WHAT IS THE AIR TRAINING CORPS?

The Air Training Corps is a disciplined, uniformed, Youth Organisation which is Nationwide and is supported by the Royal Air Force(R.A.F.).

There is always a need for Cadets both male and female in the 13 to 18 age range. If you have an interest in aircraft and aviation subjects, and can spare two evenings a week between 7:30p.m. and 9:30p.m., the Air Training Corps would like to hear from you.

WHEN CAN I JOIN?

You can join as a Cadet any time after you reach your 13th birthday. After basic training, you can fly in R.A.F. Aircraft, shoot targets with a rifle, win sports colours and spend weeks away visiting R.A.F. bases. As you gain experience and prove yourself, you can earn the chance to help organise squadron activities and take on responsibility.

At 14 you can start tough adventure training in the mountains and glens of Scotland. You can win your ATC Marksman badge and start working towards the Duke of Edinburgh's Award.

By 15 you can go on to RAF Marksman, you have the chance to go to Bisley, shooting as a squadron, and if you win you can shoot for the Corps,- perhaps be one of the countries top 100.

At 16 you can fly solo on a glider and achieve "wings" on your uniform. Then everyone knows "That guy's gone solo"

At 18, you could be given the chance of being selected for the highest rank: Cadet Warrant Officer.

WHAT CAN I ACHIEVE FROM THE CADETS?

Everything you do with the A.T.C. is recorded on your ATC National Record of Achievement. There are also good chances of promotion if you work hard. - You will want to earn promotion - Cadet to Corporal and up through the non-commissioned Officer Ranks.

As an NCO, you have a big say in squadron operations. Also there is the chance to exchange with cadet organisations in other countries or quality for an RAF Flying Scholarship.

WHAT WILL ID DO AT CADETS?

You might spend about a month (two nights a week for around three hours) or so learning a bit more about the squadron, and you might even get to start your 1st Class training. When the Squadron CO feels that you're ready, and you're over 13¼ years old, you will be enrolled, allowing you to go gliding.

Once you've passed 1st Class you'll be able to go flying, shooting, and will be eligible to go on a multitude of courses (age permitting).  Once a year you'll have a chance to go to a UK camp, visiting an RAF station for a week, and after that you may get the chance to go to an overseas camp in Germany, Cyprus, or Gibraltar. You may also get the opportunity to take part in the International Air Cadet Exchange (IACE), through which you can visit other Air Cadets overseas, and have them visit you.

Once your an Air Cadet you'll also be able to participate in the Duke of Edinburgh's Award Scheme as part of the ATC.

You'll also get the chance to represent your Squadron, Wing, Region, or, if you're really good, the Corps in sports as wide ranging as Football, Rugby, 5-a-Side, Netball, Hockey, Cross Country Running, Athletics, and Swimming. All this and more if you join the ATC!

HOW LONG CAN I STAY?

You can be an Air Cadet until your twentieth birthday, or until your twenty-second if you make the rank of CWO.

DO I HAVE TO JOIN THE RAF?

No. Although it's highly beneficial when joining the RAF to have had experience in the ATC, it also serves you very well in later life outside of the services. Having eight years cadet service on your CV is always looked on favourably by Universities and employers.

AS AN ADULT CAN I HELP?

In terms of Staff, the ATC are always on the lookout for Civilian Instructors in the 22-50 age range who have an interest, or a special skill that would be useful, or who are prepared to be trained in such a skill. The ATC do emphasise that the Air Cadets is largely an unpaid organisation. We welcome all but have a particular shortage in female instructors given the rise in female cadet numbers.

HOW DO I JOIN?

You don't have to sign up for an RAF career to get the most out of the ATC.  Most Cadets are invited along to the squadron for the first time by a friend, but don't worry about coming along on your own. There will be plenty of people to make you feel welcome! See our contact details on our home page.