Who we are

Are you up for fun, adventure, incredible experiences and making new friends? Are you looking for something to give you the edge in life? Then welcome to the RAF Air Cadets. Better known as the 'Air Cadets', we’re a UK-wide cadet force with more than 40,000 members aged between 12 and 20 years.

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Squadrons
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Cadets
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Adult volunteers

We're sponsored by the Royal Air Force and can give you hands-on experience of activities and courses that will challenge and develop your skills to help you succeed in whatever you want to do. HRH The Duchess of Cambridge is also our Honorary Air Commandant!

The RAF Air Cadets is made up of:

  • Air Training Corps - The ATC is the RAF's cadet force, divided into six regions, 34 wings and more than 900 squadrons within communities around the UK.
  • Combined Cadet Force (RAF) - The CCF (RAF) is our section of the CCF which is made up of cadets from all three services, coming together in approximately 200 independent and state schools across the country.

Our aims are to:

  • Promote and encourage a practical interest in aviation and the Royal Air Force among young people.
  • Provide training which will be useful in the Services and civilian life.
  • Encourage the spirit of adventure and develop qualities of leadership and good citizenship.

...and there's one more thing - it's a lot of fun!

Ready for a challenge?

As a cadet you'll have the opportunity to do things that others only dream about. Want real flight experience? No problem. How about heading out on adventurous training and camps, sometimes overseas? Normal for cadets. Competitive sports, drill, shooting, music, abseiling, engineering projects? Our list of activities is long, varied and open to all cadets. Yes it's a challenge, but that's what life's all about.

Get a head start

We are not a recruiting organisation for the RAF but if you're thinking about a Service career, cadet membership will put you ahead of the competition. Many cadets go on to great success in the RAF (and the other Services). Around 40% of officers and 50% of all aircrew (including pilots, navigators and engineers) in the RAF now are ex-cadets. Research shows that they do better in basic training and stay in the Service longer than their colleagues. Likewise, if you chose a civilian career our research proves you can go on the great things…employers just love the skills and experience that air cadets offer.

Let's face it - where else would you be given the opportunity to fly solo in a glider or powered aircraft when you're 17? Whatever you do with your life, at the end of your time as a cadet you'll be self-motivated, confident and ready for anything.

What are you waiting for? Join us!

2497 (Cosford) Squadron

2497 (Cosford) Squadron was formed as an Air Training Corps squadron on 1st June 1971 under the command of Flight Lieutenant Pybus.

Since its formation, the squadron has had many homes at RAF Cosford, as well as having had numerous Commanding Officers over the years.

Adult volunteers

Alike with all squadrons in the RAF Air Cadets, 2497 (Cosford) Squadron is run by a group of volunteers who each have a variety of skills and expertise to offer. If you'd like to find out more about volunteering with us, please click here.

Giles Vince

Giles Vince he/him
Flight Lieutenant RAFAC

Lee Preston

Lee Preston he/him
Flying Officer RAFAC

Rob Lofthouse

Rob Lofthouse he/him
Warrant Officer RAFAC

Shawn Preston

Shawn Preston he/him
Flight Sergeant RAFAC

Barry Robinson

Barry Robinson he/him
Flight Sergeant RAFAC

Claire Pritchard

Claire Pritchard she/her
Civilian Instructor

Jason Pritchard

Jason Pritchard he/him
Civilian Instructor

Maddie Preston

Maddie Preston she/her
Civilian Instructor

Sarah Mincher

Sarah Mincher she/her
Registered Civilian Welfare Committee Member

Ryan Phillips

Ryan Phillips he/him
Registered Civilian Welfare Committee Member

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Ian Davis he/him
Corporal RAF

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Nick Gaulder he/him
Corporal RAF

Civilian Welfare Committee

As well as the obvious military element, there is also an allied civilian structure that effectively acts as the backbone of the RAF Air Cadets. Civilian Welfare Committees determine the running of the Air Training Corps from squadron level through to representation on the Air Defence Council. Each squadron has one, comprised of parents, guardians and friends, its role being to assist the squadron’s Commanding Officer, raise funds and ensure the squadron maintains direction. If you'd like to find out more about volunteering with us, please click here.

Don Rhodes

Don Rhodes he/him
President

Robert Parry

Robert Parry he/him
Chairperson and Trustee

Ryan Phillips

Ryan Phillips he/him
Treasurer and Trustee

Sarah Mincher

Sarah Mincher she/her
Secretary and Trustee

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Caroline Bowler she/her
Trustee

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Hannah Fairclough she/her
Trustee

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Mike Fairclough he/him
Trustee

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Lucie Pritchard she/her
Trustee

David Williams

David Williams he/him
Trustee