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INFORMATION FOR PARENTS
As a parent or guardian of someone who is either in the Air Training Corps, or contemplating joining it, there are naturally various questions that you will want to ask. Hopefully you will find the answers to these below.
If you don't find the answer you are looking for please email the Adjutant to arrange for a member of staff to contact you and discuss your questions.
- What do they do?
- Who supervises them?
- Are the cadets safe?
- What about parental consent?
- What parental support is required?
- What is the cost of membership?
- Are there any constraints on who can join?
- What commitment is required?
- Can I talk to the squadron staff?
- How can I help?
What do they do?
The "Air Cadets" provides the opportunity for members to take part in a huge and diverse range of exciting and challenging activities. Many are organised at National and Regional level, others take place locally at Wing and Squadron levels.If your son or daughter's interest is in Flying, Sports, Adventure Training, Camping, Engineering, Shooting, Drill, Music, Watersports, Abseiling, Overseas Travel… (the list is a VERY long one!) you will find out about these and much more by looking around this site - they are all activities provided by the ATC.
Many of the competitive elements could see them competing at International level. There is also a very important social aspect too - they will get to meet and make a lot of new friends.
The ACO develops personal qualities and a sense of community and citizenship valued by employers, both military and civil.
Who supervises them?
The Squadron is be run by RAFVR(T) Officers, ATC Adult Non Commissioned Officers, and Civilian Instructors (CIs). All members of staff are cleared by the Criminal Records Bureau.Are the cadets safe?
Safety is paramount, and the cadets are well supervised by suitably qualified staff in any activities where there are potential hazards. As you would expect, with activities such as shooting, cadets have to undergo training, and demonstrate sufficient understanding and competence before they are allowed to handle live ammunition.You can also be assured that all staff within the ACO, whether uniformed or not, are subject to in depth CRB and Security checks prior to joining a Squadron or taking part in Corps activities.Parental Consent
Parents/Guardians are expected to give their consent to allow cadets under the age of 18 to participate in flying and shooting and will therefore be given the necessary documentation by the squadron in the initial recruitment process.Specific events may also involve additional parental consent forms as appropriate eg. rock-climbing.
Parental Support
We are happy to welcome personal visits by potential cadets (ideally accompanied by a parent or guardian) during one of our parade nights. We recruit throughout the year. Just come along with your son or daughter and see what you think - there is no obligation to join - or particular requirements for parental involvement.We will be able to discuss what we do and answer any queries you may have. Please also see How Can I Help below.
Cost of membership
All cadets are expected to pay subscriptions, currently £5 per month once enrolled and only £2.50 per month before getting enrolled.Most of the uniform is issued free of charge (small deposit required) although there are some items of uniform that you will be required to buy, please see the FAQ page for more information.
As cadets grow (and they do!) uniform may be swapped in the stores for a new item of correct size.
Cadets are expected to return all uniform and issued equipment on completion of service.
Many activities such as gliding, flying and shooting are free. Where cadets are asked to pay towards a camp or activity, the cost is minimal, covering basic expenses such as transport costs and basic messing. Assistance can be given for many air cadet activities and no cadet should ever be denied participation in an event due to funding.
Are there constraints on who can join?
The only hard constraints are in terms of age of joining; the ATC is open to all from the age of 13 to 16 and 9 months.There are NO minimum standards such as physical fitness or ability, however there are some limitations on uniform sizes available. You may also be interested to know that there are a fair number of cadets within the ACO with disabilities, and this generally is not a problem unless it prevents them undertaking a significant proportion of activities, or is likely to put either them or other cadets in danger.
What Commitment is required?
Cadets are expected to take an active part in the Squadron activities and should ideally attend both parades per week, but once a week is acceptable if constrained by school work and other commitments. Needless to say but the more the cadets put in the more they get out.Can I talk to the Squadron staff?
Our staff are always available at the beginning (19:00hrs) or end (21:00hrs) of a parade evening to talk. Alternatively if you wish to make an appointment please email the Adjutant to arrange a time with a member of staff.How can I help?
We are always actively seeking staff and members for the running of the squadron and also with our Civilian Committee which is responsible for the finance and upkeep of our squadron - a similar role to that of school governors. We therefore welcome all offers of help, either informal or for more formal commitment in joining us and running the squadron.
Supporting staff get the opportunity to participate in a large range of stimulating and rewarding activities. More information is available on the ACO official web site.
Click here to find out more about our Civilian Committee
Any other questions? Email the Adjutant
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