As you become more experienced as a Cadet you’ll take on extra responsibilities and have further opportunities to develop your self-confidence and leadership skills. Formal leadership training is provided at the Squadron as well as at the following levels – they’ll test your mettle but this is where you can really get noticed!
Wing and Regional Leadership Courses
Typically two or three days long, aimed at training potential Junior NCOs (Cadet Corporals) and Senior NCOs (Cadet Sergeants and above). This will sort out the natural leaders and if that includes you, you could improve your rank.
Cadet Leadership Courses
There are three sets of Cadet Leadership Courses, which are aimed at 16 and 17 year olds. Each course lasts a week and ends with the award of the Cadet Leadership Badge if completed. The Army Cadet Force (ACF) runs three courses over the Easter period at Nesscliff in Shropshire and three courses in July at Frimley Park in Surrey. Very few places are available for this prestigious course, so be ready for some serious competition! The Combined Cadet Force (CCF) runs an Air Cadet Leadership Course at RAF Cranwell each July which is open to air Cadets from both the CCF and the ATC.
The Air Cadet Junior Leaders Course
Not for the faint-hearted, the Junior Leaders Course is physically demanding and requires real commitment and determination. The course, which runs from September to Easter, involves nine weekend training camps and an assessment week. A big step up from the Cadet Leadership Courses, the Junior Leaders Course is aimed at older cadets – you must be 17 or older in the year you begin the course. This course is only open to the Air Cadets and the CCF (Combined Cadet Force) and culminates in the award of a Level Three Certificate in Team Leadership from the Institute of Leadership and Management. This is the toughest but most rewarding of our leadership courses – make it through and you’ll have the makings of a very successful leader…
In addition to these formal leadership courses, the Air Cadets also sponsor Personal Awareness Courses at the Joint services Chaplaincy in Hampshire. These courses are aimed at you if you’re 16 and over and have demonstrated leadership potential and are designed to develop good citizenship skills. Although they are set against a background of the Christian faith they are open to everyone.
The challenge of teamwork and leadership is the ultimate test for a cadet and could be the greatest achievement of your time with us. If you aspire to be the best, we’ll help you achieve it.