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What we do

Below are a list of activities that cadets have a chance to take part in. These are by no means the only activities which cadets get up to, if I have missed a few contact me and I will add them to the list.

Flying

Cadets in the ATC are given the opportunity to fly with an instructor in the RAF's primary training aircraft, the Tutor. In Air Experience Flights (AEFs), as these flights are called, cadets get the chance to try controlling the aircraft, experience aerobatics or just look at the view. Trips usually last about half an hour.But length varies depending on weather conditions.

Gliding

The Air Cadet Gliding Organisation is the largest glider training organisation in the world . It comprises of the Air Cadet Central Gliding School at RAF Syerston, Leicestershire, and the Volunteer Gliding Schools (VGS) throughout the UK. VGS are staffed mainly by officers of the RAF Volunteer Reserve (Training) branch and by civilian gliding instructors . Cadets get the chance to glide on Air Experience Gliding (AEG) flights and can also apply for one of three gliding courses open to cadets.

Shooting

Shooting in the ATC is totally optional. There is no pressure for a cadet to shoot if they do not want to. Cadets can shoot two main types of rifle: The .22 No.8 and the L98 or cadet GP. rifle. The .22 rifle can be shot on 25 meter ranges both inside and outside. Cadets can qualify for the ATC marksman badge by shooting 5 rounds into the target in a grouping of 1 inch in diameter, i.e. inside a two pence coin. The L98 fires 5.56 calibre rounds and is a non-automatic version of the general issue SA80. It is only used on outdoor ranges usually either 25 or 100 meters. An RAF marksman badge can be gained using this weapon.

Drill

Drill is considered by some cadets as being a necessary evil, but others greatly enjoy it. Being part of a large squad all marching in exact time and responding as one to orders, gives a huge sense of achievement. This can then lead on to selection for teams such as wing drill at squadron level, and the Nijmegen team at wing level.

Easter Camp

Easter Camp is a week long trip to an RAF base or other training camp in the UK, usually taking place once a year for each wing. Easter camp is an all greens camp devoted to training cadets in field craft skills. The camps also offer the opportunity to train on the L98 cadet rifle, and to gain either the RAF or ATC marksman badges. The camp ends with a two day exercise where cadets live in the field putting to practice their newly acquired field skills.

Annual Camp

Annual Camp is a week long trip to an RAF base in the UK, usually taking place once a year for each squadron. Cadets can also be selected to go to camp in Cyprus, Germany or Gibraltar. Cadets are shown around the base and told about what each section does. Opportunity flights are also available with A.E.F. squadrons or in other craft such as helicopters, Nimrods (long range maritime patrol aircraft) or whatever aircraft is based there. Other activities such as sports events are arranged and cadets can also do work experience in the base.

Sport

As a cadet, you can play football, rugby, netball, hockey, athletics, swimming and more at Squadron, Wing, Region or even Corps level.

Outdoor Activities

Hill and mountain walking, camping, abseiling... the list is endless. If you are the outdoor type, or even if you are not, the ATC has a lot to offer you. During the winter, night exercises are held. They are often one of the cadets favourite activities. A 'night ex' generally involves putting on camouflage combats or dark clothes and running about a forest ambushing other cadets in order to complete a set objective. The best fun is had when the teams are cadets against adult staff!

Some of the courses available to members of the Air Training Corps

Table and page contents modified from contents  of www.aircadet.net