Shooting and Armaments Compliance Officer
Squadron Leader Adam Tonks has joined the Region from West Mercian Wing ATC where he was the Shooting Officer. He led frequent shooting activities which grew the enthusiasm for shooting in the Wing.
Squadron Leader Tonks started as a cadet over 20 years ago at 63 (Bridgnorth) Sqn Air Cadets, being promoted through to Cadet Warrant Officer. As a cadet he developed a passion for shooting, achieving the equivalent of the competition marksmanship award.
After a sabbatical to Australia, Sqn Ldr Tonks returned to 63 (Bridgnorth) Squadron as a Civilian Instructor, taking on the Adjutant and DofE Leader roles. In 2010 he was successful in his Officer selection and transferred as Pilot Officer to 83 (St Georges) Squadron as Adjutant. He then was appointed Officer Commanding 2379 Dawley Squadron – Air Training Corps. and West Mercian Wing ATC Bader Point of Contact.
Sqn Ldr Tonks took a brief break in service to focus on long distance learning with the Open University.He then returned as Training Officer at 28 (Shawbury) Squadron, before shortly taking over as Officer Commanding. Whilst at Shawbury squadron, Sqn Ldr Tonks took the lead to organise sector shooting activities at RAF Shawbury.
Following the success of the sector shoots, Sqn Ldr Tonks was appointed as Deputy Shooting Officer for West Mercian Wing, where he focused on organising Wing wide cadet and staff shooting development weekends.
After six months as Deputy, Sqn Ldr Tonks was appointed as Shooting Officer for West Mercian Wing. He assumed additional responsibility for the auditing and issuing of armaments and ammunition for squadrons within the Wing. .Across RAFAC, shooting hubs were introduced, and within West Mercian Wing, Sqn Ldr Tonks lead the implementation.
