How To Join

Are you ready for new friends, new adventures and new skills? Are you ready to become part of our Squadron? We are waiting to hear from you . . .

So you've had a look around our website, maybe spoken to a friend who is already a Cadet, or maybe you've just been waiting for you're 13th birthday!

Now it's time to join !

Read through the following for general information about joining us then locate your nearest squadron using the link at the bottom of this form.

• Age requirements

The minimum age to join the ATC is 13. Although you can be a Cadet until you are 18, the oldest realistic age to joining is your 17th birthday.

• Visit us

You are very welcome to visit during one of you nearest squadrons regular scheduled evening parades. There's no obligation. Come and find out more by discussing the Air Training Corps with one of our leaders. You could also ask some cadets what they think, and don't be surprised if you find that you already know some of them. You are welcome to bring a parent, as they probably have a few questions too!

Although you can call-in unannounced on any parade, it's advisable to phone or email to check when the Officer Commanding will be onsite. Any of the squadrons Adult Staff can answer your questions, however the OC will be best placed to speak to you simply because the other staff are usually committed to an activity.

• Arriving at you local Squadron HQ

When you arrive at their HQ you might find it a bit intimidating - please don't be!

Most squadrons have some sort of gate because the all the building belong to the Ministry of Defence. However the majority of the time the gates are left open. Just make yourself visible by any of the staff or cadets and you should be directed to the main office where the OC will be there to greet you.

If you arrive around 1900hrs, or shortly thereafter, you'll get a feeling for the Squadron as everyone arrives and gets organised for the evening's activities. It's usually a very exciting time!

By 19.30hrs things have settled down - some Cadets will be in class studying and others will be practicing drill, or maybe off site on an activity. It is possible to arrive and find everyone is out!

• The joining process

Joining is a simple process. Having met the squadrons staff and when you are sure the ATC is for you, it's just a case of completing a simple application form. There is nothing tricky involved - we just need your details for their records and to begin your formal training. There is no formal medical, or any entrance exams or fitness tests to pass. Please note, you will need your parent or legal guardian's signature and permission to join.

• When can I start?

Although, in theory, you can start at any time we are increasingly organising staggered intakes of new recruits. This often means you are not alone as you go through your basic training, plus it is more efficient for our Staff who provide the 16 week basic training. Intakes are several times a year and you will never be too far from a start date. Please contact your local squadron for dates.

• Ready To Join?

If you are now ready to have a look around please use the locate a squadron link below:

Click here to locate your nearest air cadet squadron

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