Before you arrive
Wear something comfortable and sensible — trainers are fine. Bring a drink. Come with a parent or guardian.
Join us
Three steps and you are in
You can join from Year 8, or age 12. No experience, no kit and no RAF ambitions required.
Can I be a cadet?
If you are in Year 8 or above, or aged 12 or over, yes.
- You do not need to want to join the RAF. Most cadets do something else entirely.
- You do not need to be sporty, loud or already good at anything.
- You do not need to buy a uniform — yours is issued to you.
- You just need to turn up, have a go and be decent to the people around you.
[TODO: confirm the upper age for new cadets, and whether there is a waiting list]
It really is three steps
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Get in touch
Send us a message, or give the squadron a ring. Tell us your name, your age or school year, and that you would like to visit.
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Come to a parade night
Bring a parent or guardian with you the first time. You will meet the staff and cadets, see what happens on a normal night and ask anything you like.
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Enrol
If you want to stay — and you usually do — we will give you the enrolment forms for a parent or guardian to complete, and get you started on your training and your uniform.
What actually happens
Nobody is going to shout at you, and nobody expects you to know anything.
When you get there
A member of staff will meet you both, show you around the HQ and explain how the squadron works, the costs and the commitment.
For the rest of the evening
You will join in with the cadets — usually a mix of training, activities and a parade at the start or end of the night.
The things everyone asks
Do I need to want to join the RAF?
No. That is the single most common misunderstanding about the Air Cadets. There is no obligation to join the RAF or any part of the armed forces, and most cadets do not. Cadets go on to university, apprenticeships and every career you can think of.
What does it cost?
Cadets pay weekly or monthly subscriptions towards running the squadron, and activities such as camps usually have their own cost.
Subscriptions: [TODO: subs cost and how they are paid]
If cost is ever a problem, please speak to the staff in confidence — nobody should miss out because of money. [TODO: confirm what support is available]
Do I have to buy a uniform?
No. Uniform is issued to you once you are enrolled, and you hand it back if you leave. You will need your own sensible footwear for some activities, plus the basics like a water bottle. [TODO: confirm anything cadets are asked to buy, e.g. boots]
How much time does it take?
The core commitment is the parade night: [TODO: parade nights and times].
Everything else — weekends, camps, competitions, flying — is optional and you choose what you go for. Cadets who get the most out of it tend to come regularly, but we understand exams, sport and family life come first.
What if I do not know anyone?
Most people arrive on their own. Within a couple of weeks you will know everyone in your flight — shared discomfort on a fieldcraft weekend does that.
Can my friend join too?
Yes. Bring them along on a parade night, with a parent or guardian each.
Is there anything that would stop me joining?
Very little. Cadets with medical conditions, additional needs or disabilities are welcome — some specific activities such as flying have their own medical requirements set nationally. Tell us about anything relevant when you enrol so we can support you properly.
My parents have questions. Who do they ask?
Start with our information for parents and guardians, then come and talk to the staff on a parade night. Our Officer Commanding is Flt Lt Barry Poulter RAFAC.
Visit us
Come and see for yourself
Message us and we will invite you along to a parade night. Bring a parent or guardian, wear something comfortable, and have a look around.