Of all of the exciting opportunities available in the RAF Air Cadets, marksmanship training and shooting are always some of the most popular with cadets and volunteers alike. Learning how to handle and safely fire weapons requires concentration, self-discipline and attention to detail. 

Our cadets will have the opportunity to learn about a range of different weapons, from the air rifle firing at 5.5m, to the L98A2 Cadet General Purpose rifle firing at ranges of up to 300m. 

 All courses are taught by qualified instructors, with the focus always being on cadets learning how to handle the rifles safely. Cadets will also have the opportunity to undertake live firing on ranges, under the supervision of suitably qualified range conducting officers. 

Many squadrons will have access to ranges on parade evenings, and regular marksmanship weekends are run at military ranges around Sussex, Surrey, Hampshire and Kent. Although it may seem straightforward, there is a lot of skill and technique required to fire a rifle with a high level of accuracy. It requires focus, self-discipline, concentration and a very steady hand.

Shooting is a well-recognised sporting discipline, and was even one of the nine events included in the first of the modern Olympics in 1896. 

As well as undertaking a weapon handling test every six months, cadets will have the chance to earn marksmanship badges proving their skill on the various rifles they are trained on. As cadets improve their skills, they will have the chance to progress to more advanced training, and enter competitions – even competing against the other cadet forces or involving travel overseas. 

Marksmanship competitions allow cadets to compete on a level ground, irrespective of age or gender.