So you’re interested in joining the ATC?
A few things you should know about joining…

So, are you ready to take the first step towards all the opportunities and benefits that the air cadets can offer you? We take cadets from the ages of 13 to 17 (you have the opportunity of staying till your 20 once you’ve joined) and if you are over 20, don’t worry, as you could always join as an Adult Volunteer.

We welcome everyone, with no restrictions of Gender, Race or Religion. We’re a diverse organization and ensure everyone achieves the most they can during their time with us, no matter what their background. Everyone deserves a chance at the opportunities we offer, and as long as you put effort into the ATC, you’ll get loads more back from us. It's important to know that we're not a recruiting organisation for the Services (but it's great if you decide you want to join later on).

We're not interested in anything but you and your potential, and will help you get the most from your experience as a cadet. However, we are a military youth organization and not just a social club, so although we won’t scream and shout at you, we do expect you to be disciplined and maintain a good standard of uniform. Don’t panic about the uniform either, as we provide you with all the uniform you need. You may have to buy shoes through (although talk to your squadron before buying them).

Squadrons usually meet twice a week on an evening, as well as various weekend and holiday activities. Of course, there’s never a dull moment with a huge variety of activities such as flying, gliding, target shooting, adventure training, sports, camps, drill, academic studies and lots of other things. There's never a dull moment! The ATC represents amazing value for money, with squadrons charging subscriptions of about £2 a week (although it can vary). That’s amazing when you consider some of the activities you do free of charge, such as flying and gliding. On the subject of flying, we try to ensure every cadet gets a least one flight of 20 minutes each year, although there are plenty of chances to do more, even to gain your gliding Wings!

What’s in it for you?
Once in a lifetime experiences, every weekend!

We keep saying it, but the Air Cadets really is one of the most exciting organisations to be part of! The activities make the ATC what it is - activities that offer challenge, excitement and adventure and with a wealth of knowledge you can pick up along the way, through structured lectures and first-hand experience.

Being a cadet is about getting airborne through Air Experience Flights, soaring to success on gliding courses (earning the coveted gliding wings for your uniform) and for the most keen cadet who puts in that extra effort, the pinnacle of lying is the Air Cadet Pilot scheme, where you might even gain your private pilots license.

Who says everything has to be about flying? Many of our activities are planted firm on the ground in the great outdoors. Be it on the Duke of Edinburgh Award, a nationally recognised qualification that includes an expedition, or completing adventure training such as rock climbing and abseiling, there’s plenty of practical experiences available. How about spending 10 days in Cyprus with fantastic weather, swimming, sailing, and maybe even see the Red Arrows practice their displays (they train there)? All normal to a cadet of Staffordshire Wing.

Leadership training courses at a local training area in Swynnerton set you on the course to gaining leadership qualifications, which could see you take the extra challenge of Cadet Training Centre Frimley Park in Surrey. All cadet forces throughout the UK (and some from overseas) attend courses there. Really flex your skills and you could come out with a trophy for your achievements.

A key part of the cadet experience is your progress through the training syllabus. Set out in stages for you to work through, it enables you to open up more possibilities for activities, specialist technical training and rank promotion. In Staffordshire, all cadets take part in lectures and hands-on projects.

We expect a lot from you - it's a serious commitment to be a cadet - but once you've experienced it yourself we know you wouldn't have it any other way.