Target shooting
Cadets are trained to shoot safely under qualified supervision, working through air rifle and cadet rifle weapon handling tests before going on the range. Teams can go on to shoot at wing, regional and national level.
What we do
Most of this, you cannot do anywhere else on a Tuesday night
Flying, gliding, shooting, camping, climbing, competing and qualifying. Here is what being an air cadet actually looks like.
A quick note
These are the activities available to cadets across the RAF Air Cadets. What is on offer changes through the year, and some activities depend on age, training and availability. [TODO: confirm which of these 11F currently runs, and add anything we offer that is missing]
Air experience flying & gliding
This is the bit everyone asks about first. Cadets fly with the RAF's Air Experience Flights in light aircraft, and glide with the Air Cadets' volunteer gliding squadrons.
- Air experience flying in a powered aircraft
- Gliding, including the chance to work towards a gliding badge
- Learn the theory on parade nights, then go and use it
You do not need any experience, and you do not need to be planning an RAF career. You just need to want a go.
Adventure training & fieldcraft
Adventure training takes cadets into the hills, onto the water and up the rock. Fieldcraft teaches you how to operate as a team in the field — movement, navigation, shelter, camouflage and a lot of mud.
- Hill walking, climbing, kayaking and caving-style activities, run by qualified instructors
- Fieldcraft exercises and weekend camps
- Navigation and first aid skills you keep for life
Camps at RAF stations — and overseas
Cadets can apply for camps at RAF stations around the UK, and for overseas camps at RAF bases abroad. You live on station, see how the RAF works and get a week of activities you would never organise yourself.
- Annual camps at RAF stations in the UK
- Overseas camps at RAF bases abroad
- Wing and regional activity weekends
[TODO: typical camp costs and how places are allocated]
Shooting & sport
Two of the most competitive things we do. Both start at squadron level and go as far as you are good enough to take them.
Sport
Represent the squadron, then the wing, then the region. Air Cadet sport runs through the year across athletics, football, rugby, cross-country, swimming and more.
Leadership, DofE and qualifications
Cadets leave with things they can put on a CV, a UCAS form or an apprenticeship application — and the confidence to talk about them.
Leadership courses
Lead a team through practical tasks, then take on real responsibility on the squadron as you are promoted.
Duke of Edinburgh's Award
Bronze, Silver and Gold. A lot of what cadets already do counts towards the sections of the Award.
BTEC qualifications
Cadet training can lead to BTEC qualifications. [TODO: confirm which BTECs cadets can work towards here]
Classification training
Work through the cadet training syllabus — from First Class up — covering aircraft, airmanship, navigation and the RAF.
And the rest of it
Drill & ceremonial
Marching, bearing and parades. It sounds old-fashioned until you are the one calling the drill.
STEM & cyber
Hands-on science, engineering and cyber activities, with national Air Cadet competitions to aim at.
Music
Play an instrument, or learn one. Cadets can audition for the Surrey Wing Band and play at parades and events.
First aid
Recognised first aid training as part of cadet life — useful at camp, and useful everywhere else.
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.