Why do expeditions?

An expedition is only the final stage of a process that will have started several years earlier. During this time staff and cadets must work together to plan and organise the trip, build and train the team, gain official approval and raise the finance

Once the expedition is underway, everyone has to work together for long periods, facing up to challenges and making key decisions as a team, with little or no external support. It only takes one unhappy, unfit or uncooperative team member to cause huge problems for everyone in the expedition

The key to a successful expedition lies in the six P’s familiar to anyone in the armed forces - Proper Planning and Preparation Prevents Poor performance (yes, I know about the seventh P...)

So why does HBWATG, which is already committed to running a full programme of courses every year, choose to do expeditions?

	staff and cadets have the opportunity to conceive, plan and organise their own expedition
	the “expedition experience” stays with team members for life
	an expedition works out cheaper per head than the equivalent commercial adventure holiday
	the skills and experience gained ultimately benefits cadets throughout the Wing for years to come through the group’s other activities
	a successful expedition reinforces the positive public image both of Herts and Bucks Wing and of the whole Air Cadet organisation

Wing Adventure Training Technical Officer: Flt Lt John Smith RAFVR(T) Web site by: Flt Lt Geoff Bowles RAFVR(T) Last updated 25 December 2001