Duke Of Edinburgh Award (DOEA) & Millennium Volunteers (MV)

The Duke of Edinburgh Award itself is not a youth organisation. It is a programme of practical, cultural and adventurous activities designed for use by all agencies including the Air Training Corps having a concern for the development of young people. This is through a programme flexible enough to meet their enthusiasms and aptitudes whatever their background or culture, however plentiful or limited their resources may be.

Cadets follow their chosen activities, largely in their own time, with guidance from knowledgeable/qualified Staff in each subject. Minimum standards of achievement are laid down and when these are met, the participants qualify for an Award.

These minimum standards should be exceeded, where appropriate, in order to create a truly personal challenge. A badge and certificate are presented on behalf of The Duke of Edinburgh to mark an attainment, which represents the successful completion of a co-operative venture between the young and not-so-young in this way, barriers between generations are eroded.

In gaining Awards, young cadets learn by experience the importance of commitment, enterprise and effort. They discover a great deal about themselves and come to know the enjoyment of working with and for other people.

The Award is voluntary and entry is the cadet's free choice although at 2492 Sqn, all are encouraged. It is not competitive since individuals are assessed on their own progress, perseverance and achievement and Awards are within the reach of all. The programme is available to all young people whether members of a youth organisation or not. They may take part individually or together with others of their own age group.

This, is the essence of The Duke of Edinburgh's Award. Through a commitment to its programmes, young people will be acquiring self-reliance and a sense of responsibility to others, both essential qualities of citizenship. The Award Programme is a vehicle for spiritual, personal and social development and the overall benefits of the Award are therefore greater than the sum of its component parts. It is hoped that adults who help young people towards an Award will bear these aspects in mind.

The Air Training Corps (ATC) is one of the highest awarded bodies for the Duke of Edinburgh's Award in the United Kingdom. It is awarded on three levels Bronze, Silver and Gold. For each award the cadets have to complete Physical, Service, Skill and an Expedition (extra Residential Project for Gold).

Many of the activities that cadets take part in as part of their ATC training counts towards a Duke of Edinburgh Award. The Physical is achieved through a sport that the cadet takes part in anyhow or following a set RAF multi-activity circuit training course. The Service can be gained through a cadet holding a specific rank or working in the community. The Skill can be achieved through the ATC's examination syllabus for passing a dedicated subject. The Expedition is amongst the hardest to achieve as this requires a high standard of 'Campcraft' (camping skills) and Navigation. This is seen to be the hardest part of the D of E Award at any level due to the complex planning involved but is worth it in the end!

The Millennium Volunteer (MV) Award is gained through working the required hours within the community. This can be the time inside or outside of the cadet's ATC time. 2492 Sqn is particularly proud of the high level of MV Awards on the Squadron and the award badge worn on their uniform is a testament to this.