SQUADRON COMMANDER

Flight Lieutenant Adrian Corfield RAFVR(T) has been the Squadron Commander since 1998. He initially joined the Air Training Corps as a cadet in 649 (Dursley) Squadron and worked his way to Cadet Warrant Officer before having to leave after 9 years service. He rejoined the organisation in 1997 as a Civilian Instructor before going back into uniform as a Royal Air Force commissioned officer in the Volunteer Reserves training Branch. In 1999 he was promoted straight to Flight Lieutenant and to the role Squadron Commander after the previous commander left. As Squadron Commander he has overall responsibility for the Squadron staff and cadets. He has specialised as a Range Conducting Officer, Weapons Instructor, Storekeeper and has First Aid at Work qualifications. He also manages the Wing and Squadron websites.

Flying Officer Andrew Parsons RAFVR(T) joined the Squadron as a Civilian Instructor in September 2000 before later successfully undertaking the officer selection course at RAF Cranwell and later the Initial Officers Course. As the Squadron Adjutant he has used his commercial skills from his civilian jobs to good use. He also assumes command of the Squadron in the absence of the Squadron Commander. He has specialised as a Range Conducting Officer, Store Keeper and as a Weapons Instructor. He has also completed the First Aid at Work course. His enthusiasm of the outdoors has resulted in his staff participation in Ten Tors training.

These positions are currently vacant. The Squadron could have up to two Squadron Officers.

Warrant Officer Lynn Parsons ATC joined the Squadron as a Civilian Instructor in September 2000 before later successfully undertaking the NCO boards to be appointed as a Warrant Officer. On appointment as her initial challenge was to undertake the NCO Course at RAF Cranwell with little service experience, however she excelled in the course and on completion was appointed as the Squadron Warrant Officer. WO Parsons is responsible for the safe and smooth running of parade evenings. In addition to her regular duties WO Parsons plans and runs the popular Squadron Camps at Buckfastleigh and has also been actively been involved in Ten Tors training. As a First Aid at Work instructor she assists in the teaching and assessment of cadets in their Young Life Savers course.

These positions are currently vacant. The Squadron could have up to two Non-Commissioned Officers.

The squadron could not run as smooth as it does without the invaluable assistance of the Civilian Instructors (CIs). The Squadron has a number of CIs who have a wide knowledge of experience and knowledge. Though the number of CIs appear to be higher than on some squadrons many are only available part time due to their civilian job commitments.

Mr Chris Dennis is one of the Squadron's longest serving civilian instructors having joined in 1998. He specialises in project work which up to recently was part of the mandatory syllabus training. However the importance of such works means that project work will continue to be part of the training. Mr Dennis is an experience radio control aircraft user and has built aeroplanes with the cadets and taught them to fly with the safety of a buddy controller. Mr Dennis uses his knowledge of aircraft handling to instruct cadets Principles of Flight in their aviation studies.

Mr Dave Styles joined the Squadron in 2006 having retired from the Royal Air Force where he served as a nurse. He uses his medical knowledge to instruct in cadets Young Life Savers courses and his RAF experience in several other subjects. Mr Styles is appointed as the Squadron Health and Safety Officer having completed the ACO H&S course.

Miss Sarah Danbury initially joined the Squadron as a cadet where she climbed to the rank of Sergeant before in 2006 moving over as a Civilian Instructor when she reached the maximum age limit as a cadet. Her experience as a cadet means that she has a wide knowledge of the academic syllabus. Miss Danbury is seeking to expand the Squadrons Duke of Edinburgh Award activities.

Mr Stephen Danbury also joined the Squadron as a cadet where he climbed to the highest rank for a cadet and was the Squadron's last Cadet Warrant Officer. He has a wealth of knowledge on the the structure of the Air Cadet Organisation enabling him to teach many of the subjects. His civilian job results in him being at sea for months at time.

Mrs Kim Danbury joined the Squadron in 2004 to assist in the general running of the evenings by providing office support to release other staff. Mrs Danbury has extended the role and assists in the teaching of cadets in the First Class syllabus. Mrs Danbury is currently away on two year overseas accompanied posting with her husband who is serving in the Royal Navy.

Mrs Kim Hyde joined the Squadron staff in 2006 after serving as a cadet at the Squadron for several years. While her civilian commitments means that she is not able to attend on a regular basis her experience provides a great asset for teaching the cadets in a wide number of subjects.

Mr Steve Trenouth has recently transferred from 1876 Squadron to 339 Squadron to expend his ACO experience. Mr Trenouth is qualified as a Range Conducting Officer and as a Weapons Instructor. He has a keen interest in the outdoors and has assisted in the training in the Wing's Ten Tors teams. He will also be expending the Squadron's Duke of Edinburgh activities if his transfer is approved.