This Question and Answer section on personal safety advice for cadets and responsible adults seeks to answer some of the most frequently asked questions that arise from increases to the security threat and its implications for the RAFAC organisation. It is aimed to inform prospective Cadets alongside their Parent, Guardian or Carer.
Q. What is the current security level?
A. The National Threat to the United Kingdom from international and domestic terrorism is monitored by MI5 and their assessment of the threat is published on their website MI5 - MI5 Threat Levels. As the UK threat level can change rapidly, it is always best to check the website on a regular basis. Overseas security advice can be obtained via the Foreign and Commonwealth website - Overseas Security Advice.
Q. Are Cadets a target for terrorists?
A. We remain in constant dialogue with the Home Office and the Security Services regarding the threat to our Cadets. At this time, although the overall threat is dynamic, we haven’t been advised of any specific threats to our children but, like any youth organisation, we should always seek to be vigilant.
Q. What is the threat to my child?
A. All people who wear a uniform are at greater risk from terrorism than the average member of the public, simply by virtue of our position in society and the ability for the public to recognise us when in uniform. The distinction of who is a regular member of the military, who is an Adult Volunteer or who is a Cadet will not easily be apparent to terrorists, especially when we are in uniform. Advice regarding the response to relevant specific threats is available at - NPCC Stay Safe and supported through the citizen AID App – CA App. All Cadets will receive a briefing on these procedures within 6 months of joining the organisation.
Q. Is the threat the same everywhere in the UK & NI?
A. The threat to our people will vary considerably across the UK & NI, but despite this we should always be vigilant. Where a specific local threat is identified by the Police or Security Services, RAFAC personnel will be informed via their National or Regional HQ or Squadron Commanding Officer, who will explain to the Cadets and their Parent, Guardian or Carer what, if any, additional security measures are being put in place. They may also provide additional personal security measures in line with Government direction. We carefully monitor the threat against Defence Personnel and consult regularly with national Security Agencies. Our judgment is that the threat to cadets remains relatively low; however, recent high-profile events in Europe mean that public awareness and concerns are heightened. The best way to monitor the local and national threat is by using the ProtectUK App - ProtectUK.
Q. Can Cadets continue to wear uniform in public?
A. Cadets proudly wear the uniform of the Royal Air Force and this is an important part of our ethos. Where a Cadet activity takes place in public, Command staff will undertake suitable risk assessments to ensure that it is sensible for the event to take place, informing the local Police if necessary. Cadets will, at all times, be under the direct supervision of responsible adults, whilst conducting Cadet activities in public.
Q. Should my child travel to Cadet activities in uniform?
A. There are no restrictions on traveling to and from Cadet activities in uniform; however, you should carefully consider both the local and national situation, especially as Cadets can be subjected to unwarranted anti-social behaviour because they are easily identifiable. Whilst travelling to and from a Cadet activity responsibility for your child remains with you as a parent, guardian or carer - whilst they are under 18. You may wish to consider whether you would like your child to ‘cover up’ whilst travelling to their local Squadron (for example they may choose to wear a civilian jacket over their uniform and put their headdress in a pocket, or alternatively carry uniform to the Cadet activity in a sports bag and change on site). We recommend that Cadets do not travel on foot, cycle or public transport whilst in uniform and alone, especially in urban areas.
Q. Is there a risk from using social media?
A. There is always some risk associated with using social media; however, if your child takes sensible precautions, then using a range of social media sites should remain a perfectly safe activity. Good advice regarding management of social media accounts can be found at Child Safety Online - NSPCC. Care should be taken not to publish your home address or telephone number and Cadets should avoid publishing the date and location of impending RAFAC activities.
Q. What other precautions should I take?
A. Overall the key advice is to be vigilant and report any suspicious behaviour – Action Counter Terrorism FAQs. Take an interest in anyone at or near a Cadet activity. Discuss the threat in a sensible manner with your child. They should not be afraid, but they should understand that they have a part to play in helping keep everyone safe. If you or your child sees anything suspicious they should report it to through their Cadet Chain of Command or directly to the police. If you are threatened, or feel threatened, dial 999 immediately and explain that you are a Cadet, or the parent, guardian or carer of a Cadet.
Contact the Security team:
Please see a poster detailing the Run, Hide, Tell safety guide (PDF) in accordance with guidance issued by the UK Government National Counter Terrorism Security Office (NCTSO). The guide has been designed to provide measures to PROTECT and SECURE personnel and defines the Immediate Actions to be taken by all personnel in the event of an armed attack.