 The Air Cadet Organisation, also known as the Air Cadets, is a UK uniformed youth organisation for young people aged between 13-20. The Air Cadet Organisation is made up of 2 separate entities - The Air Training Corps and the Combined Cadet Force (RAF Section). The Air Training Corps is the RAF's voluntary cadet force, which is made up of 6 regions throughout the UK, which are then split into 6 wings (1 or more counties). Each wing has approximately 30 squadrons in the local community - 1066 (Hitchin) Squadron is an ATC squadron and part of Hertfordshire & Buckinghamshire Wing. The Combined Cadet Force is made up of cadets from all 3 cadet services and has units in appromixately 200 independent and state schools. The RAF Section of the CCF is also part of the Air Cadet Organisation (ACO). The picture below helps to show how the ACO (Royal Air Force Air Cadets) is structured.  Our Aims
To promote and encourage a practical interest in aviation and the Royal Air Force among young people.
To provide training which will be useful in the Services and civilian life.
To foster the spirit of adventure and develop qualities of leadership and good citizenship.
Challenge yourself!
Make the impossible - possible. Activities your friends would love to do like aerobatics, paragliding, overseas camps, RAF base visits and shooting. All pretty standard for an Air Cadet. The experiences and skills you'll get from your service in the ATC will put you in a favourable position should you wish to apply to that university that is looking for something unique in people - or that job that wants someone with confident leadership skills and good initiative. Start living for your future and get it off to a flying start with the Air Cadets.
What about after I finish my ATC service?
The Air Training Corps is not a recruiting organisation for the RAF or any of the services, however the time spent in the ATC will certainly put you well ahead of the competition. Did you know around 40-50% of all Officers and Aircrew (pilots, engineers and navigators) in the RAF were ex-cadets? Studies show that they also tend to stay in the Services for longer and complete basic training more quickly and to a higher standard compared to colleagues who weren't ex-cadets. Likewise, should you wish to pursue a career in the Civilian sector, your skills and experiences are just what employers love to see and cannot help but increase your prospects in getting onto the job ladder.
Flying a glider solo at 16. Visiting military bases throughout the world. Presitigous parade opportunities. There's only one place where you can achieve all of these and during your time in the ATC, we'll develop you into a well-rounded, self-motivated, confident young adult, prepared to take on whatever comes your way. |