Over 20? Seeking a new challenge? Would you like to develop skills, leadership qualities and gain qualifications too?
All kinds of people make up our volunteer staff, coming from a range of backgrounds and interests. Obviously, if you have direct experience of working with young people or any relevant skills such as flying or gliding, you would be particularly welcome. These aren’t essential though, as we will train and support you at every stage.
That said, you’ll have some personal qualities that are essential, such as patience, maturity and responsibility along with an understanding of young people and their needs. You needn’t be an athlete, but a good level of physical fitness also helps to ensure you can keep up with the cadets!
Read through the information below and give us a call to discuss further, our contact details can be found here: Squadron Contact Information
Uniformed or Civilian?
The first distinction with our volunteers is where they are uniformed or civilian. Examples of which can be found below.
Civilian
Civilian Instructor (CI)
The most common volunteer designation in Air Cadets is Civilian Instructor – it’s a varied role allowing you to use your skills where they best fit. You can give as much or little time as you can, and you don’t need any formal qualifications – just enthusiasm that’s infectious.
Many cadets go straight into volunteer roles when they leave at 20 years old – often they feel that they can ‘give back’ their great experiences to a new generation of young people.
The joining process can be found here
Civilian Committee
As well as the obvious military element, there is also an allied civilian structure that effectively acts as the backbone of the organisation. Civilian Committees determine the running of the Air Cadets from squadron level through to representation on the Air Defence Council. Each squadron has one, comprised of parents and friends, its role being to assist the Squadron Commanding Officer, raise funds and ensure the Squadron maintains direction.
We have an active Civilian Committee and are always looking for more members.
Chaplain
While this post within our squadron is filled already if you’re a minister or priest of any religion you can apply to become a chaplain at any of our Air Cadet squadrons up and down the country. Further information can be found on the ACO website: Join as a Chaplain
Uniformed
Uniformed members of staff are responsible for the running of the Squadron and adherence to RAF policy. Being well organised is an obvious must, ideally with good managerial and administrative skills, and an ability to listen to problems and deal with them tactfully and appropriately. Of course, first you have to join as a Civilian Instructor and then have selection interviews at Wing and Regional HQs but we guide you through that… if you have the potential then we’ll spot it!
Our uniformed members of staff are grouped into Officers or Senior Non-Commissioned Officers (SNCO). An overview of the adult ranks can give you an overview of how the ranks work within the Air Cadets: Adult Ranks
The joining process for an SNCO can be found here
The joining process for an Officer can be found here