Middlesex & North West London ACF Parachute Jump

On the 14th of July, six cadets and two adult instructors from 21 Company, Middlesex & North West London Army Cadet Force (ACF) embarked on an exhilarating journey—Ex Little Devils, a static line parachute jump at RAF Netheravon. ACCT UK provided a £600 grant, giving each cadet a £100 subsidy towards the total cost, making this once-in-a-lifetime experience more accessible.

The adventure began on Friday evening, as the team travelled to Blandford Camp in Dorset, where they enjoyed a brief stay in the luxurious officer’s mess. The next morning, at 7am sharp, they headed to RAF Netheravon for an intense day of ground school training. The cadets learned crucial skills and drills, including various acronyms like TAP (Traffic, Altitude, Position) and how to perform the arch manoeuvre, which left many with aching backs.

Throughout the day, they were meticulously trained on handling potential malfunctions and other airborne scenarios, ensuring they were well-prepared for the jump. Despite the exhausting training, the cadets remained eager and excited for the upcoming experience.

After a good night’s sleep, the team returned to RAF Netheravon on Sunday morning for a quick refresher session. Within 45 minutes, they were geared up and ready to jump, equipped with parachutes, radios, altimeters, helmets, and jumpsuits. Following a final safety inspection by the Jump Master, the cadets were briefed on wind direction and flight paths.

Boarding the aircraft, known as the Badger, the team experienced a mix of excitement and nerves. The plane ascended to 5000ft, where a free-fall jump team exited, and then descended to 3500ft for the cadets’ jump. Two at a time, they moved to the door, received the command to “GO,” and leaped into the sky.

The parachute deployed instantly, and each cadet performed control checks before gliding towards the ground. At 1000 ft, they manoeuvred into their final leg, turning into the wind at 400ft to prepare for landing. All eight participants landed safely, exhilarated by the experience and eager for another opportunity to jump.

“The jump was an incredible experience. It all happened so quickly, but the training paid off, and we all landed safely. I’m looking forward to doing it again.”

Cadet CSM Adam Cichawa

The grant from ACCT UK not only helped overcome financial barriers but also provided these young cadets with a transformative and unforgettable experience, highlighting the importance of supporting youth development and adventurous training.