ROYAL AIR FORCE AIR CADETS

Our Organisation

Are you looking for fun, adventure, new experiences, to make new friends or even something that gives you an edge in life?

Then look no further than to the RAF Air Cadets. Better known as the 'Air Cadets'.

We are a Military Youth Organisation, sponsored by the Royal Air Force.

Our aims are to:

Promote and encourage a practical interest in aviation and the Royal Air Force among young people
Provide training which will be useful in the Services and civilian life
Encourage the spirit of adventure and develop qualities of leadership and good citizenship.

GET A HEAD START

We are not a recruiting organisation for the RAF but if you’re thinking about a Service career, cadet membership will put you ahead of the competition. Many cadets go on to great success in the RAF (and the other Services).

Around 40% of officers & 50% of all aircrew (including pilots, navigators and engineers) in the RAF now are ex-cadets. Research shows that they do better in basic training and stay in the Service longer than their colleagues. Likewise, if you chose a civilian career our research proves you can go on the great things…employers just love the skills and experience that air cadets offer.

Let’s face it – where else would you be given the opportunity to fly solo in a glider or powered aircraft when you’re 17? Whatever you do with your life, at the end of your time as a cadet you’ll be self-motivated, confident and ready for anything.

WHERE IT ALL BEGINS

All Air Cadets will complete their basic training; first as a junior cadet and then as a second class cadet once enrolled. The basic training syllabus will cover:

History and structure of the RAF Air Cadets (ATC and CCF)
The Royal Air Force
History of flight
Security
Drill
Map reading
Radio communications
Flying operations and
Expedition training.

Depending on your attendance and other activities, you should complete within 6 months of joining.

This is a mandatory stage - and we try to make it as interactive as possible. With out the basics, you will not be able to advance to other opportunities, as a majority of our activities and courses have an eligibility criteria.

On completing basic training cadets become First Class Cadets, gaining their first classification badge. The longer you stay in the Air Cadets, the more opportunities you can benefit from.

UNIFORM

You will be issued uniform on loan, free of charge, and you are expected to look after it as being a 'military' youth organisation, we have high standards to maintain. You'll take pride in your uniform and appearance and be well mannered and self-disciplined. Footwear is not included, so shoes or boots will need to be provided at your own cost.

THE NEXT GENERATION

JOIN 40,000 CADETS

Interested in being a part of the amazing things the corps has to offer?

With parental consent, contact us below to get further information about joining us, we have intake in:

September
March

Still not sure if you want to commit, no worries, we hold taster sessions, or drop by the Squadron on a parade evening for an informal chat. Please contact us to find out more.

join as a cadet

PARENTS

Still have questions? No problem we have you covered!

Still not answered then please do not hesitate to contact 1451@rafac.mod.gov.uk

FAQ