What Do Air Cadets Do?

You name it, there is a good chance there is an Air Cadet somewhere doing it! The only limitation is how much you want to do or achieve!

Being an Air Cadet requires personal commitment. There will be regular meetings (we call Parades). ATC Squadrons parade two evenings per week and regular attendance is expected so that you get the most out of being a member of the Squadron. There are of course exceptions, please feel free to speak to us if you believe this could be a problem.

Added to the evening parades, there is a full programme of weekend activities and events to keep you occupied. You are not expected to attend every event although the chances are that you will want to!

There are also courses and camps, held at RAF Stations, Country Parks and Military Training Areas as well as overseas bases that you can attend. You will discover more about the wide variety of activities and challenges on offer by exploring this site or better still, come and speak to us!

The great thing is that in addition to learning new skills and having lots of fun, at the end of the academic part of Air Cadet Training, you will be the proud recipient of a BTEC in Aviation Studies (equivalent to 2 GCSE's) or better still, the extra possibility of gaining a BTEC in Public Studies (equivalent to 5 GCSE's), all whilst having fun!

What Happens when I Join?

As a Junior Cadet you will join the Trainee's and you start your training from there. You will be known as a "Junior Cadet" until you pass your First Class cadet exams. You are not entitled to wear uniform from day one. It will be issued to you (in a basic form) if you decide to stay and after a few weeks have shown a certain level of commitment. You will receive the rest of your uniform (the Beret and Brassard) upon enrolment.

Your first Parade Night after your initial visit will see you join the Pre Basic Training program and you start your training from there. You will also receive a Security and Fire Briefing. You will join the Basic Training Programme at the start of the next subject so many things may appear strange at first but don't panic. There are plenty of people around who are there to help you. You will soon feel at home and part of the team.

The Pre Basic Course will run for between 1 & 3 weeks and equips you with all the knowledge you need to get you through your first months with the squadron. Once you join the Basic Training Class your course will last 14 weeks. At the end of this stage you will have successfully completed your Basic Training and will be a qualified First Class Cadet. You can then move on to further your cadet training.

Why should I do the best I can all of the time?

For cadets that show responsibility, commitment, a willingness to learn and common sense, there is the prospect of promotion. Cadets who are promoted can expect extra responsibility and training in leadership and management skills.

What about uniform and this drill and discipline thing?

The Air Cadets, as a military youth organization that sets itself and its members very high standards, including dress and behaviour. Drill is a vital part of encouraging team work and communication. The ACO encourages teamwork and communication and produces well disciplined cadets among many things.

Your uniform is provided for you; on loan by the RAF, and the only thing you have to buy are your black parade shoes and black socks. Uniform is there to make everyone look the same and give a sense of corporate identity and so can only be worn in a certain way that is laid down in the Dress Regulations, this is the same for your hair and personal appearance. Although this seems very restrictive at first, the regulations are taken from the Dress Regulations of the Royal Air Force. This along with the fact that the ACO is the public face of the RAF means that it is essential that these regulations are followed and maintained to the highest standards.

Drill (marching) is a vital part of encouraging teamwork. When a group of twenty cadets walk on to a drill square they are all individuals, but as soon as a session of drill begins the cadets become a team following the orders given by one person. Instead of twenty individual feet hitting the ground, there is only one bang this is result of practise and teamwork. Drill is also used to move cadets from one place to another in a smart orderly fashion. This shows civilians and members of the forces just how well disciplined the cadets of the Air Training Corps are. This section has been designed for everyone within the Corps and those interested in joining the Corps.

Cadets participate in various forms of drill, some of which include:-

• Foot Drill
• Basic Drill - Quick & Slow Time
• Banner Drill
• Ceremonial Parades
• Band Drill

Drill, dress & discipline is the responsibility of the SWO on a squadron. Once a cadet has gained a few years experience and has attained NCO rank, the cadet will pass on his knowledge and experience to other cadets such as instructing cadets how to participate in a drill squad, taking charge of a drill squad or flight or even taking a major part in ceremonial drill such as Executive Roles in Squadron Reviews or perhaps the Squadrons Standard Bearer at public and military parades.