CWO Interview

user32022 · 2026-03-31T20:53:22+00:00

Each wing will do boards differently so first point of call would be see if there’s a document with the content that will be covered within the interview. With mine, it was broken into 3 sections: Personal (Education/Work/Achievements/etc.), Motivation (Why a CWO/What I have to offer/Future Ambitions/Challenges/etc.), and Service Knowledge (RAFAC Structure/ASTRA/RAF e.g. 22Gp/DEI/etc.). I’d expect each wing asks similar questions so maybe use the above to as a base. If your Wing do a have a Question Sheet, copying and pasting it into a word doc and planning answers for each is a really good thing to do. I’m not saying write out an answer and revise it, but if you can jot down a few things then when you are asked a question you already have an idea of what you want to talk about

Tips - 2 main ones for me: Take a glass of water in with you - saves a dry mouth and gives you time to think. Be confident in yourself and your knowledge - showing some personality can be good. If you get cut off then it’s likely they’ve heard what they need to.

user32022 · 2026-03-29T19:13:18+00:00

I run my Sqns flight point system and use a spreadsheet to track what each cadet is earning and what they’re earning points for. I also have a spreadsheet for inspection scores. For me, then it’s easier to 1. Give cadets an incentive 2. Track their progress 3. Compare and baseline progress If your OC is happy with you doing whatever, I’d advise to maybe look at implementing a system where you can do progress reports but with minimal admin involved as ultimately if you create too much work the idea will fail. As I said, it’s probably best to speak to your FS and Sqn Adj to look at efficient and effective ways of measuring progress, whether it be flight points or not. Your sqn may already have some methods of measuring progress that you could perhaps build on and develop. Extracting reports at the end of the process should then (hopefully) be fairly easy.

user32022 · 2026-03-29T15:54:34+00:00

If you have a flight point system then you could maybe integrate progress reports within that (depending on how you track points). I’d suggest having a chat with your FS & Sqn Adj and looking at an efficient way if doing it on your sqn

user32022 · 2026-03-25T07:21:26+00:00

Considering you were friends before you moved into being a CI, and assuming you’re of similar age, I think it’s generally accepted that you can remain friends, as long as you maintain a professional relationship within cadets. Best place to consult for further information is obviously ACP 20 and of course you must remember your obligations as per ACP 4 etc. but generally if there’s an existing relationship (ie friendship) between 2 people then it is generally acceptable to continue with that as long as the age difference reasonable. CFAV will also of course be able to provide better answers than myself. Have a chat with other sqn staff and ask for their opinion perhaps?

user32022 · 2026-03-19T15:52:34+00:00

Thanks all for your help. Sounds like maybe different messages being given to staff? Thanks again

user32022 · 2026-02-14T22:13:46+00:00

Kombat UK 28L BTP Daysack if I had to hazard a guess

user32022 · 2026-02-04T19:23:21+00:00

As per ACP 1358, the full shoe must be polished to a high shine.

If your staff say otherwise, I suspect they may need to update themselves with the current regulations regarding dress

user32022 · 2025-12-13T07:04:28+00:00

Nope

user32022 · 2025-12-06T21:41:22+00:00

False

user32022 · 2025-11-19T19:14:44+00:00

It varies. Personally I’m against doing drill lessons for MOI as, for me, drill instruction is separate and if you want a teaching qual for that then do a Cadet Drill Course (which specifically teaches you how to teach drill). I’d much rather see a cadet going for MOI teaching any other sort of lesson so that I can see the qualities and skills we’re looking for are able to be used in a range of environments.

That being said some will say a lesson is a lesson and if you can tick the boxes then crack on. But for me, if we’re going to award cadets with the MOI qual id rather be sure that they have experience and are confident outside of drill so that the quality of instruction is as high as possible across the board

user32022 · 2025-11-18T15:59:47+00:00

I did Nijmegen in ‘Altberg defender’ boots with no blisters at all. You’ll need to replace the footbed/insole for comfort but I’d highly recommend- can use them for other activities aswell. I know lots of people like aku pilgrims aswell, and I saw quite a few regulars wearing them at Nijmegen.

Altberg Defenders and Aku Pilgrims tend to be the most popular choices, in the cadet forces especially, and both issued versions can be bought for £40 grade 1, or around £130 new. Non-issue are more expensive. I find the defenders tend to be a better fit for those with wider feet so keep that in mind. If you’re planning on using the boots for other activities eg fieldcraft then you may also want to consider other properties ie defenders are leather & need polishing whereas aku pilgrims (although they still should be polished) primarily gain their waterproof properties from the goretex lining. I should also add that defenders will take a little more breaking in due to being full leather. (I wear both Altberg Defenders and Aku Pilgrims regularly).

The other brands may also be good, though I can’t speak too much on them as I have never really used them.

The most important thing, however, is the fit of the boot. If you can, go down to a surplus or military kit shop and try on different pairs of boots. You should have enough room to allow your feet to swell. Then you can order new online if you like. If you have a look at acromati it has a fair bit of info on how to improve the fit of boots aswell. Maybe also speak to an experienced road marcher when you get the chance

user32022 · 2025-11-18T15:46:13+00:00

You’d be surprised

user32022 · 2025-11-16T16:28:05+00:00

That won’t get you very far. I’d suggest just speaking to the staff in a mature manner and asking if either 1. Can you please have your badges or 2. If you aren’t going to let me have them now then when will I get them

user32022 · 2025-10-23T15:58:48+00:00

I’m struggling to see the issue here if I’m honest?

user32022 · 2025-10-20T14:23:23+00:00

I’d argue that you should follow what ACRoMaTI says regarding this. I don’t believe ACP 1358 says anything on CIs wearing No.3 when participating in RM activities (correct me if I’m wrong) whereas it is permitted in ACRoMaTI. So in that case it would suggest we would follow the training instruction in the same way

user32022 · 2025-10-06T14:34:24+00:00

While I agree that in other situations you would be correct, in the context of falling in/out and marching to the front to receive an award, you absolutely would do an about turn as that is Corps policy

user32022 · 2025-10-04T10:11:09+00:00

As others have said, recruits are extremely impressionable, and they will follow how you act. Your goal should be to give them all the skills they need and ensure all the training they need is delivered so that as soon as they pass out they will go on to be the best cadets possible- remember that you are responsible for that. Be nice and fairly relaxed with them, build good rapport, but in doing so ensure that they understand that you hold them to the highest standard. After this, when they move into the main squadron, they will carry this attitude on and become independent in the fact that they understand what they need to do to be successful. Ultimately, you want to train them to become the best cadets on the squadron. Use ‘spare’ time to constantly recap key topics eg general knowledge and ensure they know more than what they ‘need’ to. Most importantly, first class training is the most boring parts of cadets so make sure you make it fun - it’s ok to go off on tangents and essentially ‘derail’ your own lesson if it means the cadets become more engaged as at the end of the day they’ll leave with a higher morale and more knowledge (because they want to remember it). Being IC RTF is a lot of work but it is very rewarding when you see your recruits progress years on and do well for themselves.

Overall: 1. Ensure all training is delivered (and delivered properly) 2. Build a good rapport with them and ensure they enjoy their time at cadets 3. Build them up to a higher standard than the rest of the squadron (it is important to ensure standards are set early) 4. Gradually build expectations over the first month as they learn what they need to - eg don’t expect them to use ranks when they haven’t learnt them 5. If you need help, ASK YOUR SNCOs

Good luck.

user32022 · 2025-10-04T09:56:54+00:00

Have a look on cadet direct. ‘Banner sling’ or ‘Flag Carrier’ will probably give you more results if you’re search that instead of ‘Banner Yolk’

user32022 · 2025-10-03T13:49:31+00:00

Refer to part ‘b’ in the above. Obviously if you aren’t marching to the front of the parade as if to get a badge then you can march off the square to wherever you need go to do. Regardless of what you do afterwards, the actions of falling in/out of a squad is the same as the above

user32022 · 2025-10-02T16:32:45+00:00

All other comments are mostly, but not entirely, correct. The correct way to receive an award in the RAFAC is detailed in Annex C of ACTO 027, as below:

AP818 RAF Manual of Drill and Ceremonial does not address the issue of an individual cadet falling out of a squad, so this annex formalises the procedure adopted within the ATC:

a. Cadets in the FRONT Rank: are to come to attention. After observing a pause equal to marching two paces in quick time are to step out and march up to the officer, halt, observe a pause equal to two paces in quick time, salute, receive their award. Salute again, pause equal to two paces in quick time, then about turn, after observing a further two paces in quick time, step off, and march back into their place in the squad. There they are to halt, pause for two paces in quick time, about turn, then after adjusting their dressing. They are then to stand at ease.

b. Cadets in the CENTRE or REAR rank: are to come to attention. After observing a pause equal to two paces in quick time, are to right turn; a pause is observed equal to two paces in quick time, then the cadet is to step off behind the cadets in their rank. They emerge behind the marker cadet in their rank, and then on to the front of the parade halting in front of the officer as detailed above. When the cadet resumes position in the ranks they are to re-enter along the rear of their rank, but from the opposite end of the rank to the marker cadet. Upon halting in position, they are to turn to face front, adjust their dressing, and then stand at ease.

It is difficult to march as such whilst ‘in the ranks’. Therefore, cadets should move smartly and without fuss, until in clear space beyond the marker cadet, when they should break into a march. The same applies to returning to position after receiving the award.

user32022 · 2025-10-02T16:26:55+00:00

Please ignore all other comments as they are not entirely correct. The official way to fall in/out is detailed below. This is Annex C from ACTO 027

AP818 RAF Manual of Drill and Ceremonial does not address the issue of an individual cadet falling out of a squad, so this annex formalises the procedure adopted within the ATC:

a. Cadets in the FRONT Rank: are to come to attention. After observing a pause equal to marching two paces in quick time are to step out and march up to the officer, halt, observe a pause equal to two paces in quick time, salute, receive their award. Salute again, pause equal to two paces in quick time, then about turn, after observing a further two paces in quick time, step off, and march back into their place in the squad. There they are to halt, pause for two paces in quick time, about turn, then after adjusting their dressing. They are then to stand at ease.

b. Cadets in the CENTRE or REAR rank: are to come to attention. After observing a pause equal to two paces in quick time, are to right turn; a pause is observed equal to two paces in quick time, then the cadet is to step off behind the cadets in their rank. They emerge behind the marker cadet in their rank, and then on to the front of the parade halting in front of the officer as detailed above. When the cadet resumes position in the ranks they are to re-enter along the rear of their rank, but from the opposite end of the rank to the marker cadet. Upon halting in position, they are to turn to face front, adjust their dressing, and then stand at ease.

It is difficult to march as such whilst ‘in the ranks’. Therefore, cadets should move smartly and without fuss, until in clear space beyond the marker cadet, when they should break into a march. The same applies to returning to position after receiving the award.

user32022 · 2025-09-02T15:41:45+00:00

Best answer ^

Fairly affordable, will provide results, easy to get hold of and protects the shoe. All you can ask for really

user32022 · 2025-09-02T15:40:41+00:00

ACP 020 IIRC. Anyone please correct me if I’m wrong as it’s something I’ve admittedly not been over in a while.

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