Sprint Time
Ball Speed No in
bounce 30 secs
No in
Trunk Curl
1 min
No in
Push up
1 min
No in
Skipping
1 min
Single leg No in
squat thrust 1 min
Run Time
Physical Achievement Tests successfully completed
Name/Rank Signature Date
Blue Badge successfully achieved
Name/Rank Signature Date
Heartstart First Aid Blue Badge
Reference: ACTO 8
Heartstart Blue Badge
Description
Heartstart is an initiative coordinated by the British Heart
Foundation (BHF) to promote and develop Emergency Life
Support (ELS).
Assessment
You will undertake Emergency Life Support (ELS) training over
a 2-hour period.
Eligibility
Any cadet.
Blue Badge successfully achieved
Name/Rank Signature Date
Aviation and Gliding Blue Badges
References: ACTO 31 / ACTO 32
Air Cadet Aviation and Familiarisation Course (FAM) – no badge
Description
This is an introduction to the basic principles of flight, aircraft instrumentation and airfield layout.
This will support the Principles of Airmanship subject that you will undertake during your First
Class Cadet training and will lead on to the Principles of Flight subject at Leading Cadet.
Assessment
This course is normally delivered through a PowerPoint presentation at a Volunteer Gliding Sqn
(VGS) or Part Task Trainer (PTT) site with accredited instructors. Upon completion cadets will be
presented with a certificate.
Eligibility
Any enrolled cadet.
Successfully achieved
Name/Rank Signature Date
Aviation and Gliding Blue Badges
References: ACTO 31 / ACTO 32
Aviation Training Package ATP Blue Wings
Ground training with consolidated flying training at an Air
Experience Flight (AEF).
Ground training with consolidated flying training at a
Volunteer Gliding Sqn (VGS).
Description
The Blue ATP builds on Air Cadet Aviation and Familiarisation Course (FAM) and introduces
further aeronautical concepts including:
• The primary and further effects of controls.
• Lift vectors.
• Airfield procedures and discipline.
Assessment
Training is in 3 parts:
• Ground school element.
• Part Task Trainer (PTT) element.
• Airborne sortie(s) to consolidate what you have learnt.
Eligibility
You need to be:
• An enrolled cadet.
• Be a minimum age of 13 years and 3 months.
• Meet the medical fitness standard for flying during the airborne part.
Blue A Wings successfully achieved
Name/Rank Signature Date
Blue G Wings successfully achieved
Name/Rank Signature Date
Musician Blue Badges
Reference: ACTO 123
Blue Crossed
Blue Lyre
Trumpets
Musician Badge
Musician Badge
Description Description
A musician badge A musician badge for
for a wide variety of the Bugle or Cavalry
instruments and can Trumpet.
include singing or
being a member of a
choir.
Blue Drum Blue Pipes
Musician Badge Musician Badge
Description Description
A musician badge for A musician badge for
drums. Highland Bagpipes.
Description
If you play an instrument, you may be eligible for one of these badges. The badges are awarded
on the basis of musical ability. ACTO 123 gives details of the evidence required and the
instruments that relate to the badges.
Assessment
There are 3 ways that you can qualify for the Blue Musician Badge:
• Pass a recognised music board examination at Grade 3 (practical).
• Provide an expert witness testimony (for example a school music teacher) that you play one
of the instruments listed in ACTO 123 to Grade 3 standard.
• Assessment by a competent person that you have demonstrated an ability to play one of
the instruments listed in ACTO 123.
Eligibility
Any cadet who can play an instrument to the required standard.
Blue Badge successfully achieved
Name/Rank Signature Date
Musician Blue Badges
Reference: ACTO 123
Authentication
Please confirm which of the assessment methods have been used and the source of the
evidence. Only one is needed.
Assessment Method
Passed a recognised music board examination at Grade 3 (practical). State board, instrument
and date.
Assessment Method
Expert witness testimony provided. State by whom, for what instrument and when.
Assessment Method
Assessed by a competent person. State by whom, for what instrument and when.
Statement
I confirm that I have seen the Certificate or Witness Testimony or have carried out the
assessment detailed above.
Name/Rank Signature Date
Air Rifle Shooting and Marksmanship Blue Badges
Reference: ACP 18
Weapon Handling Training – Air Rifle – no badge
Description
This training allows you to safely handle and fire this weapon.
Assessment
After the training you will complete a Weapons Handling Test and safely fire the weapon.
Eligibility
Any cadet.
Lesson Tick Lesson Tick Lesson Tick
Weapon Lesson 1 Weapon Lesson 2 Weapon Lesson 3
Weapon Lessons completed
Name/Rank Signature Date
Weapon Handling Test completed
Name/Rank Signature Date
Live Fire Lesson 1 Grouping completed
Name/Rank Signature Date
Trained Shot Blue Badge – Air Rifle
Description
This allows you to be competent in handling and shooting this
weapon.
Assessment
Complete Live Fire Lesson 2 on zeroing.
Eligibility
Any cadet who has completed
• Weapon Lessons.
• Weapon Handling Test.
• Live Fire Lesson 1 Grouping.
Live Fire Lesson 2 - Zeroing completed
Blue Badge successfully achieved
Name/Rank Signature Date
Air Rifle Shooting and Marksmanship Blue Badges
Reference: ACP 18
Marksman Blue Badge – Air Rifle
Description
This encourages you to participate in shooting to a recognised
intermediate standard of marksmanship.
Assessment
Complete Live Fire Lesson 3 - Marksman Test.
Eligibility
Any cadet who has achieved
• Trained Shot Blue Badge standard.
Live Fire Lesson 3 - Marksman Test completed
Blue Badge successfully achieved
Name/Rank Signature Date
Advanced Marksman Blue Badge – Air Rifle
Description
This encourages you to participate in shooting to a recognised
advanced standard of marksmanship.
Assessment
Complete Live Fire Lesson 3 - Marksman Test.
Eligibility
Any cadet who has achieved
• Trained Shot Blue Badge standard
Live Fire Lesson 3 - Marksman Test completed
Blue Badge successfully achieved
Name/Rank Signature Date
Air Rifle Shooting and Marksmanship Blue Badges
Reference: ACP 18
Competition Marksman Blue Badge – Air Rifle
Description
This provides a further challenge to you through participation
in National shooting competitions.
Assessment
• Complete Live Fire Lesson 4 - Elementary Application
Kneeling (optional).
• Complete Live Fire Lesson 5 - Advanced Application
(optional).
• Compete in a National shooting competition.
Eligibility
Any cadet who has achieved
• Advanced Marksman Blue Badge standard.
Completed Live Fire Lesson 4 - Elementary Application
Kneeling and Live Fire Lesson 5 - Advanced Application
(both optional) - tick
Live Fire 4 Live Fire 5
Competition Participation
Details of Competition:
Name/Rank Signature Date
Blue Badge successfully achieved
Name/Rank Signature Date
Progressive Training Syllabus
Once you have achieved your blue badges you can progress through the next level of
the syllabus and achieve bronze badges or other badges from the Progressive Training
Syllabus.
Produced by Media Service Royal Air Force College Cranwell
CRN-20170120-33_494
Version 1.1 Jan2017
