The Need

Often on Squadron and at cadet events there is a need to let large bodies of people know what is going on. Traditionally the brief acheives this. However as things change and new info becomes available this falls down.

Having a system where information is sent out to cadet's and staff's phones and updated as needed not only keeps folks up to date but exploits technology most already have at their disposal.

Sans-Internet

Many tools exist to achieve this however they almost all rely on an internet connection - both for the delivery tool and for the recipients. All too often cadet venues are remote and in poor signal areas. Also reliance on individuals funding data connectivity is somewhat of an ask.

This tool operates in a private, offline network which only people in the immediate area can connect to. This creates a tool not reliant on external services, building in a robustness — not only benefical in a training environment but mirroring industrial communciation tools uses in disaster and emergency scenarios.

Education

As a forward facing, technology embracing, organisation we not only should be exploring this technology but also encouraging and developing an awareness of capabilities and tools to be found in the defence and industrial landscapes.

This facility also exploits technologies many of the young cohort are learning at school and applies that knowledge in a practical, operationally helpful way. Great for reinforcing the theory learning and applying it in the real world.

The Computer

The mini computer called the Raspbery Pi is a cheap and very versatile tool which many schools and some Squadrons have at their disposal. Cadets typically have seen one or may even have one sitting in a drawrer at home.

These flexible computers can achieve a range of roles on Squadron from awareness of programing technologies to operational support.