Cadets at all levels of the Air Training Corps have the opportunity to participate in the sport of rifle shooting. Since the ATC was originally a recruiting organisation for the Royal Air Force it made good sense for marksmanship to be on the training syllabus. Shooting remains one of the most popular cadet activities.
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. As the firer advances through the weapons they will start to shoot at ranges of 100m or more.
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. Supervising staff are similarly trained to deal with any eventualities and to ensure that the range is run safely and efficiently. All rifles are fired from the prone position (the firer is lying on their stomach) at static, targets.
Shooting
The Weapons we fire....
Shooting Qualifications:
Squadron Marksman
This badge is awarded, by Squadrons, in all cadet shooting disciplines, air rifle, smallbore rifle and fullbore rifle and is the minimum requirement for all cadet shooting.
The most commonly used weapon is the .22 No 8 Rifle. This weapon is mostly used on an indoor range and can be used to gain the cadet the 'ATC Marksman Badge'. Learning about this rifle is part of the 1st Class training syllabus. The cadets are taught about the different parts of the weapon and how to use it safely and to clean it.
Wing Marksman
This badge is awarded, by Wings, in all cadet shooting disciplines, air rifle, smallbore rifle and fullbore rifle. This is the next stage of cadet shooting
The L98 Rifle is a cadet version of the British Forces SA80 weapon. It has been adapted so that it is safe and more ergonomically friendly for the cadets.
The rifle is a Bolt Action, magazine fed, single shot weapon.
The Rifle fires a 5.56mm round that is considerably larger than the .22 round used in the No 8 rifle and can fire a magazine of up to 30 rounds. The rifle is said to have a low recoil which makes it ideal for cadets to fire and train with.
Region Marksman
This badge is awarded, by Regions, in all cadet shooting disciplines, air rifle, smallbore rifle and fullbore rifle. At this stage cadets are getting into serious competition within the Corps
Corps Marksman
This badge is awarded, by Corps, in all cadet shooting disciplines, air rifle, smallbore rifle and fullbore rifle. When cadets reach this standard they are at the level where they will be ready to represent the Corps in Inter-Service Competition.
Cadet 100
The Cadet 100 is awarded to the top 100 cadets taking part in the Inter Services Cadet Rifle Meeting (ISCRM) held each year at Bisley. This is a fullbore target rifle meeting that involves cadets from the ATC, ACF, SCC, RMC and also cadets from Canada and Australia.
The Official Website of Ellesmere Port Air Cadets
1074 Sqn ATC
