• Skip to main navigation
  • Skip to page content

Air Cadets

  • Central RAF Air Cadets website
Join as a cadet
  • Air Cadets Home
  • Who we are
  • What we do
    • FLYING AND GLIDING
    • ADVENTUROUS TRAINING
    • SHOOTING
    • DUKE OF EDINBURGH
    • TRAINING AND EDUCATION
    • SPORTS
    • PARADE AND DRILL
    • MUSIC
  • Where we are
  • Want to join?
  • News & Events
  • Admin Office
  • CADETS
  • ADULT VOLUNTEERS
  • PARENTS

Join as a cadet

So, are you ready to take the first step towards all the opportunities and benefits that the air cadets can offer you?

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.

Worried about fitting in? Equality is a central part of the Air Cadets’ ethic. The cadet experience is open to everyone, so whatever your nationality, background or ability, whether you're male or female, if you're between 13 and 17 years old you can join us.

The maximum age for entry is 17 years old, therefore you can request to join us anytime between your 13th and 17th birthday. If you don't fit into that age group and still want to enjoy all of our activities and more, you could join as a volunteer. Find out more on in our Volunteer Section.

What's in it for you?

Aside from flying, sports, target shooting, adventure training and great fun? You’ll soon find that being an air cadet is its own reward - you constantly see the benefits of your own efforts, building on your achievements and earning BTECs and DoE Awards. You'll be expected to take part in as many of the activities we run as possible, but with what's on offer you won't need much persuading!

We have high standards to maintain as we are a 'military' youth organisation and you'll naturally take pride in your uniform (we supply that) and appearance. You'll be well mannered and self-disciplined. You'll be joining an organisation of which you’ll be very proud.

What are you waiting for!

All of our squadrons welcome personal visits by potential cadets (ideally accompanied by a parent or guardian), during one of their Parade Nights – these are held twice a week. Some squadrons recruit throughout the year, others have specific entry dates. Just come along and see if you like it - you don't have to join, but at least check out what you might be missing. Your local Squadron will discuss what they do, show you a video of Air Cadet activities and answer any questions you or your parents/guardians may have.

Don't be shy about taking that first step - it may be the best thing you've ever done. Go for it!

Who we are

With almost 41,000 members, aged from 13 to 20 years, in over 1,000 Squadrons across the UK, the Air Cadets is the world's largest premier youth air training organisation.

Learn more

  • Frequently asked questions
  • Cadet profiles
Learn more about what we do
Flying and Gliding
Adventurous Training
Shooting
Duke of Edinburgh
Training and Education
Sports
Parade and Drill
Music
When we parade:

Mondays and Thursdays

(not bank holidays)

From 1900 to 2130

Air Cadet Magazine

Read it

  • Site Map | 
  • Terms & Conditions | 
  • Contact us
  • Rate this page:

  • © UK 1381 Squadron Copyright 2014