About the Air Training Corps

The Air Training Corps was formed in 1941, as a progression from the ADCC (Air Defence Cadet Corps) whose aims had been to prepare cadets for joining the RAF or the Fleet Air Arm.

Since it’s inception there have been many changes, not least the decision to allow girls to enter the corps in 1980, but the aims of today are very much in line with those aims of earlier years:

The Aims of the Air Training Corps

You can join as a cadet if you are between the ages of 13 and 18 and are interested in aviation or the Royal Air Force.
We are one of the countries largest youth organisations and made up of young adults between the ages of 13 and 20, both male and female.
With these main principles forming a basis to all we do, the sylabus for a new cadet is wide ranging and should provide both physical and mental challenges throughout their time with us.

The activities that you can expect to get involved in during your time in the Corps include:

On Squadron
  • Basic and Advanced Foot Drill
  • Learning Marksmanship Techniques
  • Standard Bearing Practice
  • Model Making
  • Duke of Edinburgh's Award Scheme
  • Learning about many various Air Force related subjects
    (See lessons section):
Off Squadron
  • Powered Flying
  • Gliding
  • Adventure Training (including):
    • Absailing
    • Canoeing
    • Hill Walking
    • MFT (Fieldcraft)
    • Orienteering
    • Rock Climbing
  • D Of E Expeditions
  • Drill Competitions
  • Sport (including):
    • Athletics
    • Hockey
    • Netball
    • Rugby
    • Soccer
    • Swimming
  • Target Shooting
  • Visits to RAF Stations