Become a cadet

If you're raring to be an Air Cadet, here's the scoop: you can join at 13 years old, or 12 years old if you're already in year 8 at school. The cutoff age for joining is before your 17th birthday. Many cadets wrap up their journey around age 20, while some stay on as adult volunteers. It's all about the adventure that suits you! Learn more.

Become an adult volunteer

If you're 20 or older (uniformed officers can serve up to age 65) and have been UK-resident for 3 years, you're in the zone. Committing around 12 hours a month, you'll need to understand the needs of young people, bring patience, responsibility, and kindness to the table, and have a decent level of fitness – no Olympic feats required! Learn more.

Become a trustee

For the trustee path, 18 years or older is the golden ticket. Ready to make a difference? Let's do this!

Become a cadet

Ready to take the leap? We hold two virtual open evenings each year, usually in February and August. After that, you’ll apply and start with us either in March (for the February open evening) or September (for the August one). Each intake starts with 6 months of basic training before you graduate and really dive into cadet life! Learn more.

Become an adult volunteer or trustee

For adults, the doors are always open! We welcome expressions of interest year-round for volunteers and trustees—there’s no set start date, just when you're ready to join us and help make a difference. Learn more.

Cadet membership

Joining the adventure works out at a friendly cost of about £12 per month. These 'subs' are essential to keep the excitement going, regardless of your attendance frequency. After a 2-week "cooling off" period from joining, these contributions continue until discharge and uniform return, ensuring our squadron stays soaring.

Uniform

Uniforms are essential for the full experience. Two sets – Working Blues and Wedgewood Blues – are provided to cadets. However, you'll need to invest in a 'greens' uniform (MTP-PCS) a few months after joining. Don't worry, we're here to guide you through the process.

Other activities and camps

While some activities might have a modest cost, we work hard to make them pocket-friendly through subsidies for our cadets. We're all about inclusivity, ensuring everyone can be part of this amazing journey!

Our cadets sport three types of uniforms: Working Blues, Wedgewood Blues, and MTP-PCS. You'll be issued with Working Blue and Wedgewood Blue uniforms, but you'll need to get your own MTP-PCS uniform set, along with Parade Shoes and Boots. No need to stress – we're here to guide you through the process!

Before you get your official uniform, you'll need to wear clothing similar to your school uniform. If you're eager to show your squadron pride, we have branded polo shirts available for purchase that you can rock with confidence.

Depending on ability, performance and aptitude, for cadets with disabilities, medical conditions and additional needs to access Royal Air Force Air Cadet activities, reasonable adjustments are made wherever reasonably practicable.

To support and enable cadets with disabilities, medical conditions and additional needs to engage as fully as possible, risk assessments are made and collaboration with parents/carers is used to assess and develop strategies to further support and safeguard your child.