There has been an Air Cadet unit in Ivybridge for many years. However the original unit was for unknown reasons disbanded some decades ago. The Squadron has been re-established, initially as a Detached Flight, since 1992 and regained Squadron status again in 1993. There have been four Commanding Officers, two Squadron Officers and two Adult Warrant Officers since the unit was re-established.

Ivybridge is located in South Devon on the southern edge of Dartmoor hence the Squadrons name. Initially it was part of Devon Wing but following a re-organisation of Wings in 1999 it became part of Plymouth & Cornwall Wing. The Unit initially used local halls for parade evenings before moving in to shared headquarters with the Army Cadet Force unit and then onto it's own Squadron Headquarters on the grounds of Ivybridge Community College. The Unit was again made homeless in 2005 when the headquarters was removed to make way for building work. A search started to locate a suitable site for a new Squadron HQ during which the Squadron continued to parade in temporary accommodation at Manor Primary School and then at The Erme Primary School. A new site has been identified for a Joint Cadet Headquarters at Filham Park. Building work commenced on the new cadet centre in October 2009 and was completed late April 2010. On Friday 07 May 2010 some 5 years after quitting their previous headquarters the squadron paraded in their new headquarters at the Ivybridge Cadet Centre.

The Squadron is made up of RAF Commissioned Officers in the Volunteer Reserve Training branch, ATC Non Commissioned Officers and Civilian Instructors. Each are appointed certain responsibilities.

SQUADRON COMMANDER

Flight Lieutenant A Corfield RAFVR(T)

Tel: 07879 464657 (Mobile)  Email

SQUADRON ADJUTANT

Flying Officer A Parsons RAFVR(T)

SQUADRON OFFICERS

(Currently vacant)

SQUADRON WARRANT OFFICER

Warrant Officer L Parsons ATC

ADULT UNIFORM STAFF

(Currently vacant)

CIVILIAN INSTRUCTORS

Mr C Dennis

Mr S Danbury

Miss S Danbury

Mrs K Danbury

Mr D Styles

Miss K Styles

Able Seaman T Bunzuk

FLIGHTS

The Squadron's cadets are divided into flights to install competition. While cadets may remain in a flight for all their service it is sometimes necessary to transfer cadets from one flight to another in order to maintain a balance of experience and skills in each flight. The two flights are:

Tornado                                       &                                      Typhoon

CADET NON-COMMISSIONED OFFICERS

Cadets who have demonstrated key qualities may be promoted to Non-Commissioned Officer (NCO) ranks which mirror that of the NCO ranks in the Royal Air Force. Cadets can rise through the ranks of Corporal, Sergeant and Flight Sergeant to the highest cadet rank of Cadet Warrant Officer (CWO).

CLASSIFICATIONS

In addition to ranks cadets can be distinguished by classifications. After joining the Squadron as a Probationer cadets become 2nd Class following enrolment until they pass key exams. There are classification exams which allow cadets to rise through the classifications of 1st Class, Leading Cadet, Senior Cadet to the highest classification of Staff Cadet.

CIVILIAN COMMITTEE

In addition to the Squadron staff the Squadron is supported by the Civilian Committee. The Committee meet about every other month to make decisions on welfare and financial issues. The Committee is of vital importance to maintain financial independence for the Squadron.

COMMITTEE CHAIR

Mr M Cade

TREASURER

Mr C Corfield

SECRETARY

(Currently Vacant)