Find out about
SHOOTING
in the Air Training Corps
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Cadets at all levels of the Air Training Corps have the opportunity to participate in the sport of rifle target shooting, on either the .22 Lee Enfield's 5.56 L98 Cadet Rifle or the L81 Target Rifle

A "range" is a location designed so that people can take part in shooting under controlled conditions and ranges come in many shapes and sizes. Initially, shooting takes place with the target 25m from the firer, either on a 25m indoor range or a 25m barrack (outdoor) range. Cadets can aim to achieve various marksmanship qualification badges to wear on their uniform - see them at bottom of this page.

Cadets whom prove to be excellent marksmen, can go on to the Inter-Service Cadet Small Bore Competition at Bisley, against Sea and Army Cadets. The top 100 marksmen of this tri-service competition gain a Cadet Hundred badge, which some Canvey Island Air Cadets have gained in the past.

Safety is paramount with all ATC activities and shooting is certainly no exception. Training is an integral part of the system and each cadet is fully trained in whichever rifle they will be using before they shoot. Staff whom undertake shooting with cadets will have attended and passed a number of weekend courses with a Regional Small Arms Training Team (SATT) at either a Royal Air Force station or an Army camp, before they can do so. Courses staff can attend are:

Qualified staff have to have refresher courses every few years to ensure they maintain their qualification.

Each cadet also has an annual weapons handling test to prove that they can safely handle the weapon. Should they fail this test, they are given refresher training before they are allowed to shoot on a range.

Squadron Marksman

Wing Marksman

Region Marksman

Corps Marksman