Being a Military Youth Organisation, we expect our cadets to keep pace with certain aspects of the RAF. Drill is an important part in the development of a cadet due to how often we attend formal parades; such as the remembrance Sunday. All our cadets are expected to be able to carry themselves in a smart and professional manner, and be able to participate in basic drill.

All cadets will learn the most basic drill moves in their first 3 months as a cadet, with the most focus being on static drill. We will teach our cadets how to stand on parade, saluting and moving on a fixed point. Like the saying “Don’t run before you can walk”, we won’t get our cadets to march before they can stand properly.

When you have demonstrated that you are able to complete static drill moves, we will up the pressure and get you into the more complex moves while marching. While under the watchful eyes of our cadet NCOs and Staff team, you will be taught firstly how to march, saluting, turning and how to change step.  Again, you will need to demonstrate that you are competent in marching drill before being put into one of out two flights.

Drill Competition

Time to see what you’re made of! If you are someone who becomes very good at all aspects of drill, then you could make the selection for our annual drill team. The Drill Competition is a short sequence of moves covering everything you would have learnt on the squadron. You will have to not only perform every move perfectly, but have impeccable uniform. We always place highly in the drill competition, so you need to be the best of the best to get selected.

Banner drill

Every year all squadrons across the UK are invited to partake in the annual banner drill competition. This competition incorporates all the drill knowledge cadets should have upon finishing training, as well as new moves unique to banner drill. A typical banner drill team will consist of four cadets, the most important being the flag bearer. Cadets will be taught how to manoeuvre with and around the flag, as well as being able to perform actions such as the general salute. Being part of the banner drill team is a highly competitive and prestigious achievement. Banner drill will not form part of a cadet’s initial training, but will be a constant goal for those wanting to test themselves and develop their knowledge of drill.

Continuity drill

The most complex style of drill is Continuity drill. It consists of all the drill manoeuvres cadets learn in their basic training, but is completed without any commands and to music. The Queens Colour Squadron is the perfect example of how continuity drill is carried out, and the concentration, memory and determination that is required. All cadets can trial for our continuity drill team, but must have the determination reach the high standards required.