East Midlands Universities Air Squadron - EMUAS

Leadership Development Foundation Programme

EMUAS students recently attended the Leadership Development Foundation Programme at RAF Cranwell.

The course, developed by the Tedder Academy of Leadership, aims to develop students’ understanding of the principles of Air Power, Command, Leadership, and Management.

Over two engaging and constructive days, the students took part in a combination of academic studies and practical leadership exercises.

The students can now bring these skills back to our Squadron, developing themselves and others further!

EX FALLOUT EMU

At the beginning of May, students had the fantastic opportunity to undertake an Air Power Study Exercise visit to York in order to explore the Cold War and the lasting effects it has had on air power. The APSE included stops at the Yorkshire Air Museum and York’s own Cold War Bunker. Exploring these locations allowed for discussion on how Cold War originated, how weapons were developed in the arms race and the importance of accurate intelligence and communications within the armed forces.

This insightful and impactful visit was well received by all and we hope to run more APSEs as we move forward through the year!

RAF GPOSC 26

Last week Off Cdt Bell took part in the RAF Group Operational Shooting Competition (GPOSC) alongside 4 other members of 6FTS. The week allowed Off Cdt Bell to gain the necessary qualifications to shoot at the event, including service rifle and service pistol certification.

The week also allowed for practices of match 47 rural contact match, match 49 urban contact match and match 52 pistol close quarters marksmanship. These matches are designed to simulate operational shooting with both the service rifle and pistol.

This was a great opportunity to integrate with regular service personnel and a very exciting week overall!

PUBLIC DISPLAY AUTHORITY AWARDED!

EMUAS would like to congratulate our very own Flight Lieutenant Rich Tomala who was awarded his Public Display Authority (PDA) this week by Air Officer Commanding No. 22 Group, Air Vice-Marshal Sharrocks.

We are now ready to support his Tutor Display across the country, alongside other University Air Squadrons, and can’t wait to get involved!

ANNUAL FORMAL DINNER

As members of EMUAS, Officer Cadets are given the opportunity to participate in our Annual Formal Dinner. This dining in night celebrates the achievements of the Squadron as a whole over the course of the last year, complete with several rousing speeches and a terrific atmosphere. Individual awards are also presented for various accomplishments across the staff and student body. This year we were fortunate enough to welcome the newly-appointed Commandant of the Royal Air Force College, Air Commodore Mark Lorriman-Hughes, as our Guest of Honour who took time to speak to members of the Squadron individually, as well as addressing the Squadron as a whole.

Our thanks go to the Guest of Honour for presenting our awards this year. The winners of which are:

A Plt Off Aimee Grey awarded the Edney Eyres Tankard.

A Plt Off Tahlia Banks awarded the Capt Albert Hall VC Trophy.

Off Cdt William Burton awarded the Ace Trophy.

Flt Lt Richard Tomala awarded the CO’s Sword.

Off Cdt Edward Gray awarded the Bragg Tray.

Off Cdt Joshua Loader awarded the Piston Broke Trophy.

Off Cdt Tom Crossman awarded the Alan Hawksworth Trophy.

Off Cdt Edward Gray awarded the Adjutant’s Cup.

EX OLIVE TORCH

At the end of March, one EMUAS student was fortunate enough to attend the International Forum on Peace, Security and Prosperity that was held in Palermo, Sicily. This was a multi-national event, with delegations from military academies across the globe attending. Luckily, each of the 15 UAS’ were also represented.

The week focused on peace building and leadership, whilst incorporating elements of cultural education in an area with such a rich history. This was a thoroughly insightful and important trip, discussing geopolitics and the international climate.

Off Cdt Kelsey, who represented EMUAS, remarked how fascinating it was to connect with and hear stories from the roughly 20 countries that were represented at the event.

Overall, this was a fantastic opportunity and an extremely insightful week.

Ex EMUMERE

Students recently undertook a 5-day AT expedition to the Lake District at the start of April. The expedition team was made up of 11 EMUAS students, with the goal being to gain valuable mountaineering experience. 6 of these students were also able to obtain their Summer Mountain Foundation qualification, giving them a pathway towards a Summer Mountain Leader qualification in the future. All students remarked how much they enjoyed the week, and we will be participating in more AT expeditions towards the summer!

JET BLUE SKIES

EMUAS students volunteered at RAF Coningsby last week supporting the Jon Egging Trust. This volunteering included helping young children to design and pitch their own Typhoon Display ideas, before ‘jetting off’ for a visit to the simulators where pilots from 41 (Test & Evaluation Squadron) demonstrated their displays in order to inspire the next generation! Before finishing the day out with a hangar tour of 41 Squadron. Our students massively enjoyed volunteering, and we look forward to continue our support of JET well into the future.

EX ALPINE SKI

At the start of February, six EMUAS students headed to Montgenèvre and hit the slopes for a massively exciting week!

This was a week’s long intensive ski programme, with students completing SF1 and SF2 qualifications. Under the guidance of serving military instructors, SF1 students, some who had never skied before, came home with the foundations of skiing and the ability to ski some challenging runs. The SF2 group focused on ski touring, and rewarding off-piste routes pushing them outside of their comfort zone.

The exped also allowed for greater cohesion and interaction between other UAS groups, creating amazing shared memories and friendships. It was an extraordinary experience and a highlight of the EMUAS AT calendar.

Following official announcements, we are exceptionally proud to a shine a light on our very own Flight Lieutenant Rich Tomala who has been selected as this year’s RAF Tutor Display Pilot.

Congratulations Sir, and we look forward to watching you in displays up and down the UK this Summer!