THE SQUADRON

There has been an Air Cadet unit in Ivybridge for many years. However, the original unit was for unknown reasons disbanded some decades ago. The Squadron has been re-established, initially as a Detached Flight, since 1992 and regained Squadron status again in 1993. There have been four Commanding Officers, two Squadron Officers and two Adult Warrant Officers since the unit was re-established.

Ivybridge is located in South Devon on the southern edge of Dartmoor hence the Squadrons name. Initially it was part of Devon Wing but following a re-organisation of Wings in 1999 it became part of Plymouth & Cornwall Wing. The Unit initially used local halls for parade evenings before moving in to shared headquarters with the Army Cadet Force unit and then onto it's own Squadron Headquarters on the grounds of Ivybridge Community College. The Unit was again made homeless in 2005 when the headquarters was removed to make way for building work. A search started to locate a suitable site for a new Squadron HQ during which the Squadron continued to parade in temporary accommodation at Manor Primary School and then at The Erme Primary School. A new site has been identified for a Joint Cadet Headquarters at Filham Park. Building work commenced on the new cadet centre in October 2009 and was completed late April 2010. On Friday 07 May 2010 some 5 years after quitting their previous headquarters the squadron paraded in their new headquarters at the Ivybridge Cadet Centre.

The Squadron is made up of Officers appointed by the Queens Cadet Forces Commission and Non Commissioned Officers and Civilian Instructors all in the Royal Air Force Air Cadets each are appointed certain responsibilities.

SQUADRON STAFF

SQUADRON COMMANDER	Warrant Officer Mick Clifton RAFAC joined the RAF Air Cadets as a Civilian Instructor in November 2003 having served time in the submarine service of the Royal Navy and as crew member on seismic survey ships. In 2009 following a selection board CI Clifton moved into uniform as a Flight Sergeant before being promoted to Warrant Officer in 2013. In addition to his time at 339 Squadron, Warrant Officer Clifton has served at 2377 (Plympton), 197 (Devonport), 2339 (Plymstock & Mount Batten) and 2174 (North Plymouth) squadrons to extend his experience. Prior to his posting a Squadron Commander in October 2024, Warrant Officer Clifton was the Squadron Adjutant assisting the previous Squadron Commanders in administration of the squadron. As Squadron Commander he has overall responsibility for the Squadron staff and cadets.
SQUADRON OFFICERS	The Squadron is entitled to have two Squadron Officers in addition to the Squadron Commander. Flight Lieutenant Sue Gilson RAFAC transferred to the Squadron in February 2023 having previously served at 2377 (Plympton) Squadron. Flight Lieutenant Gilson is a qualified Range Conducting Officer and Weapons Instructor and has been given the portfolio of Shooting for the Squadron including the co-ordination of Skills at Arms training and practice and is appointed as the Squadron Shooting Officer. Flight Lieutenant James Gilson RAFAC transferred to the Squadron in February 2023 having previously served at 2377 (Plympton) Squadron. Flight Lieutenant Gilson is a member of the South West Small Arms Training Team, he is a qualified Range Conducting Officer and Weapons Instructor and has been given the portfolio of Shooting for the Squadron including the co-ordination of Skills at Arms training and practice and is appointed as the Deputy Squadron Shooting Officer.
SQUADRON WARRANT OFFICERS	The Squadron does not currently have any staff Sergeants or Flight Sergeants.
SQUADRON NON-COMMISSIONED OFFICERS	The Squadron does not currently have any staff Sergeants or Flight Sergeants.
CIVILIAN INSTRUCTORS	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 Simon Chapman joined the Squadron in January 2024 as a Civilian Instructor brining a wealth of experience from service in the Royal Navy.
SUPERNUMERARY STAFF	Supernumerary staff are staff who are posted at another unit but are attached to the Squadron either as a post holder in addition to their main role or for admin purposes. The Squadron has a number of supernumerary staff. Warrant Officer Jason Grange RAFAC has joined the Squadron. He is a qualified drill instructor and is also the Wing IT and First Aid Officer. He has numerous qualifications including Archery Instructor, Range Safety Officer and Fieldcraft Training Instructor. Prior to becoming a staff member WO Grange was a cadet rising to the rank of Cadet Warrant Officer. Warrant Officer Grange commenced his staff service at 781 (Newquay) Squadron in 2009 before moving to 335 (Saltash) Squadron in 2010 where he was appointed as the Squadron Adjutant. In 2017 he transferred to Wing HQ to concentrate on his Wing First Aid and IT appointments before his appointment to 339 Squadron on his promotion to Warrant Officer. Warrant Officer Grange has been appointed as the Wing Warrant Officer but remains as supernumerary staff to support the squadron. Warrant Officer Emily Edwards RAFAC transferred to the Squadron in 2019 having previously served at 1876 Squadron before being appointed as the Wing First Aid Officer, a role in which she oversees all First Aid training within the Wing. WO Edwards is also a qualified Drill Instructor and Duke of Edinburgh Leader. Prior to her Wing appointment WO Edwards was the Squadron Training Officer, she continues to support the Squadron in cadet training. Mr Adam Welsh joined 1876 (Kingsbridge) Squadron in 2020 as a Civilian Instructor and has been assisting at 339 Squadron as supernumerary staff.

FLIGHTS

The Squadron's cadets are divided into two flights to install competition. While cadets may remain in a flight for all their service it is sometimes necessary to transfer cadets from one flight to another in order to maintain a balance of experience and skills in each flight. The two flights are:

Lightning Flight         &                Typhoon Flight

 In addition to the two flights there is a third flight known as Sentry which comprises of a Cadet Warrant Officer and two Cadet Flight Sergeants. They are the link between the staff and the cadets.

CADET NON-COMMISSIONED OFFICERS

Cadets who have demonstrated key qualities may be promoted to Non-Commissioned Officer (NCO) ranks which mirror that of the NCO ranks in the Royal Air Force. Cadets can rise through the ranks of Corporal, Sergeant and Flight Sergeant to the highest cadet rank of Cadet Warrant Officer (CWO).

CLASSIFICATIONS

In addition to ranks cadets can be distinguished by classifications. After joining the Squadron as a Probationer cadets become 2nd Class following enrolment until they pass key exams. There are classification exams which allow cadets to rise through the classifications of 1st Class, Leading Cadet, Senior Cadet to the highest classification of Master Air Cadet.

CIVILIAN COMMITTEE

In addition to the Squadron staff the Squadron is supported by the Civilian Committee. The Committee meet about every other month to make decisions on welfare and financial issues, this means the Committee have a direct influence on steering the direction of the Squadron. The Committee is of vital importance to maintain financial independence for the Squadron.

COMMITTEE CHAIR

Mr A Grey

TREASURER

Mr A Lord

SECRETARY

Mrs Street