Join Us
Join as a Cadet
If you like what you've seen and want to try it for yourself, you'll need to be at least 12 years old and in year 8 at school, and 17 or under in order to join. You'll be able to find your nearest Squadron here.
We welcome cadets from all different backgrounds and whilst some of our activities are physically intensive, you don't need to be super fit. We also welcome individuals with disabilities and we'll work with you to understand which activities you can safely participate in.
Many of our Squadrons have intake nights, but will welcome you for an initial visit and then plan a start date with you. You don't have to attend a Squadron in a town you live in if you would prefer to go elsewhere.
Some of our Squadrons already have the maximum number of cadets that they can safely manage, so you may be asked to join a waiting list. There is a small monthly membership fee, which we keep to a minimum (as an MOD sponsored Cadet Force we receive significant funding from the public purse). To find out more, please complete the form below.
Cadet Membership Enquiry
Join as Staff
We welcome individuals to join us as staff. The rewards
from working with young people are incredible. You can understand a little more about how that affects our staff here.
Many of our staff team come from the parents or relatives of our Cadets or from the local ex-service community however you don't need a military background for any of our roles. In terms of the different roles available, the following options are provided.
Civilian Committee
Our Civilian Committees play a vital role. Each Squadron has a Committee, made up from local individuals with an interest in the Squadron. They raise and administer local funds which support additional activities for the Cadets, as well as support certain activities such as recruitment. In general our committee members are not responsible for directly delivering training to our Cadets, but are most certainly valued and provide key feedback and advice. The role is unpaid and usually involves a couple of evenings a month. A lot of our Civilian Committees are very social and great fun as well as productive.
Civilian Instructor
Civilian Instructors are individuals who attend our Squadrons and provide instruction in a specific subject or provide essential administrative support. Many of our Civilian Instructors are parents of Cadets and if you join as a Civilian Instructor, we'll provide the training you need and support to get you started. There is no minimum commitment in terms of time as a Civilian Instructor. The position is unpaid but approved expenses can be claimed. We simply could not operate without our Civilian Instructors and they provide a vital and incredible service to us. They are the staff appointment that Cadets are most likely to come into contact with and have a significant positive impact.
Senior Non-Commission Officer
Many of our Civilian Instructors go on to serve as Senior Non-Commissioned Officers (SNCO). Our SNCO team is responsible for drill, dress and discipline as well as providing subject specific instruction in activities such as drill and shooting. SNCO roles are uniformed and individuals are expected to commit to a minimum of 12 hours per month, however in reality you may be asked to contribute more than that. Expenses are paid and a volunteer allowance is paid up to a maximum of 28 days per year appropriate to the rank an individual is in.
Individuals may progress through rank from Sergeant to Warrant Officer dependant on their performance and input. Appointment is through local selection boards and successful applicants are required to pass a week long training course at our training facility at the Royal Air Force College Cranwell to have their appointment confirmed.
Whilst our SNCOs can command units where a suitable vacancy arises, in general they provide vital support to Commissioned Officers running a unit. Their impact on the Cadets themselves cannot be under-estimated. They are positive role models and sources of inspiration.
Commissioned Officer
Our Officers hold His Majesty's Commission in the same way as our regular colleagues. Officers create and drive unit policy and are responsible to the command chain for the safe and effective running of their Squadrons. Where an Officer does not command a unit, they may fill one of the executive posts such as Adjutant or Training Officer.
You'll have to demonstrate energy, leadership potential, the ability to command and a character which can inspire others. Upon appointment, successful applicants are required to pass a week long training course at our training facility at the Royal Air Force College Cranwell. Individuals are expected to commit to a minimum of 12 hours per month, however in reality as an Officer you will be asked to contribute more than that.
Expenses are paid and a volunteer allowance is paid up to a maximum of 28 days per year appropriate to the rank an individual is in. Individuals may progress through rank from Pilot Officer to Wing Commander dependent on their performance and input.
Civilian Instructors, SNCO and Commissioned Officers - Additional Information
All our staff who come into direct and regular contact with our cadets are required to complete safeguarding training every three years. As staff have access to service establishments, they are also required to complete MOD background security checks and pass an enhanced DBS check.
If you have not been resident in the UK for at least five years you may struggle to meet those requirements, so please talk to us early to avoid disappointment. In addition all staff are required to complete a one day induction course and are mandated to hold an in-date first aid qualification. We welcome staff applications from all different backgrounds and disability is in no way a bar to participation.