Recruit Training Camp 2026 – Day One: Uniform, Teamwork and Leadership RAF Honington - RTC 2026

Saturday 14 November marked the start of a busy Recruit Training Camp for the newest members of 863 (Thurston) Squadron.

Based at RAF Honington, the weekend brought together the practical skills, teamwork and shared routines that form the foundations of life as an Air Cadet.

Getting the basics right

After arriving and settling into the station accommodation, the recruits began with MTP uniform preparation. Wearing the uniform correctly, learning how to iron it and shaping berets were the first tasks of the morning.

These everyday skills are an important part of becoming a cadet: looking after your kit, taking responsibility for your appearance and understanding the standards expected of you.

Working together on the drill square

Drill followed before lunch, with another session in the early afternoon. Listening carefully, responding to commands and moving together were central to the programme.

Drill gives recruits a practical introduction to working as one group, where everyone has a part to play and the small details matter.

Sport and preparation for day two

The afternoon also included sport, providing a change of pace from uniform preparation and drill.

Team activities offer a different way to practise communication and cooperation, while giving recruits time to get to know one another outside the classroom.

With inspections and the final parade ahead, this was time to put uniform-care skills into practice and get kit ready for the next stage of the weekend.

Leadership after dark

After dinner and an exercise briefing, the programme moved outdoors to the station training area for the evening leadership exercise. This brought a different challenge to the first day, with the emphasis on working together, listening to others and contributing to a team task.

The exercise rounded off a varied day before the return to accommodation, washing and preparation for bed.

A foundation for the weekend -RAF Honington - RTC 2026

From shaping a beret to working as a team, day one at RAF Honington - RTC 2026 brought together many of the small but important skills that help a recruit find their feet. With squadron staff and NCOs supporting the programme, the weekend gave our newest members time to learn together in a setting beyond their usual parade nights.

Next came Sunday’s room inspection, further drill and the final parade — another full day in the recruits’ journey with Thurston Air Cadets.